Top VMware Certifications

VMware Inc., a well-known subsidiary of Dell Technologies, is a distributor of platform and cloud computing products and services. It is known to be the first company to virtualize the widely known x86 architecture. VMware also has a certification program designed to equip individuals with the skills required to work within the VMware platform. The certification path is divided into 4 levels, which are:

- VMware Certified Associate (VCA)
An entry-level program targeted at new IT professionals and executives tasked with making decisions concerning VMware solutions. VCA level exam costs $125.

- VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
It is targeted at IT professionals responsible for installation, configuration, management, and optimization of VMware solutions. It is intended mostly for network administrators and engineers. This level requires a candidate to sit for one of the two available foundational exams at a cost of $125 and a professional exam which costs $250.

- VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)
It is an advanced credential created for those tasked with building, designing (VCAP Design), managing, and optimizing (VCAP Deployment) VMware solutions. It is specifically targeted at network administrators, engineers, and architects. VCAP level exam cost is $450.

- VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX)
It is the top-level credential for experts responsible for building, designing, and management of VMware solution systems. To obtain an expert certification, a candidate is required to have an associated VCP and VCAP certifications and also the experience of successful project designing and defending. The application cost is $300 and the defense fee is $900.

Note: The number of questions and completion time differ for each of the certification exams.

VMware offers six certifications in total. Each of these certifications covers at least one of the associate, professional, advanced professional, and the expert levels. These certifications are:

- Data Center Virtualization
It is intended to test a candidate’s preparedness to install, design, and manage VMware vSphere system platform. The levels covered here are the VCP, VCAP, and VCDX.

- Network Virtualization
Designed to test a candidate’s ability to design, install, and manage the VMware NSX platform. It consists of the VCP, VCAP, and VCDX levels.

- Cloud Management and Automation
This certification is designed to test a professional’s skills in installation, configuration, and optimization of the VMware vRealize cloud computing solution. It covers the VCP, VCAP, and VCDX certification levels.

- Desktop Mobility Certification
It is issued to those who have successfully proven their skills to design, install, and manage a VMware based Horizon consisting of View environment and deploying it on the VMware vSphere platform. The levels covered by this certification are VCP, VCAP, and VCDX.

- Digital Business Transformation Certification
It is designed to prove a candidate’s understanding of virtualization concepts in relation to the digital agenda of a business enterprise. It demonstrates a person’s familiarity with VMware products that include vSAN, NSX, vRealize Suite, and the vSphere. This certification is available for the associate (VCA) level only.

- Digital Workspace Certification
Available for the professional (VCP) level only, this credential is targeted at proving a candidate’s ability to configure, deploy, manage, maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot VMware based Workspace ONE and other related solutions.

Attaining any of VMware certifications requires that a candidate registers and passes the associated exam. One can prepare for these exams by using various training resources, which are available online. Gaining a certification leads you to job roles such as VMware Horizon Engineer, VMware Consultant, VMware Server Administrator, VMware Desktop Administrator, entry-level Systems Administrator and VMware Technician. They are among the leading roles in the IT industry. Badges are also provided depending on the certification combination. One can display them on digital platforms like their email signature or on social media.

VMware products and certification programs have led to the streamlining of IT operations across the IT framework including data centers both on mobile and cloud platforms. This has made it easier for businesses to run their services and systems efficiently.