A Complete VMware Certification Guide
When it comes to virtualization technologies, VMware is the undisputed industry leader. As a result, there's a strong demand for IT professionals who can help organizations leverage VMware products and services. VMware's certification program is designed to build and validate the knowledge and skills needed to use their technologies.
This certification guide covers everything you need to know to earn VMware certifications. It includes information about VMware certifications, the cost associated with exams, career options, and how to study for VMware certification exams.
What are VMware Certifications?
VMware certification aims to prepare IT professionals to work with VMware products in a variety of environments. VMware offers different levels of certifications to help IT pros continue to develop and hone their virtualization skills.
VMware offers four levels of certification for virtualization professionals:
VMware Certified Associate (VCA)
VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)
VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX)
Each level includes specific certifications dedicated to areas of technology: networking, hyper-convergence, virtual desktop infrastructure, automation, and cloud computing.
VMware VCA Certification
VMware's entry-level certification is VMware Certified Associate (VCA). This certification is aimed at learners who are new to virtualization. However, it can also be beneficial for company executives who are tasked with making decisions regarding VMware solutions and technologies. This certification level is mainly geared toward systems administrator, architect, and executive roles. There is currently one VCA certification that can be earned:
VMware Certified Associate – Digital Business Transformation 2020 (VCA-DBT 2020)
The VCA – Digital Business Transformation 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who use VMware products and technologies that support VMware Cloud Foundation and Cross-Cloud Architecture solutions including vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and the vRealize Suite.
The VCA-DBT 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Define and describe the VMware Cross-Cloud Architecture
Define and describe vSphere solutions
Define and describe vSAN solutions
Define and describe the NSX solution
Define and describe vRealize Suite solutions
Define and describe Horizon Suite solutions
Recommend the right products for a solution that meets customer requirements
Required exam: Earning the VCA-DBT 2020 certification requires passing one exam — VCP – Data Center Virtualization (1V0-701).
Prerequisites: None.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates understand virtualization concepts before attempting the VCA-DBT 2020 certification.
VMware VCP Certification
The VMware Certified Professional (VCP) level of certification is designed for IT professionals who install, configure, manage, and optimize VMware solutions. This certification level is mainly geared toward systems administrator and engineer roles. VMware offers five VCP certifications:
VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization 2020 (VCP-NV 2020)
VCP-NV 2020: NSX-V Track
VCP-NV 2020 – NSX-T Track
VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation 2020 (VCP-CMA 2020)
VMware Certified Professional – Desktop and Mobility 2020 (VCP-DTM 2020)
VMware Certified Professional – Digital Workspace 2020 (VCP-DW 2020)
VMware Certified Professional 2020 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV 2020)
The VCP – Data Center Virtualization 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who administer and troubleshoot vSphere V6 infrastructures, leveraging best practices to provide a scalable and reliable virtualization platform for organizations. VCP6-DCV is VMware's most popular certification with more than 100,000 professionals certified.
The VCP6-DCV certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
VMware vSphere Architectures and Technologies
VMware Products and Solutions
Installing, Configuring, and Setting Up a VMware vSphere Solution
Performance-tuning and Optimizing a VMware vSphere Solution
Administrative and Operational Tasks in a VMware vSphere Solution
Required exam: Earning the VCP – Data Center Virtualization 2020 certification requires passing one of two exams — VCP6.5 – Data Center Virtualization (2V0-622) or Professional vSphere 6.7 (2V0-21.19).
Prerequisites: VMware has a series of specific prerequisites based on current certification status to earn the VCP – Data Center Virtualization 2020.
You don't have a VCP cert. VMware requires test takers who hold no other VCP certification to attend one of nine VMware vSphere training courses.
