Now here's a first: Two different vSphere 5 exams for the VCP5-DCV...
VMware have launched a new exam which is specific to vSphere 5.5, and it has it's own dedicated code with PearsonVUE - VCP550.
As it aligns specifically to vSphere 5.5, the topics covered have also been updated to reflect the latest features - there's coverage of Single Sign-On, the vSphere Web Client, Data Protection, vSphere Replication, vFlash cache, and also vCenter Operations Manager (reflective of the move towards vSphere with Operations Management by VMware and their customers)
As well as being specific to 5.5, the exam format has also been changed to bring it in line with the other VCP exams for Cloud and Desktop - it's now 135 questions in 120 minutes. (The total length of the appointment when booking the exam will shows as 135 minutes as 15 minutes is allocated to a survey)
Passing either exam will achieve VCP5-DCV certification, so those already certified do not need to take the new exam - although they can if they choose.
Josh Andrews from the Certification team has posted a great article on his blog that talks more about the new exam: Link to Josh's blog
Josh mentions that the old VCP510 exam (for 5.0/5.1) and the new VCP550 exam will both be available for a "limited time", although the length of the period isn't stated on his blog post or mentioned anywhere on vmware.com
My recommendation if you're starting to prepare for your VCP5-DCV certification - get trained on vSphere 5.5 and look to take the VCP550 exam - good luck!
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
The Circle is Complete
The line-up of VMware certifications is now complete, and standardised across 3 distinct disciplines:
- Data Center Virtualisation (DCV) - focused on vSphere
- Desktop (DT) - focused on View with vSphere
- Cloud - focused on vCloud Director with vSphere
Certification levels
Each discipline has 3 levels of certification:
- VCP - Professional
- VCAP - Advanced Professional
- VCDX - Design Expert
VCAP tracks
The VCAP level for each discipline has 2 standard tracks:
- Administration
- Design
There is a third VCAP certification for the Cloud discipline - Cloud Governance.
Requirements
Now the line-up is complete, VMware have also adopted a new principle for each level in terms of requirements:
- VCP - training requirement in that discipline, or VCP in other disciplines
- VCAP - VCP requirement in any discipline
- VCDX - VCP requirement in any discipline plus the VCAPs in that discipline
Bridging exams for VCP5-DCV holders
Something else that's now standardised for VCP5-DCV holders is the ability to take a "bridging" exam to achieve the VCP in other disciplines:
VCP-Cloud certification
- VCP5-DCV holders can do the IaaS exam which only tests on vCD
- Those that don't hold VCP5-DCV must do the VCP-Cloud exam which tests on vSphere and vCD
VCP-DT certification
- VCP5-DCV holders can do the View exam which only test on View
- Those that don't hold VCP5-DCV must do the VCP-Desktop exam which tests on vSphere and View
More information
The full set of requirements for each individual certification and the latest information can be found at http://www.vmware.com/certification
- Data Center Virtualisation (DCV) - focused on vSphere
- Desktop (DT) - focused on View with vSphere
- Cloud - focused on vCloud Director with vSphere
Certification levels
Each discipline has 3 levels of certification:
- VCP - Professional
- VCAP - Advanced Professional
- VCDX - Design Expert
VCAP tracks
The VCAP level for each discipline has 2 standard tracks:
- Administration
- Design
There is a third VCAP certification for the Cloud discipline - Cloud Governance.
Requirements
Now the line-up is complete, VMware have also adopted a new principle for each level in terms of requirements:
- VCP - training requirement in that discipline, or VCP in other disciplines
- VCAP - VCP requirement in any discipline
- VCDX - VCP requirement in any discipline plus the VCAPs in that discipline
Bridging exams for VCP5-DCV holders
Something else that's now standardised for VCP5-DCV holders is the ability to take a "bridging" exam to achieve the VCP in other disciplines:
VCP-Cloud certification
- VCP5-DCV holders can do the IaaS exam which only tests on vCD
- Those that don't hold VCP5-DCV must do the VCP-Cloud exam which tests on vSphere and vCD
VCP-DT certification
- VCP5-DCV holders can do the View exam which only test on View
- Those that don't hold VCP5-DCV must do the VCP-Desktop exam which tests on vSphere and View
More information
The full set of requirements for each individual certification and the latest information can be found at http://www.vmware.com/certification
VMware Certifications - Registration process and candidate IDs
Wow, it's been a long time since I blogged! Has the world survived without me? Sure it has! :-)
VMware have changed the registration process for all their certification exams to require validation of the relevant pre-requisites before a candidate is authorised to register for an exam.
