I took the VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage class back in August and was able to stay awake and alert through most of it. I did learn a lot but my partner for the labs kept working ahead of the class and I was constantly playing catchup. That was months ago so no need to bitch about that now.
A month ago I scheduled myself to take the VCP510 exam using the free voucher I got from completing the class.
I bought 2 books, both were recommended on the vmware forums
The Official VCP5 Certification Guide http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-official-vcp5-certification-guide-bill-ferguson/1108089395?cm_mmc=googlepla-_-book_45up-_-q000000633-_-9780789749314&cm_mmca2=pla&ean=9780789749314&isbn=9780789749314&r=1 I found this book very helpful as it followed along with the blueprint exactly.
Then I got Mastering VMware vSphere 5 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mastering-vmware-vsphere-5-scott-lowe/1104178103
This book was helpful with security and more involved with networking.
The last 3 weeks I have been cramming like mad. I've gone through both books, taking notes on what I read and reviewing it every night.
I've watched countless hours of online videos on youtube and the included DVDs with the books.
I've taken that practice test on the vmware website many times but now it seems that I am always getting the same pool of questions.
I've logged many hours on my personal sandbox at work trying everything that the books discuss and seeing what else I could come up with. I can't tell you how many times I've screwed everything up and had to start over from scratch.
Please tell me this will all be worth it.
Is there anything else anyone could suggest for a study aide?
Anything I should focus on for the exam?
This is stressing me out.