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Choose the right VMware certification to boost your career
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Which VMware certification path should you follow?
Certification can help you break into the IT job market or obtain partner status at your current place of employment, but there's no one-size-fits-all VMware certification. Different certifications come with different expectations and benefits, so be mindful to choose one that most closely matches your goals. Read Now
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Read up on VMware certifications before you take your first step
VMware is constantly on the lookout for new ways to expand and improve its certification program. Understandably, this can make it tricky for would-be VMware experts to keep up. Learn about changes to VMware certifications and how to best get started in this tip from independent trainer and IT consultant Rob Bastiaansen. Read Now
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VMware makes significant changes to certification roadmap
VSphere 6 came with a number of changes to the VMware certification roadmap, such as the introduction of a new vSphere Foundations Exam designed to make it easier for VCP students to specialize in different technologies. However, not all the changes -- especially those to the VCAP certification -- were met with praise. Read Now
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VMware drastically increases the price of high-level certification
It takes a significant investment of time and effort to obtain a VMware certification and, after an increase in price, it could take a significant monetary investment, too. VMware tripled the price of its VCDX exam, reducing the number of VCDX candidates -- but the company claims the benefits of upper-level certification justify the dramatic increase. Read Now
Editor's note
VMware certification is a litmus test designed to demonstrate the recipient's knowledge of the latest virtualization technology. The higher you go up the ladder, the more advanced your level of expertise.
Over the years, VMware has expanded into new areas of technology, including networking, hyper-convergence, virtual desktop infrastructure, automation and cloud computing, and it has updated its certifications to reflect that evolution.
VMware offers four levels of certification: VMware Certified Associate (VCA), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) and VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX). Certain certifications, such as VCAP and VCDX, give the applicant the option to specialize in a specific technology.
Are you considering applying for a VMware certification? Refer to this guide to learn more about different VMware certification levels, the costs associated with certifications, common certification roadblocks and how to best prepare for your certification exam.
1Decide which VMware certification is right for you
As mentioned above, there are four VMware certification levels: VCA, VCP, VCAP and VCDX. The lowest level of VMware certification, VMware Certified Associate, indicates that the recipient has a basic understanding of virtualization technology and is able to apply it to VMware products. The next step up, VMware Certified Professional, demonstrates more advanced skills, such as installing and configuring vCenter Server or VMware ESXi.
The top tier certifications, VMware Certified Advanced Professional and VMware Certified Design Expert, indicate an advanced knowledge of virtualization technology and VMware products and put the recipient in elite company. In order to obtain VCAP certification, you must first obtain VCP certification. In order to obtain VCDX certification, you must first obtain VCAP certification.
In addition to these four levels of certification, VMware offers four specialized certification tracks: data center virtualization, network virtualization, cloud management and automation, and desktop and mobility. Read these tips to learn more about the requirements for these certification levels and tracks.
Take these virtualization certification exams to get ahead Certifications are an asset to any IT professional, and the more advanced the certification, the better. Learn more about the requirements, costs and more for these five popular vendor certifications -- including the VCP6-DCV certification from VMware -- to figure out which certification path is right for you.
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Take these virtualization certification exams to get ahead
Certifications are an asset to any IT professional, and the more advanced the certification, the better. Learn more about the requirements, costs and more for these five popular vendor certifications -- including the VCP6-DCV certification from VMware -- to figure out which certification path is right for you. Read Now
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Get your foot in the door with a VCA certification
Introduced in 2013, VCA is an entry-level certification that demonstrates that the recipient has a working knowledge of how to implement VMware technology. Even though it doesn't prove technical prowess -- you'll need at least VCP certification for that -- it's a good way to showcase familiarity with VMware concepts, and it can help you get started on your certification journey. Read Now
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VMware adds value to VCP certification with new training requirements
VMware has expanded its influence beyond the realm of virtualization and updated its various certifications to reflect that. Those interested in VCP certification now have the option to specialize in one of four certification tracks -- but in order to obtain these specialized certifications, students will have to put in extra work. Read Now
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Take the logical step from VCP certification to VCAP certification
VMware reinstated VCAP certification in 2016 with two new, lab-based exams designed to showcase the applicant's aptitude in administering a VMware environment and creating a logical or technical design. Pass both the VCAP Deployment and Design exams and you automatically earn VMware Certified Implementation Expert status. Read Now
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VMware network certification track reflects complexity of NSX
Since NSX plays such an important role in VMware's product portfolio, it only makes sense that the company would introduce a certification track for it. There are five separate NSX-based certifications at varying levels of difficulty, each with its own roadblocks and rewards. Learn more about NSX certification to stay one step ahead of whatever challenges might come your way. Read Now
2Tips, tricks and resources to help you ace your exam
You've carefully weighed your options and decided which VMware certification path to follow -- now it's time to prepare for your exam. There are a number of ways to study, including signing up for online training courses, joining a study group, building a test lab and taking a practice exam. VMware also provides resources, such as the VCP Community and the VMware Learning Zone, to help you along the way.
Refer to the expert advice shared in these articles to devise a solid study plan and overcome any potential roadblocks along the way.
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Monitor your certification progress with VMware Certification Manager
In this blog roundup, virtualization and cloud architect Andrea Mauro explains how the VMware Certification Manager enables the user to view his active certifications, manage his exam history, monitor his certification progress and create personalized certification transcripts. Read Now
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Tips from a VMware insider to prepare for NSX certification
Chris McCain, director of training and certification for networking and security at VMware, discusses his role in developing the NSX certification track, addresses common challenges certification candidates face and offers advice on how to best prepare for your upcoming certification exam. Read Now