This was done previously for VCAP-level exams to ensure the candidate was a VCP, and for VCDX too, but now it also applies to VCP-level exams.
So, to book any VMware certification exam, start at http://www.vmware.com/certification - head to the page for the exam you want to book and click the large "Register for the exam" box towards the top of the page.
This does change one fundamental thing - you now have to have completed any pre-requisite training before you can register for the exam. Previously, you'd be awarded the certification if you did the training and exam the "wrong way round", but going forward you won't be able to register for the exam until the training requirement has been met.
The other effect of changing this process is that the certification system at VMware and the exam registration system at PearsonVUE now need tighter integration, the result of this is that every candidate needs a new ID that both systems recognise.
Existing VMware candidates have been emailed this week with their new ID, recognised at http://www.vmware.com/certification and http://wwwpearsonvue.com/vmware
For more information about these changes have a look at this FAQ page
VMware have changed the registration process for all their certification exams to require validation of the relevant pre-requisites before a candidate is authorised to register for an exam.
This was done previously for VCAP-level exams to ensure the candidate was a VCP, and for VCDX too, but now it also applies to VCP-level exams.
So, to book any VMware certification exam, start at http://www.vmware.com/certification - head to the page for the exam you want to book and click the large "Register for the exam" box towards the top of the page.
This does change one fundamental thing - you now have to have completed any pre-requisite training before you can register for the exam. Previously, you'd be awarded the certification if you did the training and exam the "wrong way round", but going forward you won't be able to register for the exam until the training requirement has been met.
The other effect of changing this process is that the certification system at VMware and the exam registration system at PearsonVUE now need tighter integration, the result of this is that every candidate needs a new ID that both systems recognise.
Existing VMware candidates have been emailed this week with their new ID, recognised at http://www.vmware.com/certification and http://wwwpearsonvue.com/vmware
For more information about these changes have a look at this FAQ page
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Combined VCP logos
If you've read my blog before, or have a good awareness of VMware certifications, you should know that VCP (or VCP-DV to use the correct name these days) is specific to a major version of the product.
Here's mine:
There are a lot of people around these days who hold more than one VCP certification, including me! I started working with VMware ESX and VirtualCenter back in 2006 and achieved my first VCP in the same year.
One of the benefits of gaining VCP is the right to use the VCP logo on business cards, blogs, etc - but I'd need a business card the size of my iPad to include all my logos! VMware have the ability to create combined logos - a single image file that shows all your VCP versions...
How do you get yours? Well, it's easy - just send an email to certification@vmware.com with your VCP ID and they'll send it back to you. Where's your VCP ID? It's on your myLearn transcript, and your score reports (if you keep them!)
How do you get yours? Well, it's easy - just send an email to certification@vmware.com with your VCP ID and they'll send it back to you. Where's your VCP ID? It's on your myLearn transcript, and your score reports (if you keep them!)
Here's mine:
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
VCAP5-DCA - Registration is now OPEN!
VMware have advised that registration is now open for the VCAP5-DCA live lab exam.
Here's the official VCAP5-DCA page with links to the blueprint, a video demo of the user interface, and a list of testing centres where you can take the exam:
http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=30483&ui=www_cert
This is a vSphere 5 update to the VCAP4-DCA exam, and there are some changes to the vSphere features tested on in the exam - Ed Grigson did a great job of interpreting the exam blueprint (based on the beta exam) here so you don't have to:
VCAP5-DCA - What's New?
One additional thing that's been confirmed is that those who are already VCP4/VCAP4-DCA who pass the VCAP5-DCA exam until October 9th will also be awarded the VCP5 certification - after that date you will only be able to take VCAP5-DCA if you are already a VCP5.
In terms of preparation for the exam, well anyone that's taken the VCAP4-DCA exam will tell you to build a lab and practice, practice, practice!
There is an official instructor-led training class that aligns closely to the exam blueprint items - vSphere: Optimize and Scale [v5.0] - it is not mandatory to take the training but is an excellent class as well as giving you a chance to learn and practice the topics in the exam.
Here's the official VCAP5-DCA page with links to the blueprint, a video demo of the user interface, and a list of testing centres where you can take the exam:
http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=30483&ui=www_cert
This is a vSphere 5 update to the VCAP4-DCA exam, and there are some changes to the vSphere features tested on in the exam - Ed Grigson did a great job of interpreting the exam blueprint (based on the beta exam) here so you don't have to:
VCAP5-DCA - What's New?
