Docker Certified Associate Certification(DCA) Prepwork/Tips:
Background:
A couple of months back, I started working with a client who have their applications running in k8s. Though I was responsible for the AWS infra and another team member was responsible for the k8s, I couldn't sit idle for long time.
I had decent understanding of Docker but had never dived deep to take it to next level.
Since I had to learn k8s anyways, I decided to start with my usual way of learning it. Start from absolute basics.
Basics for the k8s is at the container level. Docker is leading the world in the container space, so I decided to learn this in depth.
Having worked as linux admin and also vmware admin, I could understand the basics really well and easily. Especially the kernel features of linux which makes containers possible.
After spending good amount of time, I wanted to put it to good use by getting certified with docker.
Just like everyone, the seriousness to study for the certification is a big problem. Again I did what I normally do for the certification preparation. Booked a slot for the certification and started working backwards. This gave me the seriousness needed. I didn't want to lose my 17k :)($195)
After deciding to give the certification, I prepared seriously for a week. Mostly around practicing the commands and building sample applications.
Materials/Methods for preparation:
Start off by checking the contents/modules of the certification.
All the video series of Nigel Poulton. This guy is awesome. He breaks down the concept so well and makes it easily understandable. Also, the depth he goes into gives you very good insight.
Start with “Getting started with Docker”, then “Docker and containers: The big picture” followed by “Docker Swarm: Native Docker Clustering” and finally “ “Docker Deep Dive”
http://blog.nigelpoulton.com/training-videos/
Docker Deep Dive book by Nigel Poulton : I wanted to reinforce my learning and practice of the videos by reading a book. It cannot be any better than this book. Even if you have watched all the videos, I would still recommend reading this book. I read it twice.
Docker documentation : I could not read this for every single topic but I did read it for the Enterprise features like UCP, DTR, DCT, security and Volumes. If you can go through each of the topics here and practice, I guess you will be good.
https://docs.docker.com/get-started/
I taught docker to some of my team members. A lot of concepts which I thought knew started making complete sense when I was articulating it to my fellow members. And questions from them will only make you think and dig more for the information.
Last leg of my preparation was reading each link from the below url:
There is not much practice questions for DCA. I found one with a few questions which helped me understand where I stand:
https://djitz.com/certification/docker-certified-associate-dca-certification-test-resources/
All my practice was done on AWS using a Ubuntu 18.04 Machine.
Pro Tip: Its absolutely important you give equal focus on the Enterprise features and know how to install, configure and modify them.
Certification:
On the certification front, its an online certification.
Its done by Examity(https://prod.examity.com/docker/)
It would have 55 questions and you are given 90 mins.
Docker does not say what is the passing percentage.
You cannot use any of the applications(I wondered if we could use docker running on laptop to test the commands but was told I could not use any application other than the certification screen).
You can flag the questions and come back to them at a later point of time(I used this method a lot. Answered all the easy questions and any question which wanted more time was tagged and I moved on).
I registered for the late night slot to make sure no-one at home disturbs me. The only disadvantage of this slot is, you will start feeling sleepy and can become a bit difficult to focus.
Once we start, a gotomeeting meeting gets started and you will have to have a call with the person who proctors the exam.
The person checks your government ID, explains all the dos and don’ts and once you give a nod, they will ask you to show the room, working desk, keeping mobile away etc.
Once both sides are good, you can click begin exam and keep the headphones away. All the while the mic and the webcam will remain on while your screen is also shared with the proctor.
You are not allowed to go out while the exam in is progress. I don’t know what happens if you go :)
I was able to complete the certification in an hour. Time is not a constraint for this certification.
You are NOT told what is your cumulative score. However, they do give the breakup for each module and how much you have scored in them.
Level of difficulty — Its not an easy certification. You cannot just mug up the docs and clear this. You definitely need practice. Esp those commands and the options used. If you have practiced decently, you will be able to recall the commands.
Once you finish the exam, the results are given immediately on the screen. But you will have to wait for 48 hours before you get your certificate. Mine had passed 48 hours but no sign of email. On reading their faqs, I realised I had not checked the spam folder. The email had come after a day with the link to certificate, logo and linkedin group link(Only for DCAs).
Three things that helped me:
Revision.
Practice.
Teaching someone else about the concepts.
All the best for your preparation.
I’ve been preparing for the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) exam using PracticeTestSoftware, and the practice tests are very well structured and closely aligned with real exam scenarios
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Nice one.! Thanks for sharing your experience.