VCDX-Cloud and VCDX-Desktop Certifications

[admin]

There has been a lot of discussion in the social space about the VCDX-Cloud and VCDX-Desktop Certifications announced at VMworld.

I would encourage anyone with questions about either certification to post them here so the answers can be of benefit to the broader VCDX-holder and VCDX-candidate communities.

Specific details about prerequistes and upgrade paths will be released at the appropriate times. However, there are a few burning issues that I can address now.

The issue of re-defense seems to be attracting a lot of attention so let me address that first. If you are currently a VCDX-holder in good standing, you will not have to re-defend to "Bridge" tracks and add the VCDX-Cloud or VCDX-Desktop to your current VCDX certification.

Several people have also asked if they are currently qualifed to add either certification to their VCDX today - and the answer is no. The official bridging paths for VCDX-Cloud and VCDX-Desktop have not been published, this being the case there is currently no way to add these to you current VCDX certification.

Finally there is the question of "DV" and what it means in relation to current VCDX-holders. While there is no need to update your signature lines and business cards, if you are a VCDX5-holder today or if you ascend the certification ladder to VCDX via the Datacenter Virtualization track in future, you may choose to add Datacenter Virtualization to your VCDX5 in communications, or you may just identify yourself as VCDX.

Please continuue to ask questions and I will answer! 

[bigvee]

Just to clarify, does this pertain to future VCDX's? If I hold VCAPs in DV and CID, defend DV will I recieved both VCDX's? If I defend in VCDX-Cloud will I recieve DV as well?

[marcorandall]

"If you are currently a VCDX-holder in good standing, you will not have to re-defend to "Bridge" tracks and add the VCDX-Cloud or VCDX-Desktop to your current VCDX certification."

No knock against anyone who has already attained VCDX distinction, but if the current VCDX already includes what is necessary to qualify for both the cloud and Desktop distinctions, what is the point in breaking the certification into segments.  Why not maintain 1 VCDX certification that recognizes expert knowledge in all virtualization domains.  I have an interest in attaining the VCDX-DT certification, however by the looks of things it seems I would be better suited to go for the current VCDX certification and get all three distictions for the price of one.  If I am misunderstanding this, could someone please provide clarity.  Again, this is no bash again any of the current VCDX's or the process in place, I'm just not understanding how it would qualify for a bridge into these two brand new distinctions that I would think to be of equal difficulty.

[bigvee]

You still need to pass the appropriate VCAP exam... So defending DV doesnt get you everything. Defending DV then passing the VCAP-DT will get you VCDX-Desktop.

[admin]

Ah, I see the source of confusion here.

The fact that you do not need to re-defend to "Bridge" does not imply that you do not have to demonstrate knowledge and competency in the other areas before you receive additional VCDX-level certifications.

I think a little detail about how the program works might be helpful here.

The VCDX Program is much more than a 2+ hour panel-based examination (aka the VCDX Design Defense). The Application Process itself is very rigorous and includes submission of a VCDX-caliber Solution Design and all the documentation required to support every important decision made in the creation of that solution. A Candidate also needs to provide documentation sufficient to support implementation of his/her design. This is paired with the Design Defense - and this performance-based test is structured so that it verifies skills that are required for all VCDX Certifications (DV, Cloud, and Desktop) and then allows for drill-down down into specific areas of competency to thoroughly vet a Candidate's skills in those areas.

So, if you successfully achieve the VCDX Credential through any of the available tracks, you are covered for the pieces that are verified through performance-based testing (the in-person defense). You are not getting a pass on the areas of specialty that demand a good drill-down!

"Bridging" at the VCDX level will be rigorous and thorough. Candidates will be challenged and will need to demonstrate VCDX-level competency before they achieve additional certicfications.

[admin]

As for future VCDX bridging scenarios, it is a best practice to wait for the prerequisite exams and their blueprints - and the VCDX Program Blueprints to be published.

We are creating a straight-forward certification framework, but when you have multiple parallel tracks there are always "what if" questions that may require complex explanations.

The only explanations that help in these cases are the ones based on facts!

[firestartah]

Hi

That does make sense but just because someone can pass the VCDX-DV and the VCAP-DT's it doesn't mean they could defend a DT design surely? I'm sure most VCDX's could but just because I can pass the VCAP-Cloud exams doesn't mean I could build and defend an enterprise level design surely?

I'm in agreement that there should only be one VCDX as I could be a guru at DT but terrible at vSphere Infrastructure design

Gregg

[admin]

The VCDX Program and the credential it imparts demands and verifies the presence of enterprise-level consulting and design skills - regardless of which track you choose to take. When you are VCDX you have demonstrated those skills to your peers in context.

If you go through the 2-stage VCDX Certification process you will find that it shapes the way you approach Solution Design with VMware (even if you don't achieve the VCDX credential on the first try you will find this to be true). You will also find that your VCDX-level skills are transferable - regardless of the VMware specialization you choose to pursue.