One additional thing that's been confirmed is that those who are already VCP4/VCAP4-DCA who pass the VCAP5-DCA exam until October 9th will also be awarded the VCP5 certification - after that date you will only be able to take VCAP5-DCA if you are already a VCP5.
In terms of preparation for the exam, well anyone that's taken the VCAP4-DCA exam will tell you to build a lab and practice, practice, practice!
There is an official instructor-led training class that aligns closely to the exam blueprint items - vSphere: Optimize and Scale [v5.0] - it is not mandatory to take the training but is an excellent class as well as giving you a chance to learn and practice the topics in the exam.
Friday, 29 June 2012
VCP - Common Questions
VMware have their own landing page and FAQ page for their certifications, but I get emails and have conversations with people all the time who ask me questions like the ones below - so I thought I'd share them with you here...
If I haven't answered your question below, you can always email me at vmtraining.blog@gmail.com
Can I self-study for a VCP?
No you cannot - VCPs have always had a training requirement for first-time achievers.
Once you achieve your first VCP, there is always an "upgrade" path to the VCP on the next major version, and for achieving VCPs in other solution areas - so long as you don't let your VCP expire.
How many different VCPs are there?
VMware have 4 different technology areas that have a solution-specific VCP certification: (core products in brackets)
DCV = Data Center Virtualisation (vSphere & vSAN)
DTM = Desktop & Mobility (Horizon with View)
CMA = Cloud Management & Automation (vRealize)
NV = Network Virtualisation (NSX)
Why do I have to pass 2 exams for a VCP certification?
Each solution-specific VCP requires that you pass 2 exams:
1. vSphere Foundations
2. VCP exam for that solution
vSphere Foundations is classed as a "core" exam for all 4 of the solution-specific VCPs - the same exam is listed as a requirement for each of those VCPs, and you only need to pass it once regardless of how many solution-specific VCPs you want to achieve.
Each solution-specific VCP then has it's own exam, titled the same as the VCP itself - each of which only includes questions on the products for that particular VCP.
Are there certifications for major versions only, or minor versions too?
VCP certifications relate to the major version only - so for all vSphere 6.x versions there is just a single certification, VCP6-DCV.
Are there exams for major versions only, or minor versions too?
VMware don't always release exams for every minor version, but significant minor versions do get their own exams - this is made clear in the exam titles and objectives.
Using vSphere 5.x as an example - the exam VCP510 was originally for vSphere 5.0, when vSphere 5.1 was released the VCP510 was updated to make it applicable to both 5.0/5.1, but the vSphere 5.5 release saw a VCP550 exam that was specific to that version.
The simple answer is - it's best to check the titles and objectives for an exam.
Can I mix minor versions of training and exams for the same certification?
Yes, absolutely! Using VCP6-DCV as an example - you could be trained on vSphere 6.0, pass the vSphere 6.0 version of the vSphere Foundations exam, but then pass the vSphere 6.5 version of the VCP6-DCV exam (due for release in April 2017).
So long as the major version matches for all of the requirements - you're good.
Do I have to do the training before the exam(s)?
No, it is not essential to take the training first, although it is recommended. You can also pass exams in the "wrong" order - so the VCP6-DCV exam before the vSphere Foundations exam, if you wish. You'll achieve the certification once you've completed all of the requirements.
How long can I leave between the training and the exam(s)?
Technically, you can leave as long a gap as you want - the only deadline is the future availability of the training and the exam for that major version.
For VCP6-DCV, as long as you can get trained on one of the qualifying vSphere classes (6.0 or 6.5) and the vSphere Foundations and VCP6-DCV exams are available for you to attempt, you can achieve the certification.
Does a VCP expire?
Yes - after 2 years from completion. VMware announced a recertification policy for VCP-level certifications on March 10th 2014.
If you want to stay VCP certified in the future, do not let your existing VCP expire - read this post to learn more.
Must I visit a testing centre each time I want to attempt a VCP exam?
Every VMware exam is classed as either "proctored" or "non-proctored" - you can check this status on the page for the specific exam you want to take.
"Non-proctored" exams, such as vSphere Foundations, can be taken from any location with internet access - but "proctored" exams must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Can I get a free re-take or any other discount?
Check this promotions page for any special offers.
If I haven't answered your question below, you can always email me at vmtraining.blog@gmail.com
Can I self-study for a VCP?
No you cannot - VCPs have always had a training requirement for first-time achievers.
Once you achieve your first VCP, there is always an "upgrade" path to the VCP on the next major version, and for achieving VCPs in other solution areas - so long as you don't let your VCP expire.
