Sunday, 31 January 2010

Current paths to VCP4

If you read my blog regularly you will most likely be aware of this, the rules for holders of VCP2 and/or VCP3 certifications to obtain the VCP4 have now changed. The state of play as of now is shown below.

If you are a VCP2 holder, or are new to VMware training/certification, you must complete 2 steps to get your VCP4:
1. Complete at least one official vSphere training course:
        - Install, Configure, Manage
        - Fast Track
        - Troubleshooting
2. Pass the VCP-410 exam

If you are a VCP3 holder, or you have completed one of the VI3 courses that qualify for VCP3, you must complete 2 steps to get your VCP4:
1. Complete at least one official vSphere training course
        - What's New
        - Install, Configure, Manage
        - Fast Track
        - Troubleshooting
2. Pass the VCP-410 exam

I have a page on my Think Virtually site which has been updated to show these new paths.

There are other yet-to-be-released vSphere courses that also meet the qualification for VCP4, I will announce the details for them as and when I can.
Posted by at
Labels:

72 comments:

  1. amit sharma1 February 2010 at 10:53

    Hi Scott,
    I am a fresher (in india) and interested in VCP.
    Before searching a training center and going for the formal training i want to go for the baiscs on my own. Can u suggest me some nice video to learn the basics of this track.
    any help would be appreciated.

    Amit
    amitsha@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Scott Vessey1 February 2010 at 11:01

    Hi Amit, the most popular videos for vSphere are produced by TrainSignal - http://www.trainsignal.com/VMware-vSphere-Training-P76.aspx

    Note that you would still have to attend an official VMware course in order to get the VCP certification

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown1 February 2010 at 13:56

    Hi Scott,

    My name is Feroz, I am from India. I have planed to write my VCP exam, when I was searching the detail I could find the person requires Windows or Linux administration skill. Could you please advise whether the Admin skill is must
    (perior,I need to join class to learn this) or the little bit idea about these area would be find.

    Please help me.

    Thanks in Advance.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Scott Vessey2 February 2010 at 16:49

    Hi Feroz, the VMware courses assume a reasonable level of operating system skills - the greater your Windows/Linux admin skills the easier you will find the labs on the course. Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous23 April 2010 at 03:17

    Hi Scott,

    I want to learn about VCP technology. I am starting from scratch and I have no background in managing any OS. How can I tread this path?

    Thanks,
    Dinesh Sharma

    ReplyDelete
  6. Scott Vessey28 April 2010 at 08:46

    Hi Dinesh,

    I would advise trying to get some experience in operating systems such as Windows and Linux, and the applications that organizations typically run like mail servers, database servers, etc. Then you might be in a better position to look at virtualization of those operating systems and applications. Any exposure you can get to shared storage such as SAN and NAS, and networking will also help enormously.

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown10 May 2010 at 15:44

    Hi Scott

    This is Bharath fromBangalore
    Currently I cant afford to attend an official Vmware training. Is there any alternative without attending official training.

    Please help me out.

    I want to get certified on VCP4

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous31 October 2012 at 18:17

      U can google it out, u will surely find in Mumbai.

      Delete
  8. Scott Vessey10 May 2010 at 16:44

    Hi Bharath,

    VCP4 is only available to those who have attended official vSphere training, even for those who are VCP on previous version of the software.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Unknown29 July 2010 at 17:08

    Scott,

    Before you can get VCP4, you must take a class. Can i just schedule the exam at testing site.

    Derick Josey
    Network Engineer
    MCTS,MCTIP, Network +
    DOD 8570.1 Compliant
    djosey2008@gmail.com
    phone : 240-370-1821

    ReplyDelete
  10. Scott Vessey1 August 2010 at 19:37

    Hi Derick, anyone can schedule the VCP4 exam, at any Pearson Vue testing site. But, only those who also meet the mandatory training requirement will gain the VCP4 certification.

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous7 August 2010 at 16:28

    I am Windows Admin, AD, DNS & DHCP is my domain and I would like do the VCP certifcation.

    In my present work I have installed esx4 in 6 servers and the servers are working fine.

    I am interseted in doing my course now, What will be my future if I do VCP ?

    I do not know linux is that a drawback for me?

    I am CCNA, MCSA certified pro

    Thanks

    Karthik

    ReplyDelete
  12. Scott Vessey7 August 2010 at 21:57

    Hi Karthik, I wouldn't worry too much about your lack of skills with Linux - you can manage most aspects of an ESX-based environment without ever going near the ESX Service Console which is Linux-based.

