VMware certification tracks

The VCP certification was once the only type of VMware certification offered, but VCP is now part of a much larger certification program that is organized into six certification tracks, with each track focused on a specific area of technology. Currently, the certification program includes the following six tracks:

• Data Center Virtualization (DCV). Demonstrates the candidate's ability to design, install, configure and manage VMware vSphere environments.
• Network Virtualization. Demonstrates the candidate's ability to design, install, configure and manage a VMware NSX environment.
• Cloud Management and Automation. Demonstrates the candidate's ability to install, configure and optimize cloud environments based on VMware Aria (formerly VMware vRealize).
• End-User Computing. Demonstrates the candidate's ability to design, install, configure and manage VMware Workspace ONE digital workspace solutions and VMware Horizon desktop management solutions.
• Security. Demonstrates the candidate's ability to understand of VMware security solutions and deliver entry-level support for security features in VMware products such as Workspace ONE and NSX-T Data Center.
• Application Modernization. Demonstrates the candidate's knowledge in specific areas of development or administration, such as Kubernetes, containers or specialized frameworks.

Each certification track includes two types of certifications. The first type is Career Certifications, which are the are the ones that people often think of when referring to VMware's certification program. Each certification in this category is associated with a specific certification level, such as VMware Certified Professional.

The other type of certification falls under the category of Specialists and Skills Certifications. The certifications in this category are broken into two subtypes: Specialist or Skills. A Specialist certification recognizes the candidate as an authority in a specific VMware product. A Skills certification validates a candidate's fundamental skills and knowledge in a specific VMware offering.

Most certification tracks also support a third category: Digital Badges. A digital badge showcases a candidate's skills or achievements in a particular area of VMware technology. A digital badge is typically achieved by a candidate who has earned one or more other VMware certifications and who has a specific amount of real-world experience. The Security track and the Application Modernization track currently do not include the Digital Badges category.

VMware certification levels

Although the certification tracks support multiple categories, much of the focus is often on Career Certifications. Most certifications in this category are associated with one of the four certification levels, which represent different job roles and levels of difficulty. One of these levels is the VMware Certified Professional. The following information provides a brief overview of each certification level:

• VMware Certified Technical Associate. VCTA is an entry-level technical certification that targets professionals who perform operational tasks, either those new to the industry or looking to advance their careers.
• VMware Certified Professional. Certifications at this level focus on administrators and engineers who install, configure, manage and optimize VMware products and services.
• VMware Certified Advanced Professional. VCAP certifications are more advanced than VCP certifications. They target architects as well as administrators and engineers who manage and optimize VMware systems or design and build those systems.
• VMware Certified Design Expert. These certifications represent the highest, most advanced level of certification. This category target architects who design, build and manage VMware systems.

The Application Modernization certification track also contains a single certification that is not associated with one of the four certification levels. This unique certification, named Spring Certified Professional 2024, is concerned with a candidate's expertise in the Spring and Spring Boot frameworks.

VMware certification requirements

Each VMware certification is specific to a certification track and certification type. If the certification type is Career Certifications, each certification is also associated with a specific certification level. For example, the Data Center Virtualization 2024 certification (VCP-DCV 2024) is a Career Certifications type in the Data Center Virtualization track. Because it is in the Career Certifications category, it is also associated with a specific certification level, in this case, VMware Certified Professional.

Most certifications require a candidate to take an exam or require the candidate to have already taken as exam as part of a previous certification. In some cases, a candidate might be required to take a course instead of or in addition to an exam. Each certificate comes with its own set of requirements, and candidates should carefully review those requirements to determine how best to proceed.

For instance, the requirements for the VCP-DCV 2024 certification depend on whether the candidate already has a VCP certification and, if so, the type of certification:

• If the candidate has no VCP certifications, VMware recommends that the candidate gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x and attend one of the recommended training courses. The candidate must then pass the VMware vSphere 8.x Professional exam (2V0-21.23).
• If the candidate holds a VCP-DCV 2023 certification, VMware recommends that the candidate gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x. The candidate can then choose one of the following two options: Take the 2V0-21.23 exam or attend one of the recommended training courses.
• If the candidate holds a VCP-DCV 2020 certification or older, VMware recommends that the candidate gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x and attend one of the recommended training courses. The candidate must then pass the 2V0-21.23 exam.
• If the candidate holds a VCP in any track with a 2021 version or newer, VMware recommends that the candidate gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x and attend one of the recommended training courses. The candidate must then pass the 2V0-21.23 exam.

This, of course, is only one VMware certification out of many. Although some of the VCP certifications have similar requirements, they should still be reviewed individually to ensure proper compliance.

For most certifications, the exam is the most important component in the certification process. When candidates are preparing for an exam, they should refer to VMware's published information for details about that exam, as well as how to schedule the exam and purchase an exam voucher. They will also find links to recommended training, as well to other exam resources, such as VCP Community or the VMware Certification Marketplace.

The benefits of becoming a VCP

VCP certification comes with a number of benefits. For example, certified professionals are often offered special promotions, such as discounts on beta training courses or complementary exam vouchers for attending a Fast Track course.

More importantly, VCP certification can help improve a candidate's career prospects. Companies that use VMware software often expect their technicians and administrators to be certified. Certification is a reliable way to verify a job candidate's abilities and to prove those abilities to clients. Most VCP-certified individuals find employment as systems administrators, IT managers or systems engineers.

Certification can also potentially lead to an increase in salary. In 2022, the VCP Data Center Virtualization certification ranked as one of the highest-paying IT certifications at just over $130,000, according to VMware. In addition, certification can increase career opportunities because employers see certified professionals as being more credible as a result of industry recognition. Certified professionals also tend to feel more confident in their jobs.

The VMware Certification Professional badge is for admins with network, storage and data center virtualization know-how. Learn more about what the VMware Certification Professional course provides by getting into course specifics and structure.