VMware Certified Specialist - VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment Study Guide: Everything You Need to Know 2025
Your complete roadmap to passing the 5V0-31.23 certification exam. This comprehensive study guide covers all 4 exam domains with detailed explanations, study tips, and practice resources.
Quick Start
Essential steps to begin your preparation
Review Exam Objectives
View all domains →Take Assessment Quiz
Free practice test →Follow Study Plan
8-week roadmap →Full Practice Exams
Start practicing →Exam Domains & Objectives
Master these 4 domains to pass the 5V0-31.23 exam
VMware Cloud Foundation Architecture and Components
VCF Planning and Design
VCF Deployment and Configuration
VCF Management and Operations
8-Week Study Plan
Follow this structured plan to prepare for your VMware Certified Specialist - VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment exam
Foundation
Understand core concepts and exam objectives
Focus Areas:
- VMware Cloud Foundation Architecture and Components
- VCF Planning and Design
Deep Dive
Master advanced topics and practical applications
Focus Areas:
- VCF Deployment and Configuration
- VCF Management and Operations
Practice & Review
Take practice exams and review weak areas
Focus Areas:
Final Prep
Full practice exams and last-minute review
Focus Areas:
- Full-length practice tests
- Review all domains
Curated Study Resources
AI-curated resources with real links to help you prepare for the VMware Certified Specialist - VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment exam
Complete Study Guide for VMware Certified Specialist - VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment
The VMware Certified Specialist - VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment (5V0-31.23) certification validates your expertise in deploying and configuring VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), VMware's unified SDDC platform. This certification demonstrates your ability to implement VCF solutions, configure management and workload domains, and understand the architecture that powers modern hybrid cloud infrastructures.
Who Should Take This Exam
- VMware administrators seeking to specialize in Cloud Foundation
- Data center architects implementing SDDC solutions
- Infrastructure engineers deploying hybrid cloud platforms
- System administrators managing VMware environments
- IT professionals transitioning to cloud infrastructure roles
Prerequisites
- Strong understanding of VMware vSphere administration
- Experience with VMware vSAN and NSX fundamentals
- Knowledge of data center networking concepts
- Familiarity with storage technologies and protocols
- Basic understanding of automation and JSON/API concepts
- 6-12 months hands-on experience with VMware products recommended
Official Resources
VMware Cloud Foundation Documentation
Official comprehensive documentation covering all aspects of VCF architecture, deployment, configuration, and operations
View ResourceVMware Certification Exam Blueprint
Official exam objectives and detailed breakdown of exam topics and weighting
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Product Page
Overview of VCF capabilities, features, and use cases
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Release Notes
Latest updates, features, and known issues for VCF versions
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Design Guide
Architectural design patterns and best practices for VCF implementations
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Operations Guide
Day 2 operations, management tasks, and operational best practices
View ResourceVMware Hands-on Labs
Free hands-on labs providing practical experience with VCF without hardware requirements
View ResourceVMware Tech Zone
Technical resources, deployment guides, and reference architectures
View ResourceRecommended Courses
VMware Cloud Foundation: Deploy, Configure, Manage
VMware Education • 40 hours
View CourseRecommended Books
VMware Cloud Foundation Essentials: A Practical Guide
by Various VMware Authors
Comprehensive guide covering VCF architecture, deployment, and operations. Note: Search Amazon for latest VMware Cloud Foundation books as specific titles vary by release version.
View on AmazonMastering VMware vSphere 8
by Nick Marshall, Mike Brown
Essential foundation for understanding vSphere components that underpin VCF deployments
View on AmazonVMware NSX Cookbook
by Bayu Wibowo, Tony Sangha
Helpful for understanding NSX integration within VCF environments
View on AmazonOfficial VMware Cloud Foundation Documentation (Digital)
by VMware
The most current and authoritative source - downloadable as PDFs for offline study
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
VMware Hands-on Labs - Cloud Foundation
Free, browser-based labs providing full VCF environments for practice without hardware requirements. Includes deployment, configuration, and operational scenarios.
