VCA NV Exam Blueprint Guide v1 1

VMware Certified Associate Network Virtualization
Exam Blueprint
VCA-NV Exam testing center exam code: VCAN610

Exam Blueprint Version 1.1
05 January 2015
Disclaimer:
This blueprint is intended to provide information about the objectives covered by this exam, related
resources, and recommended courses. The material contained within this blueprint is not intended to
guarantee that a passing score will be achieved on the exam. VMware recommends that a candidate
thoroughly understands the objectives indicated in this guide and utilizes the resources and courses
recommended in this guide where needed to gain that understanding.
VMware, Inc. All rights reserved December 2014. Use of any VMware Certified
logo is restricted to individuals who have achieved the respective certification.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................................... 2
1. The Exam............................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Purpose of Exam ........................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Number of Questions.................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Passing Score ................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.4 How Objectives Relate to Questions on the Exam ....................................................................................... 3
1.5 Languages ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Time Limit ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.7 Scheduling and Taking the Exam .................................................................................................................. 4
1.8 Certification Tracks ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.9 Retake Policy ................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.10 Exam Security.............................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Intended Audience.............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Intended Audience........................................................................................................................................ 4
3. Objectives covered in the VCA-NV Exam ............................................................................................................ 5
3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
4. VCA Paths and Course Requirement Options ................................................................................................... 11
4.1 VCA-NV Path Options.................................................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Course Recommendation ........................................................................................................................... 12
5. Additional Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 13
5.1 Mock Exam.................................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2 VCA Community .......................................................................................................................................... 13
1. The Exam
1.1 Purpose of Exam
The VMware Certified Associate Network Virtualization exam tests potential VCA candidates on their ability
to identify technical requirements for network virtualization and then align them with the technical products
and solutions that meet those requirements. Successful candidates have a basic understanding of VMware
NSX and related products and technologies, as well as the how those technologies drive specific business use
cases.
1.2 Number of Questions
The VCA-NV exam consists of 50 questions and a short pre-exam survey consisting of 5 questions.
1.3 Passing Score
The passing score for this exam is 300, using a scaled scoring method. The scale is from 100-500. Scaled
scores are calculated using a mathematical formula that considers a variety of factors, including the number
and type of exam questions included in a specific version of the exam. Because this combination may vary in
different versions of the same examination, scaled scores provide a fair score for each individual based on the
version of the exam taken.
1.4 How Objectives Relate to Questions on the Exam
Objectives summarize what the test is designed to measure. Objectives are developed by Exam Developers
and Subject Matter Experts based on identified tasks that relate to the job roles covered by this certification.
Once the initial development process is complete, these objectives are verified using an external group of
individuals in the same roles. The external survey determines the number of questions for each objective,
which relates directly to the criticality of each task.
1.5 Languages
The exam is available in English.
1.6 Time Limit
The time limit for the exam is 75 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes to complete the survey questions and
agreements, in cases where a survey is offered.
1.7 Scheduling and Taking the Exam

This exam is administered through Pearson VUE. Details on the rules and procedures associated with
requesting authorization, registering, and sitting for the exam are available here. For the latest certification
news and more, please sign up for updates.
1.8 Certification Tracks
While the VCA-NV exam is not a prerequisite for other exams in the Network Virtualization track, preparation
for and completion of this exam can provide a foundation on which to build a VMware Certified Professional
level skillset. To obtain a VCA certification, a passing score on the exam is required. No other prerequisites
are required. To prepare for the exam, an e-learning course is available. More information on this course is
provided in section 4.
1.9 Retake Policy
The VMware Certified Associate exams do not have a waiting period between re-takes. If a candidate fails an
exam, VMware highly recommends thoroughly reviewing the recommended course material detailed in
section 4 prior to re-taking the exam. This blueprint also provides links to relevant documentation that can be
used to further study prior to attempting the exam again.
1.10 Exam Security
VMware reserves the right to refuse certifying a candidate who violates exam security policies. This includes
copying and redistribution of exam material, using any type of unauthorized study material during the exam
itself, or using a false identity to register for or take the exam.
2. Intended Audience
2.1 Intended Audience
A candidate for the VCA certification is familiar with VMware products and technologies and the business
needs that can be met by those technologies. The candidate may be in any number of job roles that interact
with VMware Network Virtualization technologies. The successful candidate will most likely have worked with
VMware NSX, should be knowledgeable of how VMware vSphere serves as a foundation, and should have
related additional industry-recognized general IT certifications or the equivalent experience (typically 1-2
years).
3. Objectives covered in the VCA-NV Exam

