VMware is the undisputed industry leader in virtualization technologies. As a result, there's a strong demand for IT professionals who can help organizations leverage VMware products and services. VMware's certification program is designed to build and validate the knowledge and skills needed to use its technologies.
This certification guide covers everything you need to know to earn VMware certifications. It includes information about VMware certifications, the cost associated with exams, career options, and how to study for VMware certification exams.
VMware certifications aim to prepare IT professionals to work with VMware products in various environments. VMware offers several certifications to help IT pros continue to develop and hone their virtualization skills.
VMware used to offer four levels of certification for virtualization professionals. However, VMware recently changed its exam structure to focus on "role-based" certifications. This allows IT professionals to focus on the specific skills they'll need in their role. Let's look at what VMware certifications used to look at and how they look now.
VMware has now broken its certifications out by job role, with each category offering several certifications. The role-based categories are:
Each role-based certification category has multiple levels, which can vary by discipline. In addition to the role-based certs, VMware offers several specialist and skill certifications. This VMware guide outlines all the tracks, but we'll explore them in greater detail below.
The VMware Data Center Virtualization certifications validate your knowledge and expertise with VMware vSphere solutions, including virtual machines, networking, and storage. VMware offers five certificate levels in Data Center Virtualization. In order of expertise, they are:
The VMware Network Virtualization certifications verify your ability to configure, deploy, and manage virtualized networking and security services, specifically NSX environments. VMware offers five levels of certifications, including:
The VCTA certification is designed for professionals newer to networking, while the VCP and above are for more advanced learners, including those at the engineer and architect levels.
VMware's cloud management and automation certificates validate your knowledge of cloud management and automation using VMware tech, including Aria. The VCTA tests foundational understanding, while the higher-level certs test your ability to design, build, and deploy solutions.
The certifications for this category gauge your skill and expertise in designing, installing, and managing solutions using VMware Workspace One and Horizon. VMware offers seven certification levels for this category.
VCTA aims to test entry-level skills, while the higher-level certifications test your ability to design and optimize solutions using VMware Horizon and VMware Workspace ONE solutions, App Volumes, and Unified Access Gateway.
VMware offers two security-focused certifications. Earning these certs proves you have a deep understanding of VMware's security solutions and can provide (at least) entry-level support for the security features in NSX-T Data Center, Workspace ONE, and Carbon Black Cloud.
The application modernization certificates test your skills in specialized areas, such as emerging tech like Kubernetes and containers. There are currently two certificates in this area, including:
The jobs associated with these certs vary by topic. However, they're ideal for any professional, including cloud administrators and platform operators, who want to be at the forefront of VMware tech.
The cost of VMware certification depends on the level of certification. Sitting for VMware VCP is $250 (USD), while VCAP levels cost $450. The cost of VCDX includes two different fees — a $995 application fee plus a panel defense cost of $3000 for in-person defenses or $995 for remote.
Exam costs can also vary based on location, currency, and whether they are proctored or taken remotely.
Remember, exam costs aren't the only expense associated with getting certified. Between training materials, lab equipment, and travel and lodging (for VCDX), earning VMware certifications can be quite an investment.
Recertification is widely recognized in the IT industry as essential to professional growth. If your skills are not current, your certification loses value. Staying current with your certifications enhances your credibility and demonstrates a commitment to learning, your career, and your organization.
VMware certifications no longer expire two years from the date they were earned. They do not expire at all.
However, VMware does recommend recertifying or earning the next level of certification every few years due to the rapidly changing nature of the IT industry.
Regardless of your option, recertifying keeps your VMware knowledge up to date.
Demand for IT professionals with virtualization skills continues to grow as increasing numbers of organizations take advantage of the increased efficiency, availability, and cost savings of virtualizing IT resources. VMware is one of the leading providers of virtualization products and solutions. Getting certified in VMware technologies can boost value in almost any IT career.
Payscale.com provides a helpful salary guide to help learners determine appropriate pay scales for job opportunities associated with advanced levels of VMware certification.
Depending on professional experience, an employee who holds a VCP certification can earn anywhere from $82,000 to $118,000 (USD) annually. VCP roles include Senior Systems Administrator, IT Manager, and Systems Engineer.
Employees with VCAP certification can earn between $119,631 and $157,264 (USD) annually. VCAP holders are typically seen in roles such as IT Architect, IT Director, and Senior Technical Consultant.
VCDX holders, on the other hand, can earn up to $180,000 (USD) per year. They are typically seen in the roles of chief architect, virtualization architect, and solutions architect.
Investing in VMware certification and training provides the foundations needed to leverage virtualization technologies. As you work through VMware certifications, you can specialize in technologies like storage, networking, and virtualization, which can help you specialize in your IT career.
CBT Nuggets offers a variety of training resources for learners who are interested in pursuing VMware certification. Below, you'll find a list of all VMware courses that CBT Nuggets offers:
The CBT Nuggets Way helps you learn more efficiently, retain information longer, and gain practical, hands-on experience. In addition to watching our videos, you can reinforce core IT practices and concepts with built-in quiz questions, simulated practice exams, and customized VMware virtual labs. Get started today.
Note: Our course library is constantly updated, and as of the publication date of this post, we are working toward providing more specific training for VMware technologies and certifications.
