The Right VMware Certification for You

Technology is an incredibly fast-moving industry – parts of which didn’t even exist 20 years ago. While conventional IT concepts like server deployment, desktop troubleshooting, and networking have been around for well over a decade, virtualization has only became a major force in the IT world within the last 10 years. Unlike Microsoft, one of the industry leaders in software which has existed since the 1980s; and Cisco, the industry leader in networking technologies which has existed since 1984; VMware, the leader in virtualization services, only came into existence in 1998.

Despite its short history, VMware is one of the most rapidly growing companies in the IT industry. As companies look to manage more data across more devices, many of which are mobile, cloud computing is a skill that more businesses need at every level, from small shops to enterprise level corporations. Much like businesses that look for Microsoft Certified Professionals to manage their software; a growing number of companies are looking for VMware Certified individuals when hiring professionals to design, manage, and troubleshoot their virtualization systems.

Similar to how CompTIA, Microsoft, and Cisco have different classes of certifications, VMware offers several different levels of certification for individuals seeking to become VMware Certified:

• VMware Certified Associate (VCA) is the first level of VMware certification. IT professionals with this level of certification have demonstrated familiarity with VMware environments and virtualization concepts, and have the abilities needed to design, manage and troubleshoot basic desktop and server virtualization environments. This certification is available in specialties of Cloud Infrastructure (Cloud), Workforce Mobility (WM), and Data Center Virtualization (DCV).
   
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP5) - This industry-recognized certification requires completion of a VMware-authorized training course and hands-on experience with VMware technologies. The latest version of the VCP is the VCP5, introduced in July of 2011. The VCP5, like all previous versions of the VCP, is focused on evaluating a candidate’s ability to install, configure, and manage VMware’s virtualization platform; including skills like installation of ESXi hosts, use of VMware vCenter Server, networking, security, and configuration of high-availability. VCP Certification is available in specialties of Data Center Virtualization (DCV), Desktop Design (DTD), and Cloud Infrastructure (Cloud).
   
• VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) is VMware’s intermediate level exam. Available in Datacenter Administration (DCA), Datacenter Design (DCD), Desktop Design (DTD), Cloud Infrastructure Administration (CIA), and Cloud Infrastructure Design (CID), this program is designed for those who already have obtained VCP5 certification and are ready to prove their competency in working with more advanced virtualization environments including enterprise-level virtualization server and desktop installations.
   
• VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) is the highest level of virtualization certification offered by VMware. The elite group of IT professionals with this certification have proven enterprise-level skills in VMware Solution design and implementation. designing, deploying and maintaining virtualization environments across a variety of devices at the enterprise level. Available in specialties of Cloud Infrastructure (Cloud) and Data Center Virtualization (DVC).

No matter what level you’re at in your IT career, VMware Certification Marketplace offers learning materials for all VMware Certification exams as well as exam vouchers for all VMware certification exams. Get your VMware Certification today and build your career – there’s real opportunity and real money to be made with virtualization!