VCIX NV Exam Blueprint Guide VCXN610 v1.9

VMware Certified Implementation Expert
Network Virtualization
Exam Blueprint
VCIX-NV Exam testing center exam code: VCXN610
Exam Blueprint Version 1.9
25 August 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.
Blueprint Author:
Jeff Hall
Jon Hall
Josh Andrews
Contributors:
Max Ardica
Donovan Durand
Dillon Doxey
William Grismore
John Hays
John Krueger
Ben Lin
Michael Moore
Paul Mancuso
Chris McCain
Nauman Mustafa
Rob Nendel
Elver Sena
Copyright 2015 VMware, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of any VMware Certified
logo is restricted to individuals who have achieved the respective certification.
Table of Contents
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 ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.7 Scheduling and Taking the Exam .................................................................................................................. 4
1.8 Certification Tracks ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.9 Recertification............................................................................................................................................... 4
1.10 Retake Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 5
1.11 Exam Security.............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.12 Exam Environment...................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Intended Audience.............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Intended Audience........................................................................................................................................ 5
3. Objectives covered in the VCIX-NV Exam ........................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
4. VCIX6-NV Paths ................................................................................................................................................. 18
4.1 VCIX6-NV Path Options ............................................................................................................................... 18
5. Additional Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 18
5.1 Exam Simulation ......................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 VCIX-NV Community ................................................................................................................................... 19
1. The Exam
1.1 Purpose of Exam
The VMware Certified Implementation Expert Network Virtualization (VCIX-NV) Exam tests potential
certification candidates on their skills and abilities installing, configuring and administering VMware NSX
environments.
1.2 Number of Questions

The VCIX-NV Exam consists of 16 live lab activities. Live lab activities consist of multiple tasks, where each task
is scored. The total number of activities provided is based on the total number of tasks. Because of this, the
actual number of lab activities may vary slightly between exams.
1.3 Passing Score

The passing score for this exam is 300. 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.
Points are awarded for the successful completion of each lab task. Most items on the exam are composed of
several tasks, and partial credit is awarded for those tasks that are completed successfully. Candidates can
choose to complete a task using different methods, as points are awarded based on successful completion,
not on the steps used to complete the task.
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 SMEs based on identified tasks that relate to the job of administering a VMware NSX environment. Once
the initial development process is complete, these objectives are verified using an external group of
individuals in the actual job role. The external survey determines the number of questions for each objective,
which relates directly to the criticality of the task in the job role.
1.5 Languages
The exam is available in English.
1.6 Time Limit

The total time for this exam is 180 minutes. Candidates who take the VCIX-NV Exam and have a home address
in a country where English is not a primary language will have an additional 30 minutes added to the exam
time. This time extension is automatic, no additional action is required from the candidate. For the purposes
of this exam, countries where English is considered one of the primary languages are Australia, Belize,
Bermuda, Canada, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Ireland, Jersey, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and
the United States. An additional 5 minutes is provided to complete the exam agreements.
The VMware Certified Implementation Expert Network Virtualization exam is a live exam in which
candidates at a Pearson VUE testing center connect directly to VMware equipment specially configured for
their use in the exam. There is a limited amount of equipment available for these exams and to ensure a
candidate has the required equipment, the equipment is scheduled and partitioned for each VCIX-NV exam.
After each exam is given, the exam is automatically scored and then equipment is made available for the next
exam. The equipment for each candidate is partitioned and made available in a limited time window
corresponding to the candidates scheduled exam time. As a result, candidates can only be seated not more
than 15 minutes before and 45 minutes after the scheduled time.
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

The VCXN610 Exam is a core component of the VCIX-NV certification. The certification requires a passing score
on the exam, and the candidate must hold a valid VMware Certified Professional Network Virtualization
(VCP-NV), VMware Certified Professional 5 Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV), VMware Certified
Professional Cloud (VCP-Cloud), or VMware Certified Professional 5 Desktop (VCP5-DT) certification to
attempt this certification. There is no course requirement for this exam.
The VCIX-NV certification is a component of the VMware Certified Design Expert - Network Virtualization
(VCDX-NV) certification track.
1.9 Recertification
Earning a VCIX certification has the additional benefit of recertifying existing VCP certifications. Recertification
helps ensure that all VCP holders are current in their VMware training, and encourages certified professionals
to expand the depth and breadth of their knowledge by recertifying in a different track or at a higher level.
For more information on recertification, please visit vmware.com/go/recertification or contact

certification@vmware.com.
1.10 Retake Policy

Candidates must wait 7 days before retaking the exam.
1.11 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 study material during the exam itself,
attempting to photograph exam items and taking an exam using a false identity. Pearson VUE testing centers
will take your photo and capture your digital signature upon arrival to take the exam.
1.12 Exam Environment

