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Choose the right VMware certification to boost your career

Last updated:December 2017

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.

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.

3Study up on these VMware terms

A solid understanding of basic VMware products and related technologies is crucial to earning certification. Familiarize yourself with these key terms and concepts to get started.

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