There have been questions regarding our “inheritance” policy – if candidates who earn a second VCAP in a different technology track would “inherit” the VCP in that same track automatically. We wanted to explain our policy and how we arrived at it to give you some insight into the program.
We met with several groups, including our VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) Advisory Council, key stakeholders, and customers at our recent VMworld event, and discussed what had been done in the past, and what would be the best option for the program moving forward. A key outcome of these discussions is the understanding that each individual certification covers a unique set of knowledge and skills.
Even though a VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) is a higher level certification than VMware Certified Professional (VCP), you are tested on knowledge and skills in the VCP that you are not tested on at the VCAP level, and vice versa. In other words, the two certifications actually validate a different set of skills and knowledge, not simply a more advanced understanding of the same skills.
Based on this, we will not implement “inheritance” when crossing solution tracks. Or more plainly, earning VCAP6 will not automatically earn you a VCP6.
As you know, there are a lot of options to move up and across in our certification program. Here are some of the more common scenarios impacted by this policy.
Scenario #1 – If you are a VCAP5 and want to become a VCAP6 in a different track
- You must first earn your VCP6 in the new track
- Then you can earn the VCAP6
Scenario #2 – If you are a VCAP5 and want to become a VCAP6 in the same track
- You must pass the VCAP6 exam
- You will not inherit the VCP6 for that track
Scenario #3 – If you are a VCP5 and want to become a VCAP6 in a different track
- You must earn VCP6 for that track first
- Then you can go on to earn the VCAP6
In all cases above where a VCP is required first, you must follow the Current VCP or Expired VCP path listed on the certification program web page, depending on which one fits your situation.
We welcome your feedback and thoughts on this policy. Please comment below or email our team.