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Simulator
Practice navigation and operations within SDDC Manager interface
View ResourceVMware Learning Zone Practice Tests
Official practice exams that simulate the actual certification exam experience
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Deployment Workbook
Excel-based planning tool for practicing deployment parameter configuration
View ResourceGitHub - VCF Automation Examples
Code samples and automation scripts for VCF operations and API usage
View ResourceVMware Tech Zone
Deployment guides, tutorials, and step-by-step walkthroughs for various VCF scenarios
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
VMware Technology Network (VMTN) - Cloud Foundation Forum
Official VMware community with dedicated VCF discussions, expert responses, and troubleshooting help
Join Communityr/vmware
Active Reddit community discussing VMware products including VCF deployment experiences, study tips, and exam feedback
Join CommunityVMware Cloud Foundation Blog
Official blog with product updates, best practices, and technical deep dives
Join CommunityvExpert Community
Network of VMware experts sharing knowledge through blogs, presentations, and community events
Join CommunityVMware Certification Study Group (LinkedIn)
Search for VMware certification groups where candidates share study resources and exam experiences
Join CommunityVirtual Geek Blog
Technical insights and deep dives into VMware technologies including VCF
Join CommunityVMware Learning Discord Communities
Search for VMware or VCF-specific Discord servers for real-time study group discussions
Join CommunityStudy Tips
Hands-On Practice is Critical
- Complete at least 3-5 full VCF deployments in VMware HOL before the exam
- Practice both management domain and workload domain creation multiple times
- Deliberately break things in labs to understand troubleshooting and error messages
- Document your lab deployments with screenshots and notes for review
- Practice certificate operations extensively as these appear frequently on the exam
Master the Deployment Workflow
- Memorize the exact sequence: Cloud Builder → Management Domain → Commission Hosts → Workload Domain
- Understand what happens at each validation stage during deployment
- Know the difference between automated and manual deployment workflows
- Study the JSON deployment file structure and common parameters
- Practice filling out the deployment workbook/Excel with all required parameters
Focus on SDDC Manager
- Spend significant time navigating every section of the SDDC Manager UI
- Understand how SDDC Manager orchestrates all lifecycle operations
- Know where to find logs, health status, and configuration details
- Practice backup and restore procedures for SDDC Manager
- Learn the API endpoints for common automation tasks
Understand Component Integration
- Study how vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and Aria Suite integrate within VCF
- Understand version compatibility and upgrade dependencies
- Know which components are deployed during management domain bring-up
- Learn how networking spans across all components (overlay and underlay)
- Understand the role of each product in the VCF stack
Network and Storage Design
- Memorize minimum VLAN requirements for VCF deployment
- Understand network pools and their purpose for workload domains
- Know vSAN configuration requirements including disk groups and caching
- Study IP addressing schemes and DNS requirements thoroughly
- Practice creating network diagrams showing all VCF network segments
Study Official Documentation Thoroughly
- Read the Planning and Preparation Guide cover to cover
- Review the Release Notes for your exam version to understand new features
- Study the Architecture and Design Guide for conceptual understanding
- Keep the Operations Guide handy for Day 2 operations procedures
- Bookmark key documentation pages for quick reference during study
Exam-Specific Preparation
- The exam is scenario-based - practice applying knowledge to real-world situations
- Know exact minimum requirements (hosts, memory, storage) for deployments
- Understand troubleshooting methodologies and where to find logs
- Study common deployment failures and their resolutions
- Review the exam blueprint multiple times and check off mastered topics
- Take practice exams under timed conditions to build stamina for 135 minutes
Time Management
- With 70 questions in 135 minutes, you have about 1.9 minutes per question
- Flag difficult questions for review and move on quickly
- Don't spend more than 3 minutes on any single question initially
- Budget 20-30 minutes at the end to review flagged questions
- Read scenario questions carefully - answers are often in the details
Exam Day Tips
- 1Arrive 15 minutes early or log in early for online proctoring to handle technical checks
- 2Have two forms of ID ready if testing at a center
- 3Read each question completely before looking at answers - VMware questions can be tricky with wording
- 4Watch for negative phrasing like 'Which is NOT required' or 'What should you avoid'
- 5For scenario questions, identify the actual requirement or problem before evaluating answers
- 6Use the process of elimination for difficult questions - often you can rule out 2-3 answers quickly
- 7Trust your hands-on experience - if you've practiced deployments, rely on that knowledge
- 8Don't second-guess yourself excessively; first instinct is often correct if you've studied well
- 9Mark questions you're unsure about and review them if time permits
- 10Remember the passing score is 300/500 (60%) - you don't need perfection
- 11Stay calm during long scenario questions; break them into components
- 12For deployment order questions, visualize the workflow you practiced in labs
- 13Pay attention to version-specific features mentioned in questions
- 14If completely stuck on a question, make your best guess and move on - unanswered questions are always wrong
Study guide generated on January 7, 2026
Pro Study Tips
Expert advice to maximize your study effectiveness
Active Learning Strategies
- Hands-on practice: Apply concepts in real scenarios
- Teach others: Explain concepts to reinforce learning
- Take notes: Write summaries in your own words
Exam Day Preparation
- Get enough sleep: Rest well the night before
- Review key points: Go through your notes and cheat sheets
- Time management: Practice pacing with timed exams
Continue Your Preparation
More resources to help you succeed
Complete VMware Certified Specialist - VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide will help you prepare for the 5V0-31.23 certification exam offered by VMware. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this guide covers everything you need to know to pass on your first attempt.
What You Will Learn
Our study guide covers all 4 exam domains in detail:
- VMware Cloud Foundation Architecture and Components (25%)
- VCF Planning and Design (20%)
- VCF Deployment and Configuration (35%)
- VCF Management and Operations (20%)
Recommended Timeline
Most candidates need 6-8 weeks of dedicated study to pass the VMware Certified Specialist - VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment exam. We recommend studying 1-2 hours daily and taking practice exams weekly to track your progress.
Next Step: Start with our free practice test to assess your current knowledge level.