    I can't really comment on your future, it depends who you want to work for and what sort of role you wish to have.

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  13. abhivish200614 September 2010 at 20:18

    Hi Scott,

    Kindly let me know how can i get the information regarding authorised training centres in india.
    Currently i am Windows Server Administrator & have cleared MCITP(server administrator).

    Abhishek Vishwakarma

    ReplyDelete
  14. Scott Vessey14 September 2010 at 22:05

    Hi Abishek,

    VMware's website has a list off all official courses in India:
    http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrreg/courses.cfm?dsp=all&ui=www_edu&country=India

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous26 September 2010 at 17:42

    HI Scott,

    I am a windows admin, I have basic work experience in unix(Solaris)too. Now I planning to do VCP, could you tell the procedure to take exam, means which courses are I have to take (I saw these are VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage,Fast Track, Trouble shooting)and what are these.

    Thanks
    Krishna

    ReplyDelete
  16. Scott Vessey27 September 2010 at 16:54

    Hi Krishna,

    If the information on this blog isn't enough to help you understand the VCP requirements and the training courses, I recommend visiting vmware.com

    VCP - http://www.vmware.com/go/vcp
    Training - http://www.vmware.com/education

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown28 September 2010 at 11:00

    Hi Scott,
    i am linux admin with one and half years of experience.i am interseted to learn VMware course.how can i start the VMware course. can u please tell me.

    Thanks
    Atchaiah

    ReplyDelete
  18. Scott Vessey28 September 2010 at 11:35

    Hi Atchaiah, you need to get learning about vSphere, you can evaluate the software at http://www.vmware.com/tryvmware

    If you want to train up and get certified on vSphere, I recommend you look at the vSphere: Install Configure Manage course as a starting point.

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Preetham11 October 2010 at 21:58

    HI Scott,
    This is Preetham and i am planning on taking up teh VCP Training and then the Cert. I also have a background in Linux and Mail Servers.
    But my concern is if people who have just completed the cert have ample oppurtunities in INDIA OR Abroad. ? Because when we complete the Cert we are as good as freshers and have no experience.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Simon15 October 2010 at 15:08

    In my honest opinion the VCP exam is not designed for people with no previous VMware experience.

    As far as jobs are concerned, you will soon get found out if you don't have the experience and would soon get your marching orders (ie lose your job).

    ReplyDelete
  21. Scott Vessey15 October 2010 at 15:15

    I agree with you Simon, hands-on experience certainly counts for a lot in terms of gaining the certification and being successful in a vSphere-related job role.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous15 October 2010 at 18:27

    Hi Scott,

    Iam interested in the pursuing a career in security aspects of virtualization and cloud computing .
    My expertise lies in the area of backup & disaster recovery.I have knowledge on vmware workstation and a little bit of ESX server.Im also CCNA,MCTS and I would call myself intermediate in Linux.Please advise me on where to start with and how to go about it.

    Thanks in advance

    Mohammed Safeer
    Backup & Recovery Expert-Acronis

    ReplyDelete
  23. Simon21 October 2010 at 16:55

    Scott,

    I discovered recently that VMware have changed the format for their training and have stopped the FastTrack course and instead increased the ICM to 5 days, the idea being that the new 5 day course should cover everything for the VCP. Can you please advise if thats the case (as I see the GK are now doing both the old FastTrack and new 5day ICM).

    Regards,

    Simon

    ReplyDelete
  24. Scott Vessey22 October 2010 at 10:59

    Hi Simon,

    You're right - sort of ;-)

    The Fast Track course is going "end of life" at the end of 2010, we still have a couple more dates before the end of the year. The ICM course growing to 5 days makes it un-necessary to have the Fast Track too, hence why it will be retiring. Until it retires, both FT and ICM qualify for VCP4 certification. I will be updating this blog post at the end of 2010.

    The courses alone don't cover every topic that could be in the exam - VMware expect a VCP to have experience in using vSphere too - check the VCP exam blueprint to find out what you are tested on.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Simon22 October 2010 at 11:17

    Scott,

    Thanks for the update, I will be booking something up at the end of the year with GK (I am alumni having done a course with a certain South African System Center instructor before), once I finish this contract I will be in touch.

    In the mean time I will be going through the various bits I have (books, blogs and cbt's).