You hold a VCP6.5-DCV. VMware provides two options for VCP6.5-DCV certification holders — attend one of nine VMware vSphere training courses or pass one of two exams:
Professional vSphere 6.7
Professional vSphere 6.7 Delta
You hold a VCP3 or VCP4-DCV. VMware requires professionals with these earlier certifications to:
Attend one of nine VMware vSphere training courses
Pass vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass one Professional Data Center Virtualization exam:
VCP6.5 – DCV
Professional vSphere 6.7
You hold a VCP5 or VCP6-DCV. VMware requires professionals with these earlier certifications to pass one of four Professional Data Center Virtualization exams:
Professional vSphere 6.7
Professional vSphere 6.7 Delta
VCP6.5 – DCV
VCP6.5 – DCV Delta
You hold a VCP-DW 2018. VMware requires professionals with the Digital Workspace certification to:
Pass vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass one Professional Data Center Virtualization exam:
VCP6.5 – DCV
Professional vSphere 6.7
You hold a VCP6 (CMA or NV), VCP7 (CMA or DTM), or VCP-DTM 2018. VMware requires professionals with these certifications to pass one Professional Data Center Virtualization exam:
VCP6.5 – DCV
Professional vSphere 6.7
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience with vSphere 6.7 before attempting the VCP-DCV 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization 2020 (VCP-NV 2020)
The VCP-Network Virtualization 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who install, configure, and administer VMware NSX virtual networking implementations.
There are two tracks with the VCP-NV 2020 certification — NSX-T and NSX-V. VMware recommends that certification candidates select the path and exams relevant to their virtual environment. Each track has slightly different prerequisites depending on your current certifications, but both lead to earning the same VCP-NV 2020 certification.
VCP-NV 2020: NSX-V Track
The VCP – Network Virtualization 2020 (NSX-V) certification is designed for IT professionals who install, configure, and administer VMware NSX-V virtual networking implementations. The VCP-NV 2020: NSX-V certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Understand VMware NSX Technology and Architecture
Understand VMware NSX Physical Infrastructure Requirements
Configure and Manage vSphere Networking
Install and Upgrade VMware NSX
Configure VMware NSX Virtual Networks
Required exam: Earning the VCP-Network Virtualization 2020 (NSX-V) certification requires passing one required exam — VMware Professional NSX-T Data Center 2.4 (2V0-41.19), which is the same as NSX-T track.
Prerequisites: VMware has a series of specific prerequisites based on current certification status to earn the VCP – Network Virtualization 2020 (NSX-V).
You don't have a VCP cert. VMware requires test takers who hold no other VCP certification to:
Attend one of nine VMware NSX-V training courses
Pass one Foundation exam
vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass the VMware Professional 6 – Network Virtualization 6.2 exam
You hold a VCP6-NV. VMware provides two options for VCP6.5-DCV certification holders — attend one of nine VMware NSX-V training courses or pass the VMware Professional 6 – Network Virtualization 6.2 exam.
You hold a VCP-DW 2018 or a Cisco certification. It's possible to forgo the required training courses if you have the VCP-DW 2020 or any CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE. However, you'll still need to:
Pass one Foundation exam
vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass the VMware Professional 6 – Network Virtualization 6.2 exam
You hold one of these VCP certs. VMware recommends one of nine training courses, but it's not mandatory. If you have one of these certifications, you only need to pass the VMware Professional 6 – Network Virtualization 6.2 exam to earn the VCP-NV 2020 in the NSX-V track:
VCP6.x (DCV or CMA)
VCP7 (CMA or DTM)
VCP-DW
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience with NSX Data Center solution (NSX-V) before attempting the VCP-NV 2020 certification.
VCP-NV 2020 – NSX-T Track
The VCP – Network Virtualization 2020 (NSX-T) certification is designed for IT professionals who install, configure, and administer VMware NSX-T virtual networking implementations. The VCP-NV 2020: NSX-T certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Understand VMware NSX Technology and Architecture
Understand VMware NSX Physical Infrastructure Requirements
Configure and Manage vSphere Networking
Install and Upgrade VMware NSX
Configure VMware NSX Virtual Networks
Required exam: Earning the VCP-Network Virtualization 2020 (NSX-T) certification requires passing one exam — VMware Professional NSX-T Data Center 2.4 (2V0-41.19).
Prerequisites: VMware has a series of specific prerequisites based on current certification status to earn the VCP-Network Virtualization 2020 (NSX-T).
