- A
The VM must have its virtual disks on shared storage accessible to both hosts
Shared storage is required so that both hosts can access the disks during migration.
- B
The source and destination hosts must have identical physical network adapters
Why wrong: Network compatibility is ensured by virtual network configuration, not physical adapters.
- C
Both hosts must be managed by the same vCenter Server
Why wrong: Cross vCenter vMotion is supported, so same vCenter is not required.
- D
The VM must be connected to the same VLAN on both hosts
Why wrong: The network can be connected via different port groups or VLANs as long as connectivity is maintained.
- E
The CPUs of the source and destination hosts must be compatible
CPU compatibility is required, which can be addressed with EVC if needed.
Quick Answer
The answer is shared storage for the VM’s disks and compatible CPUs between the source and destination hosts. For a powered-on vMotion, the virtual machine’s memory state is transferred over the network, but its disk files must reside on shared storage accessible to both hosts, ensuring continuous access during migration. Additionally, CPU compatibility is critical because the VM’s execution state must be seamlessly resumed on the destination host without instruction-set mismatches. On the VCP-DCV exam, this tests your understanding of vMotion prerequisites, often appearing as a select-two question designed to trap candidates into choosing “identical network” or “same vCenter.” Remember, the VM can be reconnected to a different network, and cross vCenter vMotion is supported, so focus on storage and CPU. A helpful memory tip: “Disks on shared shelves, CPUs on the same shelves” — the VM’s disks need a common storage shelf, and the CPUs must be on the same instruction-set shelf.
VCP-DCV vSphere Performance and Scaling Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere performance and scaling. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO conditions are required for a successful vMotion of a powered-on virtual machine? (Select TWO.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The VM must have its virtual disks on shared storage accessible to both hosts
Shared storage for the VM's disks and compatible CPUs are required. Identical network is not necessary; the VM can be reconnected. Same vCenter is not required for cross vCenter vMotion.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The VM must have its virtual disks on shared storage accessible to both hosts
Why this is correct
Shared storage is required so that both hosts can access the disks during migration.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
The source and destination hosts must have identical physical network adapters
Why it's wrong here
Network compatibility is ensured by virtual network configuration, not physical adapters.
- ✗
Both hosts must be managed by the same vCenter Server
Why it's wrong here
Cross vCenter vMotion is supported, so same vCenter is not required.
- ✗
The VM must be connected to the same VLAN on both hosts
Why it's wrong here
The network can be connected via different port groups or VLANs as long as connectivity is maintained.
- ✓
The CPUs of the source and destination hosts must be compatible
Why this is correct
CPU compatibility is required, which can be addressed with EVC if needed.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related VCP-DCV questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
- →
vSphere Performance and Scaling — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this VCP-DCV question test?
vSphere Performance and Scaling — This question tests vSphere Performance and Scaling — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VM must have its virtual disks on shared storage accessible to both hosts — Shared storage for the VM's disks and compatible CPUs are required. Identical network is not necessary; the VM can be reconnected. Same vCenter is not required for cross vCenter vMotion.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related VCP-DCV questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This VCP-DCV practice question is part of Courseiva's free VMware certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the VCP-DCV exam.
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