    Thank god for the internet :D

    ReplyDelete
  26. Scott Vessey22 October 2010 at 11:35

    Hi Simon,

    Glad to help - get back in touch when you're ready - you'll find a link to my email address in the "Contact Me" box at the top-right of this page :-)

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Baskar22 October 2010 at 11:38

    Hi Scott,

    pls let me know without attending the training course with the VMW partner we cannot write the exams [VCP] directly when i have hands on experence in VMW & Prepared with Dumbs

    ReplyDelete
  28. Simon22 October 2010 at 11:43

    @ Baskar, I believe you can sit the exam but cannot call yourself a VCP. I would like to add however that using dumps is very VERY frowned upon because that cheapens the entire certification process. In a way that's one of the reasons why I like the fact that you have to go on a certified course before calling yourself a VCP (I wish MS would do the same kind of thing).

    ReplyDelete
  29. Scott Vessey22 October 2010 at 11:45

    Hi Baskar,

    You can take the VCP exam without doing training, but you won't get awarded the certification by VMware.

    I would advise that if you already have VCP-level skills and knowledge, you should attend the vSphere: Troubleshooting course in order to gain qualification for the certification - you will still learn a lot about vSphere on that course!

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous26 October 2010 at 12:21

    Hi Scott,

    Iam interested in the pursuing a career in security aspects of virtualization and cloud computing .
    My expertise lies in the area of backup & disaster recovery.I have knowledge on vmware workstation and a little bit of ESX server.Im also CCNA,MCTS and I would call myself intermediate in Linux.Please advise me on where to start with and how to go about it.

    Thanks in advance

    Mohammed Safeer
    Backup & Recovery Expert-Acronis

    ReplyDelete
  31. Neevan13 November 2010 at 02:13

    Hi Scott,
    I worked as j2ee developer for 10 months and now i am planning to pursue my career in virtualisation. Can i have VCP certification even though i don't much work experience.

    Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous24 November 2010 at 15:04

    Hi Scott,
    I need to become VCP by the 24th of December, as I need the cloud to make some virtual deliveries due to increased business around the world. I believe Fasttrack would be the best course. When is your last date?
    Thank you
    Mr C.
    Lapland

    ReplyDelete
  33. John Ralston29 November 2010 at 22:05

    Scott,
    I wanted to express our thanks for your great vmware blog. We are transferring over to vmware soon and your sugesttion of Trainsignal's dvd's hit the mark for us.

    Thanks
    -John

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous22 December 2010 at 05:34

    Hi Scott,

    I am currently working on project of building virtual servers remotely. This involves VMware vCentre. I am also RHCE and CCNA. Is this experience sufficient for becoming a VCP and do I have good job prospects with such experience and VCP cert ?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous4 January 2011 at 07:35

    Hi Scott,

    I am planning to attend VCP training and would like to know which is the best training centre for Vmware.
    I currently stay in Mumbai.

    Thanks, Vishal

    ReplyDelete
  36. Scott Vessey5 January 2011 at 11:31

    Hi Vishal, there is a location search tool on the right-hand side of the main Education Services page on the VMware site. As I'm not based in India, I don't have an opinion on which would be the best training centre.

    Copy/paste this link into your browser to find all vSphere: Install Configure Manage courses currently scheduled in India:

    http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/courses.cfm?ui=www_edu&a=sort&orderby=0&id_subject=19919&country=India

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Deepak Negi6 February 2011 at 14:29

    Hi Scott,

    My name is Deepak Negi, I have 4 years of experience in windows and Linux and I have completed the 4 days VCP training course recently. I came to know that the key to clear the exam is getting started with the blueprint. Is it a good idea to buy a hardware so that I can install two Vmware ESX/ESXi 4.1 within workstation 7 and I can test the features like Vmotion HA and etc. Currently I have installed Vmware ESXi4 as a nested VM in my laptop where I am able to install and configure ESX and ESXi although I have created a virtual Machine under ESXi which is very very slow. I want to clear VCP soon so any help would be appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Scott Vessey7 February 2011 at 13:47

    Hi Deepak, I would definitely recommend running some form of lab, and you will be able to test most vSphere features with a set of vSphere VMs like you plan on building. I would suggest building a total of 4 VMs - VM1 to run ESX/ESXi, VM2 to run ESX/ESXi, VM3 to run Windows/vCenter, VM4 to run OpenFiler or FreeNAS as "shared storage" - you will need a system with 8GB of RAM or more to run all of those at once. Good luck for your exam. Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Plebless25 February 2011 at 09:03

    Hi Scott,

    I am interested in learning more about Vmware. Currently, at work we have 2 * vmware esx 4.1.0 servers. I was not involved in the install so I only know the basic tasks to manage these servers through the vmware vsphere client. I have 7 years of windows experience and very little linux experience so I would like to upgrade my skills. Please can you advise what exam I should take for me to jump in to the vmware world?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous4 March 2011 at 05:50

    Hi Scott,

    I want to make career in virtualization..I am currently working on vmware tool vCentre. I do not have any exposure on esx/esxi...I am RHCE and have a good experience on W2K3.
    Is this experience good enough to understand VCP training, what approach do i need to develop to make a career in virtualization...?