You don't have a VCP cert. VMware requires test takers who hold no other VCP certification to attend one of four VMware NSX-T training courses, and pass the VMware Professional NSX-T Data Center 2.4 exam.
You hold one of these certs. VMware recommends one of four training courses, but it's not mandatory. If you have one of these certifications, you only need to pass the VMware Professional NSX-T Data Center 2.4 exam to earn the VCP-NV 2020:
VCP6.x (DCV or CMA)
VCP7 (CMA or DTM)
VCP DTM 2018
VCP-DW
Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience with NSX Data Center solution (NSX-T) before attempting the VCP-NV 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation 2020 (VCP-CMA 2020)
The VCP – Cloud Management and Automation 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who install, configure and administer a VMware vRealize environment.
The VCP-CMA 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Performance-tuning, Optimization, and Upgrades
Troubleshooting and Repairing
Administrative and Operational Tasks
Required exam: Earning the VCP-Cloud Management and Automation 2020 certification requires passing one exam — Professional VMware vRealize Automation 7.6 (2V0-31.19).
Prerequisites: VMware has a series of specific prerequisites based on current certification status to earn the VCP-Cloud Management and Automation 2020.
You don't have a VCP cert or the VCP-CMA. VMware requires test takers who hold no other VCP certification or the VCP-CMA to:
Attend one of eight VMware vRealize training courses
Pass vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass Professional VMware vRealize Automation 7.6
You hold a VCP7-CMA or VCP6-CMA. VMware provides two options for VCP7-CMA and VCP6-CMA certification holders — attend a recommended training course or pass the Professional VMware vRealize Automation 7.6 exam. These are the same requirements for anyone with a VCP-NV, VCP7-DTM, or VCP6-DCV or newer certification.
You hold a VCP-DW 2018 or newer. For test takers who hold the VCP-DW 2018 or a later exam, VMware recommends one of eight training courses, but it's not mandatory. However, they must pass two exams:
Pass vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass Professional VMware vRealize Automation 7.6
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience installing, configuring, testing, managing, and troubleshooting vRealize Automation 7.6 solution running on vSphere 6.x. before attempting the VCP-CMA 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Professional – Desktop and Mobility 2020 (VCP-DTM 2020)
The VCP – Desktop and Mobility 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who design, install, and manage a VMware Horizon with View environment deployed on a VMware vSphere implementation. The VCP-DTM 2020 certification validates skills in performing in-depth configuration and management of VMware Horizon 7.5 environments.
The VCP-DTM 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Install and Configure Horizon Server Components
Create and Configure Pools
Configure and Manage Identity Manager
Configure and Manage User Environment Manager
Configure and Manage App Volumes
Configure vRealize Operations for Horizon
Required exam: Earning the VCP – Desktop and Mobility 2020 certification requires passing one of two exams — VMware Professional Horizon 7.5 or VMware Professional Horizon 7.7.
Prerequisites: VMware has a series of specific prerequisites based on current certification status to earn the VCP – Desktop and Mobility 2020.
You don't have a VCP cert or VCP-DTM. VMware requires test takers who hold no other VCP certification or the VCP-CMA to:
Attend one of six VMware Horizon 7 training courses
Pass vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass VMware Professional Horizon 7.7
You hold one of these certs. VMware recommends one of six training courses, but it's not mandatory. If you have one of these certifications, you either need to pass VMware Professional Horizon 7.7 to earn the VCP-DTM 2020:
VCP-DTM 2020:
VCP-NV
VCP6-CMA or newer
VCP6-DCV or newer
VCP-DTM 2018 or newer
VCP7-DTM
You hold a VCP-DW 2018. VMware recommends one of six training courses, but it's not mandatory. If you have one of these certifications, you must pass two exams to earn the VCP-DTM 2020:
Pass vSphere 6.7 Foundations
Pass VMware Professional Horizon 7.7
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience with Horizon 7.6 before attempting the VCP-DTM 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Professional – Digital Workspace 2020 (VCP-DW 2020)
The VCP – Digital Workspace 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who configure, deploy, manage, maintain, optimize, and perform basic troubleshooting of VMware Workspace ONE and related solutions. It also ensures that candidates can properly identify and differentiate any needed supporting products and components.
