VMware · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide written by VMware-certified engineers. Covers the exam format, all 6 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
2–4 months
Prep time
Intermediate
Difficulty
70
Exam questions
300/1000
Pass mark
Exam code
VCP-DCV
Full name
VMware Certified Professional Data Center Virtualization
Vendor
VMware
Duration
135 minutes
Questions
~70 items
Passing score
300 / 1000 (scaled)
Domains covered
6 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
Foundational IT knowledge recommended
Typical prep time
2–4 months
Official VMware blueprint weights — study time should roughly match these percentages.
Phase 1
Implement and Configure vSphere
Tip: Study the official exam objectives for this domain before practising questions.
Phase 2
Deploy and Administer Virtual Machines and vApps
Tip: Study the official exam objectives for this domain before practising questions.
Phase 3
Manage vSphere Networking
Tip: Study the official exam objectives for this domain before practising questions.
Phase 4
Manage vSphere Storage
Tip: Study the official exam objectives for this domain before practising questions.
Phase 5
Monitor a vSphere Implementation
Tip: Study the official exam objectives for this domain before practising questions.
Phase 6
Back Up and Recover a vSphere Deployment
Tip: Study the official exam objectives for this domain before practising questions.
Study the official exam blueprint — weight percentages tell you exactly where to invest prep time.
Practise scenario-based questions regularly — every modern cert exam is scenario-heavy.
Use spaced repetition to retain what you've learned (Courseiva does this automatically).
Book your exam date once you're scoring 80%+ consistently on practice tests.
Review explanations for every wrong answer, not just the question — the 'why' is what makes it stick.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, AI explanations, and domain analytics.
Deep-dive explanations of the key topics tested on VCP-DCV — with exam key points and common misconceptions.