The exam consists of a number of tasks that are performed using a virtual environment consisting of a
management cluster, multiple compute clusters, and related virtual machines. The lab environment is based
on vSphere 5.5 and NSX for vSphere 6.0.2.
The VCIX-NV Exam includes troubleshooting tasks. As a result, some components may not be correctly
configured, or may not have been configured at all, which is entirely intentional. In addition, some lab tasks
are dependent on the successful completion of previous tasks. Every task can be completed successfully, and
knowledge of how the task is completed is essential to determine what component or components must be
configured or re-configured.
2. Intended Audience
2.1 Intended Audience
This exam will test potential candidates on their skills and abilities in the installation, configuration,
administration, and troubleshooting of a VMware NSX environment. Candidate should be capable of installing
and configuring VMware NSX and related components as well as utilizing the NSX Manager to create, manage,
and deploy a virtual networking environment. Candidates should be knowledgeable about optimizing and
troubleshooting all components of the NSX environment. Successful candidates will most likely have previous
experience working with vSphere infrastructures, including configuration and management tasks, typically at
least one year. Finally, the candidate should possess an understanding of Windows desktop administration,
including Active Directory, group policy, DNS, and DHCP.
3. Objectives covered in the VCIX6-NV Exam

3.1 Introduction
It is recommended that candidates have the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure and
administer a VMware NSX 6.0.x environment before taking the VCIX-NV Exam. There is no course requirement
for this exam. It is recommended that the candidate utilize the blueprint and/or other materials where needed
to provide background information on the objectives in the exam.
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 Install and Upgrade VMware NSX

Objective 1.1 Deploy VMware NSX Components
Skills and Abilities
Deploy the NSX Manager virtual appliance
Integrate the NSX Manager with vCenter Server
Implement and Configure NSX Controllers
Prepare Host Clusters for Network Virtualization
Implement NSX Edge Services Gateway devices
Implement Logical Routers
Deploy vShield Endpoints
Implement Data Security
Create IP Pools
Tools
NSX Installation and Upgrade Guide
NSX Command Line Interface Reference Guide
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
ESXi CLI
Objective 1.2 Upgrade VMware NSX Components

Upgrade vShield Manager 5.5 to NSX Manager 6.x.
Upgrade NSX Manager 6.0 to NSX Manager 6.0.x
Upgrade Virtual Wires to Logical Switches
Upgrade vShield App to NSX Firewall
Upgrade vShield 5.5 to NSX Edge 6.x
Upgrade vShield Endpoint 5.x to vShield Endpoint 6.x
Upgrade to NSX Data Security
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 1.3 Configure and Manage Transport Zones
Create Transport Zones
Configure the control plane mode for a Transport Zone
Add clusters to Transport Zones
Remove clusters from Transport Zones
Tools
NSX Administration Guide
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Section 2 Create and Manage VMware NSX Virtual Networks

Objective 2.1 Create and Administer Logical Switches
Create/Delete Logical Switches
Assign and configure IP addresses
Connect a Logical Switch to an NSX Edge
Deploy services on a Logical Switch
Connect/Disconnect virtual machines to/from a Logical Switch
Test Logical Switch connectivity
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
NSX Controller CLI
ESXi CLI
Objective 2.2 Configure VXLANs
Knowledge
Prepare a cluster for VXLAN
Configure VXLAN transport zone parameters
Configure the appropriate teaming policy for a given implementation
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
ESXi CLI
Objective 2.3 Configure and Manage Layer 2 Bridging

Add Layer 2 Bridging
Connect Layer 2 Bridging to the appropriate distributed virtual port group
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Objective 2.4 Configure and Manage Logical Routers
Configure default gateway parameters
Add/Remove static routes
Configure dynamic routing protocols:
o OSPF
o BGP
o IS-IS
Configure route redistribution
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
NSX Edge CLI
ESXi CLI
Section 3 Deploy and Manage NSX Network Services

Objective 3.1 Configure and Manage Logical Load Balancing
Configure the Load Balancer service
Create/Modify/Remove a service monitor
Create/Modify/Remove a server pool
Create/Modify/Remove an application profile and rules
Create/Modify/Remove virtual servers
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
NSX Edge CLI
Objective 3.2 Configure and Manage Logical Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Enable/Disable IPSec VPN service
Configure global IPSec VPN parameters
Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
Enable and configure logging
Implement Network Access SSL VPN-Plus
Implement Web Access SSL VPN-Plus
Enable/Disable L2 VPN
Add and configure a L2 VPN server
Add and configure a L2 VPN client
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
NSX Edge CLI
10
Objective 3.3 Configure and Manage DHCP/DNS/NAT