The VCP-DW 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Architecture and Technologies
Products and Solutions
Planning and Designing
Installing, Configuring, and Setup
Performance-tuning, Optimization, and Upgrades
Troubleshooting and Repairing
Administrative and Operational Tasks
Required exam: Earning the VCP – Digital Workspace 2020 certification requires passing one of two exams — VCP – Digital Workspace 2018 (2V0-761) or VMware Professional Workspace ONE (2V0-61.19).
NOTE: The 2V0-61.19 exam will retire on September 30, 2020, and be replaced by 2V0-61.20.
Prerequisites: VMware requires candidates who hold no other VCP certification to attend one of seven VMware Workspace ONE training courses. While it's recommended that candidates with an active VCP-DW 2018, VCP6.x (DCV or CMA or NV), VCP7 (CMA or DTM), or VCP-DTM 2018 certification take the training course, it's not mandatory.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience with Workspace ONE and Digital Workspace solutions before attempting this exam.
VMware VCAP Certification
VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) is VMWare's advanced-level certification path. VCAP certification is aimed at professionals who design and build VMware Solutions (VCAP Design) and manage and optimize VMware solutions (VCAP Deployment). VMware offers seven VCAP certifications:
VCAP-DCV Design 2020
VCAP-DCV Deploy 2020
VCAP-NV Deploy 2020
VCAP-CMA Design 2020
VCAP-CMA Deploy 2020
VCAP-DTM Deploy 2020
VCAP-DTM Design 2020
VCAP certifications are geared toward professionals in administrator, architect, and engineer roles.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Data Center Virtualization Design 2020 (VCAP-DCV Design 2020)
The VCAP – Data Center Virtualization Design 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who recommend and design VMware solutions to meet business goals and processes.
The VCAP-DCV Design 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Create a vSphere 6.5 Conceptual Design
Create a vSphere 6.x Logical Design from an Existing Conceptual Design
Create a vSphere 6.x Physical Design from an Existing Logical Design
Required exam: Earning the VCAP – Data Center Virtualization Design 2020 certification requires passing one exam — VCAP6.5-DCV Design Exam (3V0-624).
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCAP certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-DCV 2019 or VCP-DCV 2020 certifications. This applies to candidates with VCP6-DCV or a VCP or VCAP in a different track.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates have advanced knowledge of end-user computing environments and components and expert knowledge of vSphere 6.5 before attempting the VCAP – Data Center Virtualization Design 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Data Center Virtualization Deploy 2020 (VCAP-DCV Deploy 2020)
The VCAP – Data Center Virtualization Deploy 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who deploy and optimize VMware vSphere 6.x infrastructures.
The VCAP-DCV Deploy 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Create and Deploy vSphere 6.x Infrastructure Components
Deploy and Manage a vSphere 6.x Storage Infrastructure
Deploy and Manage a vSphere 6.x Network Infrastructure
Configure a vSphere 6.x Deployment for Availability and Scalability
Configure a vSphere 6.x Deployment for Manageability
Configure a vSphere 6.x Deployment for Performance
Configure a vSphere 6.x Deployment for Recoverability
Configure a vSphere 6.x Environment for Security
Required exam: Earning the VCAP – Data Center Virtualization Deploy certification requires passing one of two exams:
Advanced Deploy vSphere 6.5 (3V0-21.18)
Advanced Deploy vSphere 6.5 (3V0-21.19)
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCAP certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-DCV 2019 or VCP-DCV 2020 certifications. This applies to candidates with VCP6-DCV or a VCP or VCAP in a different track.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience deploying, optimizing and troubleshooting a VMware NSX 6.x solution running on vSphere 6.x architecture before attempting the VCAP – Data Center Virtualization Deploy 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Network Virtualization Deployment 2020 (VCAP-NV Deploy 2020)
The VCAP – Network Virtualization Deploy 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who deploy and optimize VMware NSX environments. The VCAP-NV Deploy 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Prepare VMware NSX Infrastructure
Create and Manage VMware NSX Virtual Networks
Deploy and Manage VMware NSX Network Services
Secure a vSphere Data Center with VMware NSX
Perform Operational Management of a VMware NSX Implementation
Configure Cross vCenter Networking and Security
Perform Advanced VMware NSX Troubleshooting
Utilize API Commands to Manage a VMware NSX Deployment
Required exam: Earning the VCAP – Network Virtualization Deploy 2020 certification requires passing one exam — VCAP6-NV Deploy Exam (3V0-643).
