A home lab is an engineer’s paradise – offering a safe space to experiment, troubleshoot, and master new technologies at their own pace. VMware by Broadcom supports this method of hands-on learning, and now, with VMUG Advantage, membership benefits now include access to the VMware vDefend license.
This new benefit allows Advantage members who pass the Broadcom Education – VCP-VCF Administrator certification exam to receive free personal-use vDefend licenses for up to three years*—no prior vDefend experience required. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, this is a great opportunity to explore application security right in your own home lab.
*Upon completing the certification exam, VMUG Advantage members receive a one-year license. For the second and third years, they must complete a brief refresher VCF-VCP exam each year to earn additional one-year licenses, totaling three one-year licenses.
Once you’re armed with the VMUG Advantage license, you can get hands-on with vDefend capabilities in your home lab. The license is good for 128 Core Units, in addition to VCF licenses. This is more than enough to build out your home lab scenario.
Step 1: To learn more about becoming a VMUG Advantage member, get started at:
Step 2: Sign up for and pass the VCF-VCP exam.
Step 3: Armed with your VCF and vDefend licenses, you can get your lab up and running. Check out these resources:
- vDefend Tech Docs
- Secure VCF Management Workload Domain with VMware vDefend – White Paper
- VMware Validated Solution – Lateral Security for VMware Cloud Foundation with VMware vDefend
- Beginner’s Guide to Automation with vDefend Firewall
- SE Labs – Breach Response Detection Test of VMware vDefend ATP
Step 4: Watch these webinars for some additional insights.
Step 5: Now that you’re an expert, consider obtaining your VMware Certified Professional: VMware Private Cloud Security certification to complement your VCF certification.
Now, deploy vDefend to protect your VCF workloads! Check out more cool stuff.
Join us at VMware Explore 2025 in Las Vegas
VMUG Advantage membership offers many perks, including discounts to events such as VMware Explore 2025! With your VMUG Advantage membership, you’ll receive $100 discount off VMware Explore registration.
