The VMware 1V0-21.20 exam is formally called the Associate VMware Data Center Virtualization and validates a foundational mastery of vSphere alongside the concepts for virtualization. Also, it focuses on the knowledge of solving the necessary issues including the notions for the data center technology. This is the same test that candidates pass to obtain the VMware Certified Technical Associate - Data Center Virtualization 2021 (VCTA-DCV 2021) certification.

Certificate Overview

As mentioned above, the VCTA-DCV 2021 designation confirms a candidate’s foundational expertise in working with vSphere and virtualization concepts as well as a mastery of basic troubleshooting tasks. Practically, a VCTA-DCV 2021 certified IT specialist demonstrates unparalleled expertise in cloud resource management and basic networking tasks and is ready for new roles along the same track.

VMware 1V0-21.20 Exam Facts

First things first, the 1V0-21.20 exam will bring 51 items associated with data center virtualization at the entry level. As a rule, the vendor uses a scaled method to grade its candidates and only those who meet the passing score, usually 300 points and above, will qualify for the VCTA-DCV 2021 certificate. Also, the total time allocated to attempting all questions is 135 minutes, and the official evaluation will cost you $125.

General Exam Domains

In all, the main VMware 1V0-21.20 test covers a total of 7 sections. However, only 3 sections have testable objectives as we are going to find out shortly below:

• Module 1: Architecture and Technologies

  In particular, this section covers a total of 18 objectives starting with the presentation of physical resources on virtual machines, the sharing of virtual resources across virtual machines, examples of type 1 and type 2 hypervisors, and the common business challenges within vSphere. Also tested is the identification of components located in vSphere environments, vSphere types & networking components, the features of storage technologies in vSphere, and the role of specific types of files for a virtual machine. What’s more, this section will cover what the examinees need to know regarding the types of OS that operate on virtual machines, the use cases for virtual machine templates, cloning, and snapshots, the functions of the Storage vMotion and vSphere vMotion technologies as well as the use cases for the same solutions. Finally, such a topic will assess the mastery of the features of vSphere fault tolerance and high availability, the use cases of disaster recovery and high availability, the role of VMware Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS), the identification of meaning when you have a DRS score, and the identification of use cases for Enhanced vMotion Compatibility (EVC).

• Module 4: Installation, Configuration, and Setup

  Module 4 evaluates the tasks associated with 4 major skills. These include the identification of options for configuring Virtual Switch, the configuration of datastores, the setup of vSphere HA, the installation of vSphere DRS, and the transformation of EVC.

• Module 7: Administrative and Operational Tasks

  In this tested domain, you’ll have to learn how to make VM snapshots, templates, and cloning, and also deal with networking as well as storage solutions that may influence vSphere. Besides, here, you’ll get to know more about role-based management for users, VMware tools, SDRS Cluster, vSphere Cluster, cold migrations, and vMotion just to mention a few. Finally, under such a topic, candidates will get enlightened on how to use varied performance charts, provision a VM, check the purpose of alarms, events, and tasks, and deal with inventory objects.

From the above paragraphs, it's clear to see that modules 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the actual VMware 1V0-21.20 test do not feature any testable objectives. However, it's still important to understand what they entail. Thus, they are as listed below:

• Module 2: VMware Products and Solutions;
• Module 3: Planning and Designing;
• Module 5: Performance Tuning, Optimization, and Upgrades;
• Module 6: Troubleshooting & Repairing.

Career Opportunities

Upon completing the 1V0-21.20 test, candidates are always motivated to fill a variety of job roles involving network and systems administration as well as virtualization engineering, some of which will be covered next:

• Systems Administrator

  To begin with, the VMware VCTA-DCV 2021 is an excellent option for systems administrators who are keen to expand their knowledge of VMware technologies and products. These individuals are primarily involved in the monitoring of functional systems. Plus, they are expected to provide a reliable work environment, create system designs, optimize process improvement, and collaborate with other IT specialists to provide technical support for network systems and firewalls. With their increasingly important value in modern business environments, systems administrators should also understand computer hardware, networks, and software. And according to PayScale.com, they will get an average of $62,983 per year.

• Network Administrator

  As the name suggests, network administrators maintain computer networks and solve problems arising from these solutions. The typical duties of these individuals range from the configuration of networks & systems to the identification of problems arising from computer systems and networks as well as consultation with clients on the design solutions alongside specific requirements. Also, these individuals budget for new equipment, assemble systems, maintain the available software, monitor computer systems, and perform administrative duties depending on the company objectives. According to PayScale.com, network administrators are paid an average salary of $60,434 per annum in the USA.

• Virtualization Engineer

  As a rule, virtualization engineers manage server resources, data storage, and the relevant virtual computing environments. These individuals are also involved in a wide range of activities including migrating data, setting up virtual machines, designing tools for assessing storage applications, and troubleshooting issues. Usually, a virtualization engineer requires a Bachelor’s degree to succeed in this role. However, a valid certificate such as the aforementioned VCTA-DCV 2021 would be a great starting point because it addresses what the trainee should master at the mid level. Regarding the skills needed to thrive in this role, a virtualization engineer should also have the right mix of communication, problem-solving, and analytical expertise. According to ZipRecruiter, virtualization engineers in the USA get a median compensation of $114,079 annually.

Certification Path

As you remember, the VCTA-DCV 2021 is a mid-level certificate that verifies the knowledge of virtualization and vSphere concepts including troubleshooting tasks. Looking at the entire certification ladder, the next certificate after completing this one should be the VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2021. Particularly, this is a professional-level designation that will confirm a high-level mastery of the skills of implementing, managing, and troubleshooting the vSphere infrastructure using IT best practices. Usually, candidates must satisfy all the listed requirements before enrolling in this program. This includes attaining a relevant certification at the associate level and passing one exam, the Professional VMware vSphere 7.x or the VMware 2V0-21.20.