3.1 Introduction
It is recommended that candidates have completed the VMware Network Virtualization Fundamentals
eLearning course and have some hands-on exposure to vSphere 5 and NSX Manager. The link to the eLearning
course is: https://mylearn.vmware.com/register.cfm?course=240782.
3.2 Objectives
Prior to taking this exam, candidates should understand each of the following objectives. Each objective is
listed below; along with related tools the candidate should have experience with, and related documentation
that contains information relevant to the objective. All objectives may also be referenced in other product
documentation not specifically highlighted below. The candidate should be familiar with all relevant product
documentation or have an equivalent skillset.
Section 1 Explain traditional Network Virtualization using vSphere
Objective 1.1 Identify and explain the concept of vSphere Standard and Distributed virtual switches
Knowledge
Understand vSphere virtual switching

Identify uses and benefits of a vSphere standard switch
Identify uses and benefits of a vSphere distributed switch
Tools
VMware vSphere Basics guide

Virtualization Basics
vSphere Networking guide
VMware Network Virtualization Fundamentals eLearning Course
vSphere Web Client
Objective 1.2 Describe and differentiate Physical and vSphere virtualized network architectures
Knowledge
Identify how a physical switched network is architected

Identify a network with and without VLANs
Identify and explain access ports
Identify and explain trunk ports
Tools
VMware vSphere Basics guide

Virtualization Basics
Whats New in vSphere 5.5 Networking
vSphere Web Client
Objective 1.3 Identify use cases where additional Network Virtualization is required
Knowledge
Identify and explain virtual machine port groups

Identify and explain uplink ports
Differentiate between configuring virtual switch uplinks as access ports or trunk ports
Identify automation, elasticity, security, and management challenges in a virtual and physicallyswitched Data Center
Tools
Whats New in vSphere 5.5 Networking

vSphere Web Client
Section 2 Identify and explain the benefits of the VMware NSX Network Virtualization platform
Objective 2.1 Identify challenges with network services without a Network Virtualization platform
Knowledge
Identify routing and switching requirements

Identify how firewall services work without a network virtualization platform
Identify how load balancing works without a network virtualization platform
Identify how VPN services work without a network virtualization platform
Explain how hypervisors and virtual switches run on top of a Compute Infrastructure
Tools
Objective 2.2 Describe and differentiate physical and VMware NSX network architectures
Knowledge
Describe network virtualization

Identify and differentiate between Data, Control and Management planes in a virtual network
Identify and explain core NSX components such as Logical Switches, L2 Bridges and Logical Routers
Tools
NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

NSX Administration Guide
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 2.3 Describe VMware NSX benefits

Knowledge
Differentiate physical and virtual networking

Identify traffic flows between VXLANs and VLANs with NSX
Describe how Virtual Bridges connect virtual resources to physical workloads
Describe routing before NSX
Describe NSX logical routing
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 2.4 Describe how to integrate physical network workloads with VMware NSX
Describe common enterprise level topologies with NSX

Describe NSX Edge Services Gateway usage in a multiple tenant environment
Describe NSX scalability for multiple tenant scenarios
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 2.5 Explain the core VMware NSX components
Identify tools for traffic flow visibility

Identify traffic analysis tools
Identify network inventory and fault management tools
Identify logging, event tracking, and auditing tools
Identify health check monitoring in an NSX overlay network
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Section 3 Explain the NSX architecture, deployment, services, and benefits

Objective 3.1 Describe and differentiate NSX components
Knowledge
Explain NSX Manager

Explain NSX VXLANs
Explain NSX Distributed Logical Routers
Explain NSX Controllers
Explain NSX Edge Services Gateways
Explain advanced services such as Firewalls and Load Balancers
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 3.2 Describe VXLAN benefits and functionality

Knowledge
Identify and explain vCenter Server and NSX Manager integration

Identify and explain NSX Controller deployment
Identify and explain NSX Controller Clusters
Identify and explain NSX VXLAN deployment
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 3.3 Describe NSX network services

Knowledge
Explain the benefits of VXLAN deployment in the Data Center

Explain limitations without VXLAN deployment
Explain the benefits of logical routing and switching
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 3.4 Describe advantages and functionality of the VMware NSX distributed firewall
Knowledge
Explain physical firewalls

Explain virtual firewalls
Explain NSX distributed firewall
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 3.5 Describe NSX Service Composer functionality

Knowledge
Explain NSX Service Composer

Explain automated security policies
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 3.6 Identify and explain NSX automation and third-party integration
Knowledge
Explain NSX automated security

Explain NSX network policy as part of automation and orchestration of services
Explain NSX extensibility and third party partner extensions
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
10
Objective 3.7 Apply VMware NSX to common network virtualization use cases
Knowledge
Explain common use cases for NSX

Explain NSX micro-segmentation
Explain NSX elasticity
Explain NSX security
Explain NSX management
Tools

NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
4. VCA Paths and Course Requirement Options

4.1 VCA-NV Path Options
Take the free online recommended training courses and labs.
1
Network Virtualization Fundamentals [V2014]
Classroom
Live Online
Enroll
VMware NSX Technical Overview with Labs
Self-Paced with Labs
View Schedule
Exam
Request VCAN610 Exam

Authorization
2 Pass the exam and get certified

VMware Certified Associate Network Virtualization (VCAN610)
11
4.2 Course Recommendation

There are no course requirements to obtain the VCA-NV certification. VMware does recommend the
following courses and labs to candidates who wish to learn about the objectives covered in the exam.
VMware Network Virtualization Fundamentals
A three hour free eLearning course that provides a fundamental understanding of VMwares Data Center
Virtualization products and technologies, including the business challenges they are intended to solve. The
course covers the following objectives:
Define data center networking and discuss the challenges encountered without network
virtualization
Describe VMware NSX Virtualization Platform and how its features and components benefit the
data center
Identify real life use cases where NSX can either solve or enhance current data center network
operations and/or limitations
This course covers all of the objectives found on the VCANV610 exam and is recommended for individuals who
want to gain a better understanding of the objectives represented in the VCANV610exam. Please note that
some exposure to vSphere 5 is recommended before attempting the exam. The link to the course is:
https://mylearn.vmware.com/register.cfm?course=240782.
VMware NSX Technical Overview with Labs [V6.0]
This self-paced eLearning course is available for $300.00 USD and offers an introduction to VMware NSX,
providing a solid understanding of the fundamentals of NSX and network virtualization. The course includes
eLearning and hands-on lab activities. The course covers the following objectives:
Explain and understand core NSX features

Understand the following NSX technologies
o Distributed logical routers
o Logical switching using VXLAN
o Load balancing
Understand use cases for each of the technologies discussed
Understand rudimentary NSX troubleshooting concepts
Understand how to administer VMware NSX Services
The link to the course is:

https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/courses.cfm?ui=www_edu&a=det&id_course=222033.
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5. Additional Resources
5.1 Mock Exam
VMware will provide a mock exam (currently in development) for the VCA-NV exam. The mock exam will
contains sample questions, along with explanations for incorrect responses. The mock exam will present 20
questions, drawn from a larger pool. The mock exam pass score is set to 100%, and a candidate can retake the
mock exam as many times as desired until the 100% score is achieved. Please be advised that the pass score
for the mock exam is unrelated to the pass score for the actual exam. Refer to section 1.3 for the scoring
information for the VCA-NV exam.
Please visit the Certification site at http://www.vmware.com/certification for the latest exam information and
updates.
5.2 VCA Community
VMware provides an online community for VCA candidates. This community contains valuable information
from other candidates and existing VCAs, and is moderated by VMware certification staff. The community is
located at: https://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/certedu/certification/vca.
Version
1.0
1.1
Date
2014-12-18
2015-01-05
Change Notes
Created new Blueprint Guide for VCA Network Virtualization
Section 4.2: Updated cost information for the VMware NSX Technical Overview with
Labs [V6.0] course.
13

VCA NV Exam Blueprint Guide v1 1

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VMware Certified Associate Network Virtualization

VCA-NV Exam testing center exam code: VCAN610

1.7 Scheduling and Taking the Exam

3. Objectives covered in the VCA-NV Exam

Understand vSphere virtual switching

VMware vSphere Basics guide

Identify how a physical switched network is architected

VMware vSphere Basics guide

Identify and explain virtual machine port groups

Whats New in vSphere 5.5 Networking

Identify routing and switching requirements

VMware Network Virtualization Fundamentals eLearning Course

Describe network virtualization

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Objective 2.3 Describe VMware NSX benefits

Differentiate physical and virtual networking

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Describe common enterprise level topologies with NSX

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Objective 2.5 Explain the core VMware NSX components

Identify tools for traffic flow visibility

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Section 3 Explain the NSX architecture, deployment, services, and benefits

Explain NSX Manager

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Objective 3.2 Describe VXLAN benefits and functionality

Identify and explain vCenter Server and NSX Manager integration

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Objective 3.3 Describe NSX network services

Explain the benefits of VXLAN deployment in the Data Center

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Explain physical firewalls

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Objective 3.5 Describe NSX Service Composer functionality

Explain NSX Service Composer

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Explain NSX automated security

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

Explain common use cases for NSX

NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide

4. VCA Paths and Course Requirement Options

VMware NSX Technical Overview with Labs

Self-Paced with Labs

Request VCAN610 Exam

2 Pass the exam and get certified

4.2 Course Recommendation

Explain and understand core NSX features

The link to the course is:

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