VCP Help

Beyond the VMware Certified Professional

by VCPHelp on 11/01/09 at 5:33 pm

Once you have your VCP, you’re well on your way to showing potential employers and customers that you have the knowledge to get their virtualization project off the ground. But what if you want to go further – to earn the highest VMware certification available? Then you want the VCDX.

The VCDX is a grueling examination of not only your VMware-centric skills, but also your understanding of advanced IT architecture and how to best apply VMware products and technologies to accomplish any conceivable goal. The list of skills needed to get a VCDX is incredibly long (see it here) and only the most diehard technologist will be able to achieve such an accomplishment. I’m sure the rewards will be great for such a person, but alas, I do not have nor am I close to getting a VCDX, so I can’t say what it’s like. See the FAQ on the NCDX.

As for other certifications that mesh well with a VCP, you may want to consider:

RHCE: The Redhat Certified Engineer program. This is a practical hands-on examination in addition to a written test, so it’s rather difficult to obtain. However, having a RHCE will assist you in working with VMware because you’ll often be running Linux servers and even some portions of the VMware product line are descended from Redhat Linux. You can get RHCE test prep kits to aid you in your studies as well.

CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate program. A solid network is the foundation for a Virtual Infrastructure deployment because without the network, your virtual servers can’t do anything useful. The CCNA is the Cisco foundation program which validates your skills in router setup, best practices for network deployment, switching concepts, network protocols, and many other network-centric skills. Check-out the CCNA test prep kit to boost your chances of taking this very difficult exam.