Finding the right VMware certification to help you achieve your career aspirations is not an easy task. Being certified means that you are up to date with the latest cloud and virtualisation technologies.
A VMware certification is a must-have for any IT professional interested in virtualisation. So, let's look are what the options are.
The most current version of VMware certification is Version 6. VMware certifications can be divided up into four categories: Cloud Management and Automation, Data Centre Virtualisation, Desktop and Mobility, and Network Virtualisation.
Each of these categories offers several certification levels: VMware Certified Associate (VCA), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP), VMware Certified Implementation Expert (VCIX), and VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX).
The VMware Certified Associate (VCA), is the newest of the certifications and is also the entry-level one for IT professionals.
This certificate is for those who are not particularly technical but need to demonstrate their understanding of VMware technology. This is not an exam to take if you need to prove technical skills, rather it will show a capacity for deploying the correct VMware technology in an organisation.
The VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a mid-level certification that shows the IT professional is technically proficient with VMware VSphere and associated technology. As well as the base certification, there are also VCP certification tracks: VCP-DCV, VCP-NV, VCP-CMA and VCP-DTM.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) is an upper-midlevel certification. It professionals must first be VCP certified. There are VCAP tracks: data centre virtualisation, end-user computing and cloud. Each of these has two certifications: advanced administrator and advanced designer.
VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) is the highest-level certificate for IT professionals.
With this certificate, holders can prove they have a deep understanding of VMware product design and deployment.
There are three tracks for this certificate: Data centre virtualisation, cloud and end-user computing. To hold this certificate, candidates need to have passed the enterprise administration and design exams.
Then a candidate must create and tender a plan for a large virtualised infrastructure environment this comprises architectural diagrams and support documents. If this is accepted, the candidate must go before a panel of VCDX holders and present the plan and also take questions on the plan from the panel.
How to get a certificate
Before you can get a VMware certificate, IT Professionals must take part in an official VMware training course. Courses can be found on sites such as mylearn.vmware.com.
It is a good idea to get certified as the technology here is still quite new and will stand out on a CV to any prospective employer and can improve your salary level.
Once the certificate has been obtained, however, there is a requirement to get re-certified every two years. It is important to re-certify before any deadlines as this may risk putting an employer out of compliance if certifications lapse.
