Applications for the second half of the 2025 vExpert Program are open through July 24th, with award notifications sent on or before August 15th.
In this post, we’ll break down the value of the vExpert Program, what it takes to win the award, and how to apply. The VMware vExpert Award is not a technical award.
The Value of Being a vExpert
Receiving the vExpert Award provides more than just professional recognition, it offers a host of benefits that help advance your career, grow your brand, and connect with the broader VMware community.
- Content Promotion
Your content gains visibility through Broadcom Advocacy (self submit) VMware’s @VMwareCommunity, @VMwareExplore, @vExpert Twitter accounts, and LinkedIn. - Amplification via Broadcom Advocacy
Your content is also shared through Broadcom’s advocacy (self submit) platform and the VMware blog RSS feed, driving significant traffic to your technical contributions. - Build Your Personal Brand
The vExpert brand enhances your credibility and visibility. We actively support vExperts by promoting their social channels and technical content to a global audience. - Professional Recognition
Inclusion in the public vExpert Directory and recognition on LinkedIn demonstrate your community leadership and can help differentiate you in your career. - Complimentary VMUG Advantage Membership for vExpert 2025
2025 vExperts receive a free VMUG Advantage subscription (a $210 value), which includes: discounts on VMware certification exams, online technical courses, 25% off VMUG Connect registration, $125 off VMware certifications, and $100 off your VMware Explore pass. Explore VMUG Advantage benefits here. - Free VMware Licenses for Home Labs
vExperts with a valid VCP-VCF certification receive a 3-year VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and a 3-year VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF) home lab licenses. - Exclusive Networking
Join a private vExpert chat platform to connect with fellow vExperts and program leadership. - NDA Briefings & Early Access
Get early access to VMware announcements, embargoed content to prepare and publish technical insights in sync with Broadcom’s major releases. - VMware Explore Blogger Passes
A limited number of complimentary blogger passes to VMware Explore are available each year exclusively to vExperts (you must apply and have a current blog).
What It Takes to Win the vExpert Award
The vExpert award recognizes impactful community contributions, not job roles or certifications.
A benefit to applying in the second half is that we consider contributions from both 2024 and 2025, this is the only time we include current year contributions. Work related activities (as part of your paid job) do not count.
You can be recognized for any of the following:
- Enterprise / Internal Influencers
Driving VMware product adoption through internal sessions, mentoring, and evangelism within your organization. - Bloggers
Publishing regular technical content, scripts, deep dive product overviews, and community-focused articles. - Code Sharing
Contributing open-source projects, scripts, GitHub repos, automation tools, or technical blog posts. - VMUG Leaders
Leading VMware User Group chapters and helping foster local technical communities. - Event Speakers
Presenting on VMware topics at conferences, webinars, company meetings, or VMUG events. - Podcasters
Creating or participating in podcasts covering VMware or related technologies. - Forum Contributors
Actively helping others on platforms like Broadcom Communities, Reddit, or other technical discussion forums. - Authors
Writing or contributing to books on VMware technologies. - VCDX Certification Holders
Holding VMware’s highest level of certification demonstrates deep investment and expertise.
How to Apply for the vExpert Award
The section below is not a checklist of requirements. These are simply examples of how you can earn the award. If you don’t want to create videos, start a blog, or participate in a podcast, that’s perfectly fine but choose the format that fits you best. By browsing the vExpert Directory, you can see what others have done to win the award and find inspiration for your own path.
Applying is straightforward, but being intentional will strengthen your chances.
- Connect with a vExpert PRO
If this is your first time applying, consider working with a vExpert PRO. They’re experienced vExperts who can guide you through the process and help you highlight your contributions to ensure you are awarded with the vExpert Award. - Engage with the Community
Amplify vExpert-related posts, share VMware announcements, create blog content, share VMware related videos, or start a podcast. A great way to learn is by reviewing the vExpert Directory to see how others have contributed, each profile lists their social links and badges for the work they have completed. Browse all badges by reviewing at this profile, then clicking on one of the badges. - Tell Your Story
Write about your journey, community impact, and VMware-related projects. A personal touch makes your application stand out and reflects your commitment. - Apply Now
Submit your application at: https://vexpert.vmware.com/apply
Final Thoughts
The vExpert Program is more than a title, it’s an opportunity to grow professionally, build your brand, expand your network, and gain access to exclusive VMware resources and events.
If you’ve contributed to the VMware community in 2024 and in 2025 don’t miss this chance. Apply by August 14, 2025, and consider partnering with a vExpert PRO to help your application shine.
Ready to join one of the most respected communities in tech? Start your application today and take the next step in your VMware journey. Start Your Application Here