Add/Modify/Delete a DHCP IP Pool
Enable/Disable the DHCP service
Add/Remove a DHCP static binding
Enable/Disable DNS services
Configure DNS services
Add/Modify/Delete a Source NAT (SNAT) rule
Add/Modify/Delete a Destination NAT (DNAT) rule
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
NSX Edge CLI
Section 4 Perform Operational Maintenance

Objective 4.1 Backup and Restore Network Configurations
Schedule/Backup/Restore NSX Manager data
Export/Restore vSphere Distributed Switch configuration
Import/Export Service Composer profiles
Export/Import/Load Distributed Firewall configurations
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
11
Objective 4.2 Monitor an NSX Implementation

Configure and manage centralized logging for the NSX Manager and NSX Edge devices
Create/Edit/Delete a Service Monitor
Monitor and analyze networking and security metrics with vCenter Operations Manager
Monitor security policies with Activity Monitoring and ensure they are being enforced correctly
Monitor and analyze traffic to and from protected virtual machines with Flow Monitoring
Monitor statistics, counters and health of networking services
Monitor health and status of infrastructure components, such as vSphere, NSX Manager, and
Control Cluster
Enable data collection for single/multiple virtual machines
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
NSX Manager CLI
NSX Controller CLI
NSX Edge CLI
ESXi CLI
Section 5 Perform Advanced Troubleshooting

Objective 5.1 Troubleshoot Common NSX Installation/Configuration Issues
Troubleshoot port assignments in an NSX implementation
Troubleshoot lookup service configuration
Troubleshoot vCenter Server integration
Troubleshoot licensing issues
Troubleshoot permissions issues
Troubleshoot host preparation issues
Troubleshoot IP pool issues
12
Tools
vSphere Web Client
NSX Manager CLI
NSX Controller CLI
ESXi CLI
Objective 5.2 Troubleshoot Common NSX Component Issues
Troubleshoot NSX Manager services
Troubleshoot NSX Controller cluster status, roles and connectivity
Troubleshoot active NSX Controller connections
Troubleshoot Logical Switch transport zone and NSX Edge mappings
Troubleshoot services deployed on Logical Switches
Troubleshoot Logical Router interface and route mappings
Troubleshoot VXLAN and Logical Router mapping tables
Troubleshoot L2 Bridge learned MAC addresses
Troubleshoot distributed and edge firewall implementations
Tools
NSX API Guide
vSphere Web Client
NSX Controller CLI
NSX Edge CLI
ESXi CLI
NSX API
Objective 5.3 Troubleshoot Common Connectivity Issues
Troubleshoot virtual machine connectivity to Logical Switches
Troubleshoot dynamic routing protocols
13
Troubleshoot Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Troubleshoot VXLAN, VTEP, and VNI configuration and connectivity
Tools
vSphere Command-Line Interface Concepts and Examples
vSphere Web Client
NSX Controller CLI
ESXi CLI
Objective 5.4 Troubleshoot Common Services Issues
Troubleshoot NSX Management Services issues
Troubleshoot Service creation/deletion issues
Troubleshoot Service Group creation/deletion issues
Troubleshoot DHCP service issues
Troubleshoot DNS service issues
Troubleshoot Network Address Translation (NAT) service issues
Troubleshoot Logical Load Balancer implementation issues
Troubleshoot Service Composer implementation issues
Troubleshoot Data Security issues
Tools
NSX API Guide
vSphere Web Client
NSX Controller CLI
NSX Edge CLI
ESXi CLI
NSX API
14
Section 6 Secure an NSX Environment

Objective 6.1 Configure and Administer Firewall Services
Create/Modify/Delete an Edge Firewall rule
Create/Modify/Delete a Distributed Firewall rule
Configure Source/Destination/Service/Action rule components
Modify the order/priority of Firewall rules
Create/Modify/Delete Firewall rule sections
Create/Modify/Delete Source and Destination Network Address Translation rules
Create/Modify/Delete SpoofGuard policies
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
NSX Edge CLI
ESXi CLI
Objective 6.2 Configure and Administer Role Based Access Control
Implement identity service support for Active Directory, NIS, and LDAP with Single Sign-On (SSO)
Configure/Modify/Delete user accounts
Configure/Modify/Delete user roles
Assign roles to user accounts
Disable/Enable user accounts
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
15
Objective 6.3 Configure and Manage Service Composer

Create/Modify/Delete Security Groups
Create/Modify/Delete Security Policies
Map Security Policies to Security Groups
Add/Assign/Edit/Delete Security Tags
View and manage effective services and failures for a Security Policy
Manage Security Policy priorities
Tools
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
Section 7 Utilize API and CLI Commands to Manage an NSX Deployment