Prerequisites: VMware requires test takers start with the VCP in the Network Virtualization track — VCP-NV 2019 or VCP-NV 2020. There's one exception: If you have an active CCIE, you can forgo the VCP-NV 2020 and attempt the VCAP6-NV Deploy Exam.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience deploying, optimizing and troubleshooting a VMware NSX 6.x solution running on vSphere 6.x architecture before attempting the VCAP – Network Virtualization Deploy 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Cloud Management and Automation Design 2020 (VCAP-CMA Design 2020)
The VCAP – Cloud Management and Automation Design 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who design and integrate vRealize Automation 7.2 solutions within large enterprise environments. This industry-recognized certification increases credibility and proves a deep understanding of cloud management design principles and methodologies.
The VCAP-CMA Design 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Create a vRealize Automation Conceptual Design
Create a vRealize Automation Logical Design
Design a vRealize Automation Management Infrastructure
Design vRealize Automation Tenants
Create a vRealize Automation Resource Design
Create a vRealize Automation Blueprint Design
Complete an Extensibility Design
Complete a Catalog Design
Required exam: Earning the VCAP – Cloud Management and Automation Design 2020 certification requires passing one exam — VCAP-CMA Design Exam (3V0-732).
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCAP certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-CMA 2019 or VCP-CMA 2020 certifications. This applies to candidates with another VCAP-CMA version, or a VCP or VCAP in a different track as well.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates gain experience translating business requirements into a vRealize Automation 7.x design before attempting the VCAP – Cloud Management and Automation Design 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Cloud Management and Automation Deploy 2020 (VCAP-CMA Deploy 2020)
The VCAP – Cloud Management and Automation Deploy 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who deploy and optimize data center environments using the tools provided by vRealize Automation. The certification proves they have the knowledge and skills necessary to use best practices to provide a scalable and reliable virtualization platform for organizations.
The VCAP-CMA Deploy 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Blueprints
Resource Management
Approval and Governance
Troubleshooting
Tenant Administration
Deployment Architecture
Extensibility
Security
Required exam: Earning the VCAP – Cloud Management and Automation Deploy 2020 certification requires passing one exam — Advanced Deploy vRealize Automation 7.3 (3V0-31.19).
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCAP certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-CMA 2019 or VCP-CMA 2020 certifications. This applies to candidates with another VCAP-CMA version, or a VCP or VCAP in a different track as well.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates have professional-level knowledge of VMware vSphere and VMware NSX for vSphere and advanced knowledge of vRealize Suite before attempting the VCAP – Cloud Management and Automation Deploy 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Desktop and Mobility Deployment 2020 (VCAP-DTM Deploy 2020)
The VCAP – Desktop and Mobility Deployment 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who deploy and optimize VMware Horizon 6 (with View) environments. The certification proves they have the knowledge and skills necessary to use best practices in providing scalable and reliable Business Mobility platforms for organizations.
The VCAP-DTM Deploy 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Configure Horizon Components
Configure and Optimize Horizon Desktop Images
Create and Manage Horizon Desktop Pools
Configure and Manage Horizon Endpoints
Configure and Administer VMware Mirage
Configure and Administer VMware Identity Manager
Configure and Manage Storage for a Horizon Deployment
Troubleshoot and Monitor a Horizon Deployment
Required exam: Earning the VCAP – Desktop and Mobility Deployment 2020 certification requires passing one exam — VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Desktop and Mobility Deployment (3V0-653).
