VMware is a California-based company specializing in virtualization software, or programs (often called hypervisors) that allow computers to create and run virtual environments. When a Windows-installed PC runs Linux, users can thank virtualization for allowing it to happen. This capability provides a great deal of flexibility in terms of functionality, storage and data recovery, making it a valuable cost-saving tool for businesses. In fact, according to its official site, as of 2011 VMware served more than 250,000 organizations across the globe, including all Fortune 100 companies and 96 percent of Fortune 1000 companies.
VMware VCP Certification Training
Professionals with the ability to deploy, maintain and manage virtual infrastructure solutions are in demand in today’s market, and VMware Certified Professional certification can give IT workers the skills necessary to perform these vital tasks.
Because running multiple virtual machines can create a degree of instability on the host computer, it is important that IT professionals using VMware tools are well trained. VMware certifications ensure that pros using the company’s solutions for data center or desktop virtualization have the skills they need to install, manage and troubleshoot VMware products.
VMware certifications pay off
For IT professionals, VMware certifications represent a valuable investment in their careers. As VMware solutions become increasingly popular in the business world, demand for VMware certified professionals grows–and so do their salaries. According to Global Knowledge’s 2011 IT Skills and Salary Report, the median annual salary for a VMware Certified Professional (VCP) was $87,151, well beyond the $72,200 median annual salary for all network and computer systems administrators in 2010, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
VMware offers a number of popular certifications in either the data center or desktop virtualization tracks.
Data center virtualization certifications
VMware Certified Professional (VCP): The VCP is an entry-level VMware certification that provides candidates with an introduction to virtual infrastructure. The VCP recognizes that one can install, manage and deploy VMware vSphere.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP): The VCAP is a mid-level credential that builds upon the VCP curriculum. Candidates can choose to specialize in Data Center Administration (DCA) or Data Center Design (DCD).
VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX): The highest certification within the Data Center Virtualization track, the VCDX challenges candidates to exhibit expertise in the VMware virtual infrastructure from top to bottom.
Desktop virtualization certifications
VMware Certified Associate (VCA-DT): The VCA-DT is VMware’s baseline desktop virtualization certification. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage, monitor and troubleshoot desktop deployments and VMware View components.
VMware Certified Professional (VCP-DT): The VCP-DT certification builds upon the skills honed during the VCA-DT certification process, verifying that candidates can install and configure the VMware View environment and enable View Client users. They must also demonstrate a keen understanding of VMware core components and be able to configure the vSphere environment.
