Wow, it's been an embarrassingly long time since I've posted here! My role at VMware is internal-only, and relentless - meaning that it's difficult to make the time to post updates...
So, here's an attempt at consolidating the most pertinent certification updates - in no particular order!
New Certification: VMware Certified Professional - Digital Workspace 2018 (VCP-DW 2018)
As the boundaries blur between the traditional "desktop" workspace, and the proliferation of mobile devices and apps, VMware have just released a VCP certification centred around Workspace ONE - which I use all day every day as an employee!
Find out more via this blog post, or head directly to the VCP-DW 2018 page here.
New Certification: VMware Certified Associate - Digital Business Transformation (VCA-DBT)
Rather than have a separate VCA certification in each of the 4 main solution areas as was previously the case, there is now just a single VCA on Digital Business Transformation.
As the focus is on digital transformation, there's a broad set of technologies/products/solutions covered - learn more by reading this blog post, and the VCA-DBT page.
Specialist Certifications: vSAN and vRealize Operations
Rather than having full-blown certification tracks for vSAN and vRealize Operations, VMware launched "specialist" certifications for each of these technologies.
vSAN 2017 Specialist
vRealize Operations 2017 Specialist
vSAN is also part of the DCV solution track for VCP/VCAP/VCDX, while vRealize Operations comes under CMA for VCP/VCAP/VCDX.
Bridging Paths for Current VCP Holders
VMware now offer a single exam path to achieving the latest VCPs for the various solution tracks, for those who have a current VCP that is 2 versions behind the latest VCP.
Example: VCP5-DCV holders can go straight to VCP6.5-DCV without having to achieve VCP6-DCV first.
Before these new paths became available, older version VCP holders would need to pass 2 exams, or take a course and pass the same exams as a newbie.
Check this blog post for details, and more examples of how the new paths might apply to you.
Other
A few other topics have been covered by "Certification Insights" blog posts:
Finding Exam Prep Materials
Purchasing Branded Items
Helping to Develop Exams
I will try not to leave it so long til I post again!!