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous16 April 2011 at 05:19

    Hi Scott,

    I am registering for a qualified training then take certification exam. I want to pass it on first take and willing to buy practice test software. Can you recommend a practice exam software that will guarantee passing the exam?

    Thanks and more power.
    JB

    ReplyDelete
  42. Scott Vessey19 April 2011 at 12:19

    Hi JB,

    I cannot condone or recommend buying any practice test software - such products use questions stolen from the VCP exam and are effectively a form of cheating, as well as undermining the "value" of the certification. There are some great resources on the "VCP Study" tab at the top of this blog.

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous11 June 2011 at 07:17

    Hi Scott,

    I have completed VCP VSPHERE 4 exam in December 2009 without the authorised training. So i didnot get any authorised certification from VMWARE. Now i would like to take up the training course and how to get the authorised certification with that. Please advise.

    Thanks & Regards,
    Sudar

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous22 June 2011 at 07:01

    Hi Scott, Can I take VCP-410 exam now and then attend one of the courses mandatory in order to get VCP certificate? I am into system/network admin have 14 years experience.
    SHAHZAD YUSUF

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous22 June 2011 at 09:32

    Hi Shahzad, yes you can pass the exam first and take the training later, but bear in mind that vSphere 4 courses will become more rare in the second half of 2011 once vSphere 5 is released. Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  46. prakash jadhav22 June 2011 at 12:31

    he hi Scott Vessey, i need some extra information about vmware,

    i read your blog and its very helpfull.

    i live in mumbai India, i search lot of related to vmware, but i found normal normal information,

    one important this compulsory to do this course form vmware classroom only, and its not available in mumbai,,

    can u just help me,, its really that much compulsory to do only from vmware, other wise job is not available for the outside institute, its it true?

    please send me some information about how can i do this course.

    Thanks,

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous22 June 2011 at 15:02

    Hi Prakash, yes it is compulsory to do a training course, and some providers do offer the courses as live-online with an instructor. However, HP do offer the official courses in Mumbai - copy and paste this link into your browser to see all the official courses in India: http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrreg/courses.cfm?dsp=all&ui=www_edu&country=India

    Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  48. SHAHZAD YUSUF28 June 2011 at 08:41

    Hi SCOTT and ALL,
    I passed the VCP410 yesterday. Beside my hardwaork I will contrinute the success to TRAINSIGNAL Video and the LAB environment I created with the help of two Physical ESX server with OPENFILER for ISCSI storage practise. Indeed practise exam available online were helpful but please do not mug them as the real question may comprise of similar sentence but it may have differnt way of different answer that that of the practise exam one. YOU HAVE TO READ THE QUESTIONS ASKED VERY CAREFULLY.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous3 July 2011 at 08:25

    hi sir ,
    i m jitendra from India ...

    where i can take vcp training ..as good trainer in India Vmware authorized center

    plz inform

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous16 July 2011 at 19:13

    Hi Scott,

    I am VCP3 holder.

    I have attended vSphere 4: Install Configure Manage v4.0 (4 Day) courses.

    If pass the VCP-410 exam, can I get VCP certification?

    thank you very much!


    =====================
    Eric

    ReplyDelete
  51. Aff27 July 2011 at 10:33

    Hi Scott

    work in IT support and wanting to go into something new

    what do you suggest reading material or the first steps

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous21 August 2011 at 02:28

    Hello,

    I was offered the chance to work for a company based on my ability to become Vmware/VCP4 certified. My first question is, with no formal experience, training or knowledge about IT is something like this realistic and attainable? I am reading a recommended book and getting the basic concept but i almost have to stop every paragraph to research the meaning of the lingo. Secondly, is it possible to take the test before taking the class? Thanks so much for your time.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous2 September 2011 at 07:15

    Hi Scott,

    I want to make career in virtualization..I am currently working on solaris (Lvevel 1 - 1year experience ). I do not have any exposure on esx/esxi...I am RHCE,
    is this experience good enough to understand VCP training, what approach do i need to develop to make a career in virtualization ? and i want to know the opportunity for fresh

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous11 September 2011 at 07:15

    Hi Scott,
    I am planning to upgrade my VCP4 certification to VCP5. Pls. confirm, is any discount on fee or offer is provided by VMware.. or would there be anything before 29th Feb 2012..

