In the ever-evolving cloud and virtualization field, achieving industry-recognized certifications is essential for IT professionals who want to stand out. VMware certifications, such as the VMware Certified Professional – VMware vSphere Foundation Administrator (VCP-VVF Admin) and VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator (VCP-VCF Admin), are invaluable for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in VMware’s robust ecosystem.
In our recent exam prep webinar, VMware Certified Instructor Tim Burkard and VCF Learning Veteran Joel West provided an in-depth look at these certifications, sharing insights into exam content, preparation tips, and study resources to help learners succeed.
How VCF Learning Certifications Are Developed
Creating VCF Learning certification exams involves a meticulous process to ensure they accurately reflect the skills needed by VMware professionals to succeed.
Before drafting any exam, our Broadcom Certification team first defines the target skill level—known as the “minimally acceptable candidate.” This helps us ensure that each certification aligns with its intended focus. For instance, the VCP-VVF Admin and VCP-VCF Admin certifications focus on practical administration skills rather than design or architecture expertise.
Once the target skill level is set, an outline of each exam’s core components is developed—such as VMware vSphere or VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)—including both day-to-day operations and broader conceptual knowledge.
Every VMware Certification exam is organized according to a five-section Exam Guide. This framework outlines the top-level objectives, although not every section appears in every exam. The Exam Guide is a valuable tool, helping candidates focus their studies on the most important areas.
Now that you know how certifications are designed, let’s dive into what these new exams cover.
VMware Certified Professional – VMware vSphere Foundation Administrator Certification (VCP-VVF Admin)
The VMware Certified Professional—VMware vSphere Foundation Administrator (VCP-VVF Admin) certification is tailored for IT professionals who manage vSphere environments. This certification covers fundamental aspects of vSphere administration, including essential components like ESXi, vCenter, vSAN, and Aria, providing a solid foundation in vSphere management and troubleshooting.
The VCP-VVF Admin certification exam assesses knowledge across Sections 2, 4, and 5 of the Exam Guide. Here’s a breakdown of what each section covers:
Section 2 – VMware Solution
- Identify and describe VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF) components and architecture.
- Understand the requirements for implementing the VVF solution and components.
- Explore various use cases for VVF and its components.
Section 4 – Install, Configure, and Administer the VMware Solution
- Perform initial installations and configurations for VVF components.
- Conduct Day 2 operations within VMware vCenter.
- Manage the lifecycle of virtual machines.
- Configure vSphere networking, content libraries, and storage components.
- Administer ESXi hosts and secure workloads through encryption.
- Execute Day 2 operations for VMware vSAN.
Section 5 – Troubleshoot and Optimize the VMware Solution
- Diagnose and address technical issues related to the VVF solution.
- Troubleshoot issues within vSphere, vSphere Networking, and vSAN.
- Perform troubleshooting tasks involving VVF Aria components.
The VCP-VVF Admin exam emphasizes real-world administration, with approximately 60% dedicated to Section 4 on installation, configuration, and management tasks. Candidates should prioritize hands-on practice with these core areas to ensure a strong performance on the exam.
VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator Certification (VCP-VCF)
The VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator (VCP-VCF Admin) certification equips IT professionals to handle the complexity of VMware’s cloud infrastructure. Covering a broader set of technologies than the VCP-VVF Admin, this certification includes advanced components like NSX, SDDC Manager, and the VMware Aria Suite. It’s designed for those managing full-stack VMware environments, providing deep expertise for end-to-end cloud solutions.
The VCP-VCF Admin exam assesses knowledge across Sections 2, 4, and 5 of the Exam Guide. Here’s what you’ll need to know:
Section 2 – VMware Solution
Candidates should understand core VCF components such as vSphere, vSAN, and NSX and architectural features like stretched clusters. Topics include:
- Requirements for implementing VCF-based private clouds
- Use cases for VMware Aria Suite, particularly VCF Network Operations
- Scenarios involving vSphere IaaS control plane, Data Services Manager, and VMware Cloud Foundation Add-Ons
Section 4 – Install, Configure, and Administer the VMware Solution
This section focuses on practical skills, including:
- Installation and configuration of VCF components (initial bring-up)
- Deploying and managing a VCF management domain and NSX Edge Cluster
- Scaling VCF deployments to meet varied scenario requirements
- Performing Day 2+ operations, such as network setup, vSphere resource management, storage configuration, and VM lifecycle management
Section 5 – Troubleshoot and Optimize the VMware Solution
This section assesses troubleshooting proficiency, covering:
- Technical issue diagnosis for VCF deployment and ongoing operations
- Troubleshooting vSphere, vSphere Networking, and vSAN issues
- Using SDDC Manager and VMware Aria Suite for optimized troubleshooting
With Section 4 emphasizing real-world, scenario-based tasks, hands-on experience is essential. VMware’s Hands-On Labs provide valuable practice, helping candidates gain practical skills crucial for this certification.
Looking for More Information?
Our recent webinar is packed with certification details and tips for passing the exams. If you’re preparing for the VCP-VVF Admin or VCP-VCF Admin exam, be sure to take advantage of the information provided by the experts.
Take the Next Step in Your Certification Journey
Earning a VMware certification is a valuable milestone for IT professionals looking to advance their careers and strengthen their expertise. Whether you’re beginning with the VCP-VVF Admin or diving into the advanced VCP-VCF Admin, both certifications equip you with practical skills that enhance your effectiveness and professional value.
With VMware’s robust resources, hands-on labs, and the expert strategies shared in our recent webinar, you’ll have the tools to prepare for and succeed in your certification exams confidently.
Ready to advance your career? Register for the VCP-VVF Admin and VCP-VCF Admin exams and start your journey today!