Objective 7.1 Administer and Execute calls using the NSX vSphere API
Deploy and successfully authenticate an REST API client
Construct and execute an API call using correct syntax and formatting
Analyze, modify, and successfully retrieve configuration data using an existing API call
Tools
NSX API Guide
NSX Manager
vSphere Web Client
REST API Client
16
Objective 7.2 Manage and Report on an NSX Environment using the NSX Command Line Interface
(CLI)
Manage and report on an NSX installation status using ESXi Command Line Interface (CLI)
commands
Manage and report on an NSX Infrastructure using NSX Manager, NSX Controller, and ESXi CLI
commands
Manage and report on a Logical Switch using NSX Controller and ESXi CLI commands
Manage and report on a Logical Router NSX Controller, NSX Edge, and ESXi CLI commands
Manage and report on a Distributed Firewall using NSX Manager and ESXi CLI commands
Manage and report on an Edge Services VPN-Plus device using NSX Edge and client OS CLI
commands
Manage and report on Load Balancers using NSX Edge CLI commands
Tools
vSphere Command-Line Interface Concepts and Examples
vSphere Web Client
NSX Manager CLI
NSX Controller CLI
NSX Edge CLI
ESXi CLI
17
4. VCIX-NV Paths
4.1 VCIX6-NV Path Options
Path 1: If you are VCP-NV certified.
Step 1) Required Prerequisite: Valid VCP-NV certification.
Step 2) Pass the following exam and get certified
VMware Certified Implementation Expert Network Virtualization (VCIX-NV)
Path 2: If you are VCP5 certified.
Step 1) Completion of the following course is RECOMMENDED:
VMware NSX: Install, Configure Manage
Step 2) Pass the following exam and get certified
Path 3: If you hold a valid CCIE Data Center or CCIE Routing & Switching certification. Note: This path
is only available until January 31st, 2016.
Step 1) Completing one the courses below is RECOMMENDED, but not required.
VMware NSX: Fast Track for Internetworking Experts
VMware NSX Technical Overview with Labs
Step 2) Submit verification of your Cisco Certification.
Step 3) Pass the following exam and get certified:
5. Additional Resources
5.1 Exam Simulation
VMware will provide a mock exam for the VCIX-NV Exam. The exam simulates a sample question and lab
activity similar to the type of questions and activities found on the actual exam.
The exam simulation will be located at: TBD
18
5.2 VCIX6-NV Community

VMware provides an online community for VCIX-NV candidates. This community contains valuable information
from other candidates and senior VCIXs, and is moderated by VMware certification staff.
The community is located at: http://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/certedu/certification/vcap
5.3 Test Driving a VMware NSX environment

VMware provides Hands-On Labs for VMware NSX technologies. These labs provide an environment where
you can work with the products covered in this exam. The labs can be accessed here:
https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/evalcenter?p=nsx-hol .
Version
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
Date
2014-10-01
2014-10-02
2014-10-15
2014-10-30
2014-12-09
2015-07-14
2015-08-25
Change Notes
Update of Sections 1.2, 1.6, and 1.12.
Contributors added.
Section 1.4: Removed incorrect reference to Horizon View.
Removed 5.3 reference to product eval and fixed exam code
Updated Section 1.2: Number of Questions to reflect 18 exam items.
Updated number of items, seat time, version specific information, HOL, etc.
Section 1.8: Updated correct prerequisites for attempting VCXN610 exam.
19

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VMware Certified Implementation Expert

1.2 Number of Questions

1.3 Passing Score

1.4 How Objectives Relate to Questions on the Exam

1.6 Time Limit

1.7 Scheduling and Taking the Exam

1.8 Certification Tracks

For more information on recertification, please visit vmware.com/go/recertification or contact

1.10 Retake Policy

1.11 Exam Security

1.12 Exam Environment

3. Objectives covered in the VCIX6-NV Exam

Section 1 Install and Upgrade VMware NSX

Objective 1.2 Upgrade VMware NSX Components

Section 2 Create and Manage VMware NSX Virtual Networks

Objective 2.3 Configure and Manage Layer 2 Bridging

Section 3 Deploy and Manage NSX Network Services

Objective 3.3 Configure and Manage DHCP/DNS/NAT

Section 4 Perform Operational Maintenance

Objective 4.2 Monitor an NSX Implementation

Section 5 Perform Advanced Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Section 6 Secure an NSX Environment

Objective 6.3 Configure and Manage Service Composer

Section 7 Utilize API and CLI Commands to Manage an NSX Deployment

5.2 VCIX6-NV Community

5.3 Test Driving a VMware NSX environment

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