Desktop vs. Datacenter - The Right VCP5 Certification for You

Like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and other organizations which grant IT certifications, VMware offers a variety of different certificate programs; each of which focus on a different skillset and specialty within the world of virtualization. There are several levels of VMware Certification – Associate/Professional and Advanced.

The VMware Certified Professional designation recognizes those who already have previous experience working with virtualization systems and are looking to establish themselves as knowledgeable professionals within the sphere of virtual systems. However, there are several subspecialties available when earning the VMware Certified Professional designation. Two of the most commonly pursued certifications at the professional level include VCP5-DCV – Data Center Virtualization and VCP5-DT Desktop. While both are recognized as VMware professionals, each certification has different requirements and topics covered, preparing the professional for a different role within the IT field.

The VMware Certified Professional 5 – Desktop (VCP5-DT) Exam certification is for individuals just beginning their virtualization careers or for analysts and technicians who work with individual users at the desktop level. This specialization focuses more on the end-user experience when working with VMware, making programs and data accessible to users, and working with the VMware View management system. To earn this VMware certification, professionals must either first attend a qualifying VMware course OR currently hold VCP5-DV Data Center Virtualization or VCP-Cloud Certification credentials. Candidates must be able to configure the vSphere environment, possess a deep understanding of VMware core components and their relation to storage and networking, and be proficient in datacenter design methodologies.

VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DV) Exam is for individuals who already have experience with VMware systems and those who work on wide-scale, enterprise-level virtualization environments. This certification focuses more heavily on design, planning, and implementation, rather than focusing on the end-user. VCP5-DV certification is available to those who have a minimum of six months of experience working with VMware and complete the required course or currently have VCP-DT certification. For those who already have VCP4 training and have completed a qualifying course, the VCP5-DV exam is available after completing a “What’s New in VCP5” course. VCP-DV certification confirms that you have the education needed to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments.

Which certification is right for you? There are several options available to you based on your job function, experience with VMware, and your career goals. VMware offers comprehensive information about the VCP5-DV and VCP5-DT certifications on their website. When you’re ready to take the next step and earn your certification, visit us at VMware Certification Marketplace for books, study guides, practice tests, exam vouchers and everything you need to earn your virtualization certification. 

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!