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCAP certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-DTM 2019 or VCP-DTM 2020 certifications.. This applies to candidates with another VCAP-DTM version, or a VCP or VCAP in a different track as well.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates have at least two years experience deploying, managing and troubleshooting a VMware Horizon 6.x solution running on vSphere 6.x architecture before attempting the VCAP – Desktop and Mobility Deployment 2020 certification.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Desktop and Mobility Design (VCAP-DTM Design 2020)
The VCAP – Desktop and Mobility Design 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who design and integrate large scale VMware Horizon 7.2 environments. This industry-recognized certification improves candidates' credibility and proves they have a deep understanding of desktop and mobility design principles and methodologies.
The VCAP-DTM Design 2020 certification validates a candidate's understanding of these topics and skills:
Create a Horizon Conceptual Design
Create a Horizon Logical Design
Create a Physical Design for vSphere and Horizon Components
Create a Physical Design for Horizon Storage
Create a Physical Design for Horizon Networking
Create a Physical Design for Horizon Desktops and Pools
Incorporate Application Services into a Horizon Physical Design
Incorporate Endpoints into a Horizon Design
Required exam: Earning the VCAP – Desktop and Mobility Design 2020 certification requires passing one exam — VMware Certified Advanced Professional 7 – Desktop and Mobility Design (3V0-752).
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCAP certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-DTM 2019 or VCP-DTM 2020 certifications. This applies to candidates with another VCAP-DTM version, or a VCP or VCAP in a different track.
Recommended experience: VMware recommends that candidates have at least five years of general IT experience and at least one year experience designing end-user computing solutions before attempting the VCAP – Desktop and Mobility Design 2020 certification.
VMware VCDX Certification
VMware's expert-level certification is the VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX). VCDX recognizes IT professionals who design, build, and manage VMware solutions and systems. This certification level is mainly geared toward those in architect-level roles.
Unlike the other levels of certification, learners can only earn their VCDX through submitting and successfully defending a production-ready VMware Solution before a panel of veteran VCDX holders.
VMware Certified Design Expert – Data Center Virtualization 2020 (VCDX-DCV 2020)
The VCDX – Data Center Virtualization 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who deliver true business value by validating their expertise in vSphere6.x and enabling the best performance, availability, and efficiency from infrastructure and applications.
Certification requirements: There is no formal exam for this certification. Earning the VCDX – Data Center Virtualization 2020 certification requires building a design, submitting an application and design review, and defending the design against three panelists.
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCDX certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-DCV 2020 and the VCIX-DCV 2020 badge.
VMware Certified Design Expert – Network Virtualization 2020 (VCDX-NV 2020)
The VCDX – Network Virtualization 2020 certification validates a candidate's expert-level vSphere and NSX 6.x skills. It also proves they can deliver strong business value by designing a VMware NSX®-platform-based data center that meets customer objectives and constraints.
Certification requirements: There is no formal exam for this certification. Earning the VCDX – Network Virtualization 2020 certification requires building a design, submitting an application and design review, and defending the design against three panelists.
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCDX certification, VMware requires earning the VCP-NV 2020 and the VCIX-NV 2020 badge.
VMware Certified Design Expert 7 – Cloud Management and Automation 2020 (VCDX-CMA 2020)
The VCDX – Cloud Management and Automation 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who design, plan, and integrate VMware vSphere and vCloud Management and Automation solutions.
Certification requirements: There is no formal exam for this certification. Earning the VCDX – Cloud Management and Automation 2020 certification requires building a design, submitting an application and design review, and defending the design to three panelists.
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCDX certification, VMware requires passing the VCP-CMA 2020 certification and the VCIX-CMA 2020 badge.
VMware Certified Design Expert – Desktop And Mobility 2020 (VCDX-DTM 2020)
The VCDX – Desktop And Mobility 2020 certification is designed for IT professionals who design and implement enterprise-class VMware Horizon 7® and VMware Workspace solutions. This is in addition to having strong vSphere and data center virtualization skills.
Certification requirements: There is no formal exam for this certification. Earning the VCDX – Desktop And Mobility 2020 certification requires building a design, submitting an application and design review, and defending the design against three panelists.
