VMware Certification

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Are there plans to offer VMware certification in the future?
Thanks!

We plan on creating a VMWare show this summer that will match up with the VCP certification. It will be a little different than our other shows because VMWare requires that you attend an official course before sitting their exam. So, viewers who want to actually get certified will need to attend the authorized VMWare training. However, viewers that just want to learn how to use VMWare, or review prior to the exam, will be covered.
Thanks,
Don Pezet

I think that there is value to both groups of people. You can give tips for people who are thinking about taking the exam as well as provide instruction for the group that just wants to learn more about VMware for their jobs. I have attended VMware training for the VCP 3 and 4 and often find that VMware's official courseware to be somewhat lacking.

so ITpro.Tv doesnt offer authorized VMWare training?

No. We will be recording a VMWare show in the near future, but it will not be authorized training. If you are looking to get the certification, you will need to take an authorized course through another vendor like New Horizons.
Don Pezet
Host, ITProTV

This is great news. I really look forward to seeing the VMware shows. I work in it every day but would love the opportunity see you guys cover aspects we don't use that much.
I was really able to level-up with the CISCO shows. I expect much the same this summer with these.

PRO TIP: You do not need to pay VMWare $6000 to pass a VCP exam.
While Pearson Vue needs VMWare authorization in order to let you take exam, VMWare will give issue it regardless if you paid them 6k for the training course.
VCP Exam != VCP Cert
Passing exam does not make you VCP certified. If your future employer calls VMWare to verify, they will be told you are NOT certified.

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I figured I would comment here as opposed to creating a new one.
M-S-G is correct - Passing the VCP exam does not give you the VCP certification without taking the very costly VMWare approved training class. Personally I think it's stupid, but where there is a profit to be made....
In any case, I just wanted to share a very useful piece of information for those looking to get their VCP cert. While the VMWare training class ($5k+) is one avenue, it is not the only one to meet the requirement. VMware offers programs to colleges called the VMware IT Academy which, if taken and passed, meets the training requirement and will grant you the VCP certification after passing the exam. They don't advertise this, but it's a MUCH better option economically. Instead of a 5-day class, it's an 8-week program, just like a regular college class. Many schools are part of this program, but some still charge a lot for it. There is one big exception - Stanly Community College. They have a completely online course that costs......$185. Yes, $185 out the door. They suggest you buy their book for ~$50 more, but it's not needed. Oh, I forgot to mention that it comes with a voucher for the exam (saving you money on the test) as well a plethora of free licenses for their products (including vSphere Enterprise and Workstation, making the class actually save you money.
I took this course about a year ago, took the VCP5-DCV exam shortly thereafter, and am a certified VCP (VCP5-DCV), so I can personally guarantee that this approach works.
A couple of notes:

1. The college course is horrible from a learning perspective. They have labs, which is a nice benefit, but the CBT videos are very poor quality (unlike ITProTV). I didn't even watch them, as I couldn't stand it. This was before ITProTV had their VCP offering, so I used other resources instead. I also built my own lab, but had a lot of work experience to help.
2. As a result, the only real benefit (IMHO) of the college class is the check-box next to the training requirement. And it's so cheap that it's a no-brainer unless your work is going to pay $5k+ for the official class.
3. While you technically need to pass the class, I don't think it's possible to fail. You are supposed to watch the videos, but the main grading is by completing lab objectives using their virtual labs. You can do this all on your own time, so there is no set schedule. Due to VMWare requirements, they only 'open' certain labs every week, making it take the full duration of the class (e.g. you can't complete them all the first day), but you don't need to actually attend classes.
4. I took a look at the ITProTV VCP videos and they look very good. I would highly recommend using them as the cornerstone in any training you do for the VCP exam.
5. This little "secret" is becoming widely known, especially the fact the Stanly Community College is offering it for so cheap. As a result, the waiting list is getting VERY long. A co-worker signed up a few months ago and was scheduled for 9-months later. They only offer the class 2-3 times a year, so it fills up quick. So if you are interested, I highly advise you to sign up right away here:
   https://vmware.stanly.edu/
6. The VCP exam is very difficult. No class will provide everything you need to know to pass. You will need to do a LOT of labs, studying, etc. if you want to pursue this certification.
   The company I worked for needed two VCPs quickly to meet our VMWare partner requirements. I took this route, but another co-worker took the expensive class. In the end, we are both VCPs, but I saved my company $5k and have a ton of freebies (licenses) that my co-worker didn't get from the expensive class.
   So my advice to anyone who is going for their VCP is to watch the ITProTV videos, sign up and take the Stanly class, study their butts off and then sit for the exam.
   Good luck!

DPZ and team, Thanks SO MUCH for putting the effort in the VMWARE show.
Just finished VCA and getting started with your VCP show.

Crap. There is a wait list for the Stanley course. I guess the word got out!
Thanks for great info James