Attention IT Recruiters - VCDX | VCIX | VCAP | VCP - Letters That Add Value!

render of a man with magnifying glass and the text value

There has been some discussion in the vExpert Slack channel over the last couple of days discussing how the vExpert Program which is an advocacy program that VMware awards to engaged members of the community was more recognized than actual VMware based certifications including the coveted VCDX. Without diminishing the value of the vExpert Program, this has been discussed in many circles for a while now and generally revolves around the fact the the VCAP exams are almost non existent when it comes to desirable certifications on resumes. Even the VCDX seems to be generally relegated to a “Explain what a VCDX is and aren’t vExperts the Virtulization Experts of choice?” conversation.

Within the VMware community we know and understand exactly when it means to achieve a VCP. We know the step up and the experience required to achieve VCAPs and VCIXs and many know the absolute effort and commitment it takes to persue and gain a VCDX. While the VCP can be achieved via braindumps the consensus is that the VCP 5 and 6 versions are no walk in the park. VCAPs and VCIX administration and design exams can’t be braindumped and to pass those exams shows advanced skills with VMware products. The VCDX is a whole different level and in addition to having to pass VCPs, at least two VCAPs/VCIXs successful candidates go through hundreds of hours of design documentation before sitting a defence in which candidates are put under immense pressure to be able to get enough points to become a VCDX…a master of architectural design and thinking.

So whats the problem here and why are these certifications not as well known and recognized as they should be? It’s apparent that there needs to be more education in the Tech HR and Recruitment space that goes some way to having these certs (and other industry certs) recognized more and have their true value understood. In addition to that IT managers who do the employing need to understand what each exam gets you in terms of the candidate filling a role.

How this is achieved I am not sure but maybe IT recruiters will stumble across this post and use it as a springboard to better understand the certifications listed above. It’s also up to the hiring manager to start understanding the value by adding them to job descriptions as desired certifications. These exams are not cheap and they represent significant investment in time and effort to pass and as the numbers around the globe show below…these certifications are not gained without effort.

Looking at data below it’s clear to see that with only 220 odd VCDXs, 4000 odd VCAPs and with the number of VCPs similar to the CCIE’s rough 50,000 you can start to see the uniqueness of the VMware certifications. Weather that translates to better skilled employees I can’t answer that and I’m certainly not advocating increased dollar values of potential candidates just because they hold these certifications but the aim here is to increase the understanding of the value that each certification brings.

I’d be interested to hear is this sentiment if felt in other certification areas such as Microsoft, Citrix and in newer areas like AWS and other vendor certifications…feel free to comment below.

VCDX Links:

http://vcdx.vmware.com/

VCAP/VCIX Links:

http://blogs.vmware.com/education/2016/04/where-in-the-world-are-vcaps-infographic.html