Certifications are required to practice a variety of professions: Doctors, dentists, architects, and, of course, IT. These industry-wide certifications are based on a core set of standards and knowledge each practitioner needs to know to maintain an effective practice, ensuring patients stay healthy, homes remain structurally sound, and infrastructures stay agile.
And, as with all professions and practices, new discoveries, advances, and research mean that nothing stays static for very long. No certification can maintain its value if skills don’t stay current, so that’s why VMware’s recertification program is launching to ensure you’re up to date.
The policy is effective as of March 10, 2014 and requires that certificate holders refresh and re-validate their skills every two years.
To explore recertification, we’re launching a five-part blog series to share insights, information, and first-hand stories from those who have been through the process, insights from customers who have benefitted, and additional details from VMware about why recertification matters.
On its face, the process may seem like an arduous task, but this is an opportunity to keep your skills current, putting yourself ahead of others who may have let their certification lapse. Just think of it as future-proofing your career and validating your expertise.
VMware certifications consistently rank high in demand. In its IT Skills and Salary Report for 2013, Global Knowledge lists VMware as one of the top IT certifications for 2014 and among the top certifications by salary.
By updating your VCP certification to the latest version in Data Center Virtualization, Cloud, or End-User Computing, you demonstrate that you adhere to industry best practices for VMware environments.
As a reminder, there are three options when you recertify:
1. Update your existing VCP certification (eg: if you are a VCP 3, take the VCP5-Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) exam.
2. Earn a new VCP certification in a different solution track – such as Cloud, End-User Computing or Certified Professional Portals
3. Go to the next level, by earning a VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) certification. For example, if you are a VCP5-DCV you could earn VCAP5-DCA certification.
You’ll also receive the benefits that new certificate holders get when you recertify, including: Recognition of your technical knowledge and skills, access to the exclusive VCP portal & logo merchandise store, invitation to beta exams and classes, use of the certification logo on personal websites and business card, discounted admission to VMware events, and discounts from VMware Press.
As we cover recertification in this series, please send us tweets, post comments here on the blog, and share your thoughts about recertification and what it means for you.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- For additional details on VMware Recertification Process and promotions, visit the VMware Recertification page.
- VMware Recertification discussion and audience Q&A podcast with Erik Ullanderson, Jill Liles, and John Troyer.
- For additional information on VMware’s recertification policy, please contact [email protected].
