Roadmap to Success: VMware vSphere 6 VCP6-DCV

Roadmap to Success is a series of posts designed to help learners better understand certification pathways, career opportunities associated with those certifications, and next steps beyond certification.

UPDATED: We recently updated this article on November 8, 2016 to reflect relevant changes to the VMware VCP6-DCV certification curriculum.

Virtualization is vital to IT professionals. The VMware vSphere 6 VCP6-DCV certification is one of the most popular virtualization courses among CBT Nuggets learners. The certification affirms one's knowledge and skills to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments. Typically, the VCP6-DCV prepares learners to fill roles such as systems administrator, senior systems engineer, IT manager, and more.

VMware Certified Professional 6 Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

The VMware Certified Professional 6 Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) certification is designed to ensure that learners have the skills required to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere 6 environments. The VCP6-DCV is made up of two exams:

• VMware vSphere 6 Foundations exam (2V0-620) and

• VMware Certified Professional 6 Data Center Virtualization exam (VCP6-DCV) (2V0-621).

CBT Nuggets training currently covers just the professional-level exam: VMware vSphere 6 (VCP6-DCV).

The VCP6-DCV certification is a professional-level certification which is considered intermediate level. Therefore, it is recommended that learners have a basic understanding of virtualization concepts, experience working with VMware Workstation, familiarity with Windows Server 2012 and IP networking, and six (6) months of experience working with vSphere 6. Interestingly, the VMware vSphere 6 Foundations exam is not specifically a prerequisite for the VCP6-DCV exam. While learners must complete both exams, they can complete them in any order. Certification will not be awarded until the learner passes both exams.

If you are interested in learning more about the VCP6.5-DCV, visit our Roadmap to Success: VCP6.5-DCV blog post.

Downloadable Study Plan

CBT Nuggets offers a study plan that maps to Keith Barker's VMware vSphere 6 (VCP6-DCV) course. This downloadable VMware vSphere 6 VCP6-DCV study plan breaks down the course and supplemental learning resources to equip learners with a strategic and manageable approach to conquer training goals.

Exam Eligibility

It is important to note that the VCP6-DCV is a VMware Certified Professional-level certification, and as such, learners must pass the vSphere 6 Foundations exam. In addition, learners must attend an official VMware course in order to be authorized to sit for the VCP6-DCV exam.

Exam Details

As noted above, to qualify for the VCP6-DCV exam, learners must complete an official and approved VMware course, and pass the VMware vSphere 6 Foundations exam in order to earn certification.

VCP6-DCV (exam number 2V0-621) Time allotted for exam: 100 minutes Number of questions: 85 Passing score: 300 Question types: Single and multiple choice Exam registration: Request Exam Authorization through VMware* Or Pearson VUE Learners must create an account with VMware in order to request exam authorization. Exam cost: $225 (USD) Exam topics: VMware Certified Professional 6 Data Center Virtualization (exam number 2V0-621 (free resource)

Recertification The VCP6-DCV certification is valid for two years. Learners have three options to recertify their VCP6-DCV:

1. Take the current exam for your existing VCP certification;

2. Earn a new VCP-level certification from a different learning track; or

3. Advance your existing VCP certification to the next level (VMware Certified Advanced Professional or VCAP).

The Next Step

The VCP6-DCV certification is a professional-level certification that opens up a variety of opportunities. Usually, learners will pursue further VMware certifications following their VCP6-DCV, including:

• VCP-NV (Network Virtualization), or

• VCP-Cloud.

Many learners will opt to diversify their certification portfolios, so you may consider pursuing virtualization certifications from other vendors. Learners who earn their VCP6-DCV typically also consider:

• MCSA Server 2012 (explore the CBT Nuggets MCSA Server 2012 Playlist),

• MCSE Desktop Infrastructure (explore the CBT Nuggets MCSE Desktop Infrastructure Playlist),

• MCSE Private Cloud (explore the CBT Nuggets MCSE Private Cloud Playlist), or

• CCNA Data Center (explore the CBT Nuggets CCNA Data Center Playlist).

Career Considerations

Payscale.com/ provides a helpful salary guide to help learners determine appropriate pay scales for job opportunities associated with the VCP. Depending on professional experience, an employee who holds a VCP-level certification can earn anywhere from $47,998 to $128,428. Roles for VCPs might include systems administrator, senior systems engineer, IT manager, IT systems engineer, or solutions architect.

VMware Certification Paths

VMware certifications are structured into four "solution tracks" that focus on specific VMware products:

Data Center Virtualization

• VMware Certified Associate (VCA6-DCV)

• VMware Certified Professional (VCP6-DCV)

• VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)

• VCAP6-DCV Design

• VCAP-DCV Deploy

• VMware Certified Implementation Expert (VCIX6-DCV) Implementation Expert certifications are earned when learners achieve both Advanced Professional (VCAP) certifications within a solution track.

• VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX6-DCV)

Cloud Management and Automation

• VMware Certified Associate

• Cloud Management and Automation (VCA6-CMA)

• Hybrid Cloud (VCA6-HC)

• VMware Certified Professional (VCP6-CMA)

• VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)

• VCAP6-CMA Design

• VCAP6-CMA Deploy

• VMware Certified Implementation Expert (VCIX6-CMA) Implementation Expert certifications are earned when learners achieve both Advanced Professional (VCAP) certifications within a solution track.

• VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX6-CMA)

Desktop and Mobility

• VMware Certified Associate (VCA6-DTM)

• VMware Certified Professional (VCP6-DTM)

• VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)

• VCAP6-DTM Design

• VCAP6-DTM Deploy

• VMware Certified Implementation Expert (VCIX6-DTM) Implementation Expert certifications are earned when learners achieve both Advanced Professional (VCAP) certifications within a solution track.

• VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX6-DTM)

Network Virtualization

• VMware Certified Associate (VCA6-NV)

• VMware Certified Professional (VCP6-NV)

• VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP)

• VCAP6-NV Design (coming soon)

• VCAP6-NV Deploy

• VMware Certified Implementation Expert (VCIX6-NV) Implementation Expert certifications are earned when learners achieve both Advanced Professional (VCAP) certifications within a solution track*. Until the VCAP6-NV Design exam is released, that requirement will be waived for earning VCIX6-NV certification.

• VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX6-NV)

VMware also offers a variety of Version 5 certifications, many of which are nearing formal retirement (or have already been retired). Learn more about VMware Version 5 certifications from the Certification Roadmap.

Concluding Thoughts Virtualization is a critical piece of your overall professional makeup. A VCP6-DCV certification demonstrates your skills and expertise in working with VMware, the industry leader for virtualization. As you develop skills and knowledge in this essential area of expertise, your career options will grow. Advance your career with the VCP6-DCV!

Watch. Learn. Conquer the VCP!