VMware Virtualization Certifications

As a company whose entire business is centered around virtual machines, hypervisors and virtualization, it should come as no surprise that VMware’s multi-tiered certification program also leads off our top five list.

VMware dominates the virtualization market space, and currently offers a number of well-recognized and highly sought after credentials. You’ll find Associate, Professional, Implementation Expert, Advanced Professional, Expert and Design Expert levels in the VMware program, split among Data Center Virtualization, Cloud, End User Computing and Network Virtualization, according to the 2015 VMware Certification Roadmap shown in Figure 1 below.

Those familiar with the VMware certification program will notice the absence of the VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) from the roadmap. While still available for Data Center Virtualization, the VCAP is being phased out and replaced by the VMware Certified Implementation Expert (VCIX). VMware’s credentialing program is still evolving and some of the credentials listed in the roadmap may not be available yet. Many certs are also being upgraded for vSphere 6, which was released in early 2015.

Figure 1: VMware’s still-emerging certification roadmap. Image courtesy of VMware.

VMware credentials form a certification ladder, in that more senior-level credentials generally require candidates to earn a lower-level (and sometimes lateral) credential as a prerequisite. For example, the VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) certs (soon to be VCIX) require a VMware Certified Professional (VCP) cert, and the VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) certs require one or more VCAPs. The VCDX essentially merges sub-credentials in any given silo, and imposes an extra application process to document on-the-job knowledge and experience.

VMware boasts about 100,000 VCP and 10,000 VCAP credential holders. Because the VCP is a stepping stone to the more senior VMware certs (VCAP, the new VCIX and, of course, the top-of-the-ladder VCDX), the VCP is our focus in Table 2.

However, all VMware credentials are highly regarded and worth both consideration and pursuit. The current VMware Certified Advanced Professional 5 – Data Center Administration (VCAP5-DCA) remains one of the most sought-after and popular credentials in this collection. When the VCIX-DCA credential is released, we’re sure that it will enjoy the same popularity as its predecessor.

Table 2: VCP5-DCV Facts & Figures

Certification Name

VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV)

Prerequisite/Required Courses

Non-VCP credentials holders — completion of one of the following courses required:
– vSphere: Optimize & Scale [V5.5]
– vSphere: Troubleshooting Workshop [V5.1]
– vSphere with Operations Management: Fast Track [V5.1]
– vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V5.5] (available in Classroom Live Online, On Demand or Fast Track)

VCP credential holders – recommended but not required:

vSphere: What’s New [V4.X to V5.5]
Course prices range from $1,645 to $3,845 USD depending on course selection

Number of Exams

One exam: VMware Certified Professional on vSphere 5 – VCP 510 or VCP 550

Exam administered by Pearson VUE

Cost per Exam$225 USD (Prices vary by geography; check the website for pricing in your area)

URL: mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=12457&ui=www_cert

Self-Study MaterialsBooks:
The Official VCP5 Certification Guide, by Bill Ferguson, published August 26, 2012, VMware Press/Pearson, ISBN-10: 0789749319, ISBN-13: 978-0789749314

VCP5 VMware Certified Professional on vSphere 5

Study Guide: Exam VCP-510,by Brian Atkinson, published May 15, 2102, Sybex, ISBN-10: 1118181123, ISBN-13: 978-1118181126

Practice Exams: VCP-DCV Study Guides & Practice Exams

Self-paced training:VMware Certified Professional Exam Blueprint