VMware Certification Cost details

VMware certifications are highly valued in the IT industry, particularly for virtualization and cloud computing professionals. These certifications validate an individual's skills in designing, implementing, and managing VMware solutions.

Understanding the VMware certification costs and details is crucial for planning a career path. This article will explore the different VMware certifications, their details, costs, and the roles they prepare individuals for.

Further, you can also check out our VMware certification training courses and prepare for VMware certification exams with the guidance of our expert instructors.

What are VMware Certifications?

VMware certifications are credentials that validate an individual's skills and knowledge in using VMware software, which is crucial for virtualization and cloud computing. These certifications are structured into four main levels:

1. VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA)

2. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

3. VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)

4. VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX)

There are 6 core technology tracks, in which you can earn the following certifications.

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VMware Certification Tracks

Here’s a breakdown of all current certifications by track:

1. Data Center Virtualization (DCV)

● VCTA-DCV – Associate VMware Data Center Virtualization

● VCP-DCV – Professional VMware vSphere

● VCAP-DCV Deploy – Advanced Deploy VMware vSphere

● VCAP-DCV Design – Advanced Design VMware vSphere

● VCDX-DCV – VMware Certified Design Expert – DCV

2. Network Virtualization (NV)

● VCTA-NV – Associate VMware Network Virtualization

● VCP-NV – Professional VMware NSX

● VCAP-NV Deploy – Advanced Deploy VMware NSX

● VCAP-NV Design – Advanced Design VMware NSX

● VCDX-NV – VMware Certified Design Expert – NV

3. Cloud Management and Automation (CMA)

● VCTA-CMA – Associate VMware Cloud Management and Automation

● VCP-CMA – Professional VMware Aria Automation

● VCAP-CMA Deploy – Advanced Deploy VMware Aria Automation

● VCAP-CMA Design – Advanced Design VMware Aria Automation

● VCDX-CMA – VMware Certified Design Expert – CMA

4. End-User Computing (EUC)

● VCTA-EUC – Associate VMware End-User Computing

● VCP-DTM – Professional VMware Horizon (Desktop & Mobility)

● VCP-DW – Professional VMware Workspace ONE (Digital Workspace)

● VCAP-DTM Deploy – Advanced Deploy VMware Horizon

● VCAP-DTM Design – Advanced Design VMware Horizon

● VCDX-EUC – VMware Certified Design Expert – EUC

5. Security (SEC)

● VCTA-SEC – Associate VMware Security

● VCP-EWS – Professional VMware Endpoint and Workspace Security

No VCAP or VCDX is currently available in this track.

6. Application Modernization (AM)

● VCTA-AM – Associate VMware Application Modernization

● VCP-AM – Professional VMware Tanzu & Kubernetes

No VCAP or VCDX is currently available in this track

How Much Does VMware Certification Cost?

A VMware certification can cost between $250-$1990. The Associate to Advanced level certification will cost only $250, but the expert level certification can cost up $1990.

These are only the exam fees that you need to pay. The overall cost of VMware certification can be broken into three categories: exam fees, training costs, and resource costs.

We have covered each aspect in detail to help you plan your VMware certification journey.

Certification Exam Fees

The VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) certification involves two separate steps, each with its own fee. First, you pay $995 to submit your design documentation for review during the application stage. If accepted, you then pay another $995 to participate in a live defense session where you present and justify your design to a panel of experts.

None of these VMware certifications has a fixed validity period, so these certifications stay valid.

Training Costs

VMware certification training costs can vary depending on the level and format you choose. For entry-level VCTA, self-paced courses start around ₹41,500, while instructor-led sessions can go up to ₹2 lakh.

For mid-level VCP and advanced VCAP certifications, training ranges from ₹66,000 to ₹4.15 lakh. The expert-level VCDX involves design workshops and coaching that may cost between ₹1.6 to ₹3.3 lakh.

If the course includes additional prep like practice exams and study guides, it can add additional ₹4,000–₹25,000 to your training fees.

Overall, your total investment in VMware certification training can range from ₹50,000 to over ₹5 lakh, depending on your path and learning style.

Resources Cost

The cost of resources for VMware certification preparation can vary depending on what you choose. Practice exams typically cost between ₹4,000 to ₹16,000, while study guides and books range from ₹4,000 to ₹25,000.

If you opt for a VMUG Advantage membership, you can get discounts on exams, training, and access to VMware products, and it costs around ₹16,600 per year.

Many free resources like VMware Hands-on Labs and community forums are also available, so your total resource cost can range from ₹4,000 to ₹45,000 depending on your preparation.

VMware Certifications Details

Let's discuss the VMware certifications in brief and understand their purpose, syllabus, and jobs after achieving them.

1. VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA)

The VCTA is an entry-level certification designed for individuals new to VMware technology. It focuses on operational tasks and foundational knowledge in areas like data center virtualization and network virtualization.

● History: Introduced as a replacement for the VCA certification, VCTA is role-based and aligns with specific VMware technologies.

● Topics: Cloud architecture, VMware software solutions, and aligning products to meet customer specifications.

● Prerequisites: None, but foundational knowledge is recommended.

● Job Roles: Computer support specialists, data analysts, executive assistants.

● Salary Range: $40,000 - $60,000 per year.

2. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

The VCP certification is a mid-level credential that demonstrates expertise in installing, configuring, managing, and optimizing VMware solutions. It is available in various tracks like Data Center Virtualization (DCV) and Network Virtualization (NV).

● History: Originally focused on VMware vSphere, now expanded to multiple tracks.

● Topics: VMware architecture, technologies, products, and solutions.

● Prerequisites: At least one year of experience with VMware technology.

● Jobs: Computer programmers, database administrators, IT managers.

● Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000 per year.

3. VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)

The VCAP certification is an advanced credential that validates skills in designing and deploying VMware solutions. It includes both the Design and Deploy exams.

● History: Evolved to include role-based certifications with multiple tracks.

● Topics: Conceptual, logical, and physical design of VMware systems.

● Prerequisites: VCP certification and relevant experience.

● Jobs: Network administrators, quality assurance analysts, web developers.

● Salary Range: $80,000 - $140,000 per year.

4. VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX)

The VCDX is the highest level of VMware certification, demonstrating expertise in designing, building, and managing VMware solutions. It requires a comprehensive design proposal and defense.

● History: Introduced as a pinnacle of VMware expertise.

● Topics: Advanced design principles and system architecture.

● Prerequisites: VCP and VCAP certifications in the relevant track.

● Jobs: Computer network architects, database architects.

● Salary Range: $120,000 - $200,000 per year.

VMware Certification Training with UniNets

UniNets also provides online VMware Certification Training, and it is the best online course for IT professionals to build hands-on expertise in virtualization and cloud technologies.

Currently, we offer a VCP (VMware Certified Professional) training course featuring live instructor-led classes, an industry-recognized certificate, and practical exposure to key VMware tools like vSphere, vRealize, Horizon, and Carbon Black.

More certification tracks are planned soon, expanding our offerings across VMware’s ecosystem. Whether you're starting or upskilling, UniNets provides a solid foundation for your VMware certification journey.

Conclusion

VMware certifications offer a structured path for IT professionals to enhance their skills in virtualization and cloud computing. From entry-level VCTA to the advanced VCDX, each certification prepares individuals for specific roles and responsibilities, providing a clear career progression and increased earning potential.

Understanding the details of these certifications can help professionals make informed decisions about their career development in the IT industry.