    Regards
    Manish Singh

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous12 September 2011 at 01:03

    Hi Scott,

    I am visiting India from overseas and while I am in India I would like to take up the VCP training and sit the exam. Can you suggest some good training centers who offer this training in India? I will be visiting Mumbai so will be looking at the near available center to take this up.

    Kindly advise.

    Regards,

    Oneil

    ReplyDelete
  56. Anonymous6 December 2011 at 09:40

    Hi Scott,


    I did a solaris 10 course before six months. But
    i dont have any real time experience. Now i am interested to do a VCP program. i have a little knolwedge on UNIX OS. Is this enough for doing this course. please suggest. i am awaiting for your valuable reply.

    Regards,
    Mani.J

    ReplyDelete
  57. Scott Vessey6 December 2011 at 16:21

    @Mani, you really need as good an overall understanding as possible of operating systems, applications, networking, storage, and servers - that will help you enormously when learning about virtualization and the VCP.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Unknown2 February 2012 at 21:48

    hi sir,
    my name is manish and i am pursuing my mca(last training sem )... i want to do an VCP course.BUT i m fresher...Is this the right time for doing this course or i have to do another course to be eligible for it(VCP).Please give me some guidence sir..

    ReplyDelete
  59. Scott Vessey6 February 2012 at 12:27

    @manish (Feb 2, 2012) - Due to the nature of virtualisation and the role it plays in a modern datacentre, it is easiest and most relevant to those that have at least some understanding of operating systems, applications, and the underlying server, network and storage hardware. If you do decide to proceed with VCP, I would look to VCP5 and vSphere 5 training.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Unknown13 February 2012 at 14:40

    thank u so much sir...i m taking some classes of operating system...network...server..hyper v.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Kalimpong26 March 2012 at 01:00

    Hi Scott,
    I have some hands-on experience on VMware vSphere like creating new VDs and troubleshooting on VD users' issues. Now I want to get VMware certified, so which VMware course you think I should start with?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Scott Vessey26 March 2012 at 10:12

    @Kalimpong - have a look at Install Configure Manage and the Fast Track courses for vSphere 5 - both are 5 days long and will qualify you for VCP5 certification, but the Fast Track is run over extended days and includes about 40% more material - all of which will be useful for the VCP5 exam.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anonymous30 April 2012 at 06:38

    I Scott,
    Myself Ali i have done MCITP administrator im working as system engineer in india i want to gain certification in virtulisation can u help me to get an which trainning & certification so that i can get more benifits near in future & what is the best practise to have a hand on experience to gain more knowledge on vm ware virtulisation servers.....

    Thanks & Regards,
    ALI.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scott Vessey30 April 2012 at 08:23

      Click on the VCP5 tab at the top of the page ;-)

      Delete
  64. Maddi11 August 2012 at 05:27

    Hi Scott,

    These is Maddi I need to give VCP certification please help me, Iam Windows server Administrator and worked in OS ESX 4.1.Request you to mail the details at maddijob@gmail.com please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scott Vessey11 August 2012 at 15:33

      There's plenty of information on the VCP4 and VCP5 tabs at the top of this page.

      Delete
  65. Tapan31 October 2012 at 23:13

    Hi Scott,

    I don't have any experience in server admin...do u recommend Vmware course to me , if I don't then which course should I do before going in for Vmware

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scott Vessey2 November 2012 at 08:27

      You'll find learning about virtualization very tough if you don't have any server experience, though it would be beneficial if you have experience in storage and/or networking.

      Delete
  66. montyanand18 December 2012 at 14:28

    Hi Scott.
    I am working as tech support. I am interested in doing vcp . Is there any prior education or course that I need to do before doing vcp.
    What will be my scope for job after completing vcp certification .
    How can I change My job profile from tech support to core technical like vm ware .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scott Vessey20 December 2012 at 10:59

      Look at the VCP5-DV (the new name for VCP5) at http://www.vmware.com/go/vcp

      I can't really give you careers advice, other than to try and gain as much virtualisation experience as you can.

      Delete
  67. Anonymous15 January 2013 at 22:15

    hi scott
    I am SAID.
    could you please give me a link of free training videos of Vsphere ?

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)