How many different VCPs are there?
VMware have 4 different technology areas that have a solution-specific VCP certification: (core products in brackets)
DCV = Data Center Virtualisation (vSphere & vSAN)
DTM = Desktop & Mobility (Horizon with View)
CMA = Cloud Management & Automation (vRealize)
NV = Network Virtualisation (NSX)
Why do I have to pass 2 exams for a VCP certification?
Each solution-specific VCP requires that you pass 2 exams:
1. vSphere Foundations
2. VCP exam for that solution
vSphere Foundations is classed as a "core" exam for all 4 of the solution-specific VCPs - the same exam is listed as a requirement for each of those VCPs, and you only need to pass it once regardless of how many solution-specific VCPs you want to achieve.
Each solution-specific VCP then has it's own exam, titled the same as the VCP itself - each of which only includes questions on the products for that particular VCP.
Are there certifications for major versions only, or minor versions too?
VCP certifications relate to the major version only - so for all vSphere 6.x versions there is just a single certification, VCP6-DCV.
Are there exams for major versions only, or minor versions too?
VMware don't always release exams for every minor version, but significant minor versions do get their own exams - this is made clear in the exam titles and objectives.
Using vSphere 5.x as an example - the exam VCP510 was originally for vSphere 5.0, when vSphere 5.1 was released the VCP510 was updated to make it applicable to both 5.0/5.1, but the vSphere 5.5 release saw a VCP550 exam that was specific to that version.
The simple answer is - it's best to check the titles and objectives for an exam.
Can I mix minor versions of training and exams for the same certification?
Yes, absolutely! Using VCP6-DCV as an example - you could be trained on vSphere 6.0, pass the vSphere 6.0 version of the vSphere Foundations exam, but then pass the vSphere 6.5 version of the VCP6-DCV exam (due for release in April 2017).
So long as the major version matches for all of the requirements - you're good.
Do I have to do the training before the exam(s)?
No, it is not essential to take the training first, although it is recommended. You can also pass exams in the "wrong" order - so the VCP6-DCV exam before the vSphere Foundations exam, if you wish. You'll achieve the certification once you've completed all of the requirements.
How long can I leave between the training and the exam(s)?
Technically, you can leave as long a gap as you want - the only deadline is the future availability of the training and the exam for that major version.
For VCP6-DCV, as long as you can get trained on one of the qualifying vSphere classes (6.0 or 6.5) and the vSphere Foundations and VCP6-DCV exams are available for you to attempt, you can achieve the certification.
Does a VCP expire?
Yes - after 2 years from completion. VMware announced a recertification policy for VCP-level certifications on March 10th 2014.
If you want to stay VCP certified in the future, do not let your existing VCP expire - read this post to learn more.
Must I visit a testing centre each time I want to attempt a VCP exam?
Every VMware exam is classed as either "proctored" or "non-proctored" - you can check this status on the page for the specific exam you want to take.
"Non-proctored" exams, such as vSphere Foundations, can be taken from any location with internet access - but "proctored" exams must be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Can I get a free re-take or any other discount?
Check this promotions page for any special offers.
Monday, 18 June 2012
New certification: VMware Certified Professional 5 - Infrastructure as a Service
VMware have confirmed that they will be launching their first cloud certification - VMware Certified Professional 5 - Infrastructure as a Service (VCP5-IaaS).
The certification is based around vSphere 5 and vCloud Director 1.5, and is designed for those who have the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure and administer a vCloud environment.
The beta period for the exam is running at the moment, and if the past is any indication it should be around 6-8 weeks from now when the final exam is released.
Here's a couple of useful links:
VMware Education and Certification blog announcement
Eric Sloof's NTPRO.NL blog
So far I've found these posts from people who've taken the beta exam:
Manish Patel
Tomi Hakala
As usual, I will update this blog as and when further information becomes available including the final exam blueprint, and add more blog reports from those who take the exam.
The certification is based around vSphere 5 and vCloud Director 1.5, and is designed for those who have the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure and administer a vCloud environment.
The beta period for the exam is running at the moment, and if the past is any indication it should be around 6-8 weeks from now when the final exam is released.
Here's a couple of useful links:
VMware Education and Certification blog announcement
Eric Sloof's NTPRO.NL blog
So far I've found these posts from people who've taken the beta exam:
Manish Patel
Tomi Hakala
As usual, I will update this blog as and when further information becomes available including the final exam blueprint, and add more blog reports from those who take the exam.
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