8/22/2023: VMware SD-WAN Client is now VMware SD-Access™! Click here to read the press release from VMware Explore Las Vegas 2023.
As the market for SD-WAN grows, VMware is further developing the certification process for VMware SD-WAN™. At Mobile World Congress today, VMware announced a new, more rigorous education program and certification: VMware Certified Professional (VCP) for SD-WAN Administrators. This certification will help partners and customers identify professionals with the skills and expertise to effectively deploy and manage VMware SD-WAN solutions. Read the press release announcing the news from Mobile World Congress.
Interest in SASE, SD-WAN and edge computing is at an all-time high. The SASE market, for example, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 32%, reaching almost $15 billion by 2025, according to one analyst report. These solutions are raising the bar for technology in fields from medicine to manufacturing to police work. Engineers in these areas are in high demand. The time is right to introduce a certification path that provides more in-depth training and skill assessment for VMware SD-WAN, preparing applicants for day-to-day activities such as configuration and monitoring.
The updated certification program will give customers the confidence that VMware-trained experts have the skills to take their business to the next level. Certification is beneficial for VMware partners, demonstrating that no matter the size of the partner company, they have the engineering talent to design and implement SD-WAN solutions for their customers. Engineers who pass the rigorous exams and lab training benefit from a boost to their marketable skills. (And if you have ever been to VMware Explore, you know that one of the most popular activities is taking a certification exam, then hanging out at VMUG events to compare notes.)
Details about the new certification
The new career certifications will have two levels: VMware Certified Professional (VCP) and VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP). Achieving the VCAP level will require a rigorous lab-based practical exam where you can demonstrate knowledge across the VMware SD-WAN and SASE portfolio.
The VCP and VCAP certifications will be administered by a third-party testing center. Employers or customers will be able to look up these certifications to verify that they are valid. Both certifications come with a digital badge that VCP and VCAP holders can post to web pages, online resumes, and social media accounts to show their accomplishments. Over time, the new certifications will replace the current skills-based badges for VMware SD-WAN.
The new certification track has two steps:
Attend a VMware SD-WAN Deploy and Manage course and pass a written exam. There are optional certifications for the other components of VMware SASE™ (VMware SD-WAN Client, VMware Secure Access™, VMware Cloud Web Security™, and VMware Edge Network Intelligence™). Passing the written exam for this level earns a VMware Certified Professional (VCP) accreditation for SD-WAN, and a Specialist Certificate for the other VMware SASE product components.
The next step is to attend a VMware SD-WAN Design and Deploy course. Upon completion, you would enroll in a practical lab exam covering VMware SD-WAN, the VMware SD-WAN Client, and VMware Edge Network Intelligence. Passing the lab exam certifies you as a VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP).
The new certifications are expected to begin rolling out in calendar 2023. VCP certification for VMware SD-WAN is expected to be available in the first half of calendar 2023. Bookmark our VMware Certification landing page, where the new courses will be posted when available.
If you have questions or feedback, please contact the VMware SD-WAN Certifications team at [email protected].