Prerequisites: Prior to attempting this VCDX certification, VMware requires passing the VCP-DTM 2020 certification, and the VCIX-DTM 2020 badge.
There are 273 VCDX holders worldwide.
VMware Digital Badges
When a candidate earns a VMware certification, completes an IT Academy challenge, or contributes to the certification program, they can easily and quickly share VMware badges. These digital badges reward contribution and communicate that holders have validated VMware knowledge and skills.
VMware badges are represented by a digital image that, once clicked on by a colleague or employer, will display verified information including:
Issue date
What it took to earn the badge
The steps undertaken to earn the skills
Once a VMware badge is earned, holders will receive an email notification alerting them to claim their badge. Once they accept the badge, they are immediately integrated into a sharing workflow that allows them to share that badge to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, embed in a personal website, or share via email.
While digital badges are not equivalent to certifications, they do offer learners a unique opportunity to demonstrate specific skill proficiencies. VMware digital badges are a single source that combines verified credentials with a complete overview of skills. They also provide employers with an easy way to validate a candidate's VMware credentials.
How Much Does It Cost to Get VMware Certified?
The cost for VMware certification is dependent on the level of certification. The cost to sit for VMware VCA, VCP, and VCAP certifications are $125, $250, and $450 (USD), respectively. VCDX certification cost is dependent on the track — and they cost $3,995 (USD). Pricing for all exams also varies based on location and currency.
Keep in mind that exam costs typically aren't the only expense associated with getting certified. certified. Between training materials, lab equipment, and travel and lodging (for VCDX), earning VMware certification can be quite an investment.
VMware Recertification and Renewal
Recertification is widely recognized in the IT industry as important to professional growth. If your skills are not current, your certification loses value. Staying current with your certifications enhances your credibility and demonstrates a commitment to learning, your career, and your organization..
VMware VCP certifications expire two years from the date they were earned. VMware's recertification policy provides three ways to recertify:
Advance to the next level by earning a new VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) certification on the same track as your VCP.
Earn the next version of VCP in the same track (if available).
Earn a new VCP certification on a different track. (You may not take the same VCP exam used for earning your previous certification.)
Regardless of the option you choose, recertifying keeps your VMware knowledge up to date.
VMware Certification Salary and Career Information
Demand for IT professionals with virtualization skills is constantly rising and continues to grow as increasing numbers of organizations take advantage of the increased efficiency, availability, and cost savings afforded by virtualizing IT resources. VMware is one of the leading providers of virtualization products and solutions. Getting certified in VMware technologies can boost value in almost any IT career.
Payscale.com provides a helpful salary guide to help learners determine appropriate pay scales for job opportunities associated with advanced levels of VMware certification.
Depending on professional experience, an employee who holds a VCP certification can earn anywhere from $67,359 to $102,709 (USD) annually. Roles for VCPs include Systems Administrator, IT Manager, and Systems Engineer.
Employees with VCAP certification can earn between $84,998 and $152,308 (USD) annually. VCAP holders are typically seen in roles such as IT Architect, IT Director, and Senior Technical Consultant.
VCDX holders, on the other hand, can earn up to $170,000 (USD) per year. They are typically seen in Chief Architect, Virtualization Architect, and Solutions Architect roles.
Investment in VMware certification and training provides the foundations needed to leverage virtualization technologies. As you work your way through VMware certifications, you can specialize in technologies like storage, networking, and virtualization, each of which can help you specialize in IT career.
VMware Certification Training
CBT Nuggets offers a variety of training resources for learners who are interested in pursuing VMware certification. Below, you'll find a list of all VMware courses that CBT Nuggets offers:
VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV) with 6.7 Updates
VMware vSphere 5.5 VCP5-DCV
The CBT Nuggets Way helps you learn more efficiently, retain information longer, and gain practical, hands-on experience. In addition to watching our videos, you can reinforce core IT practices and concepts with built-in quiz questions, simulated practice exams, and customized VMware virtual labs. Get started today.
Note: Our course library is constantly updated, and as of this post's publication date, we are working toward providing more specific training for VMware technologies and certifications.
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