Editor’s note: We asked two IT pros to face-off on whether or not VMware should keep its VCP course requirement. This argument is pro keeping it. See the case for getting rid of the VCP course prerequisite here.
There has been some discussion as of late about the necessity of the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) course requirement because of its cost, typically thousands of dollars. There are many varying views on this topic. I personally think the course is a good idea, and let me tell you why.
When I come across VCPs currently, I know they have had some exposure to the product. They have at least installed it a couple times; they have configured various options; and they have performed some basic troubleshooting. This is a really important thing.
There are many certifications people can, and have, obtained without any real working knowledge in the area. This fact has extremely devalued certain certifications in our industry. There are also a few course options now for those who feel the Install, Configure and Manage course has no value for them. Optimize and Scale and the Fast Track courses also satisfy the prerequisite and are a little more into the fancy features. I realize there is significant investment involved in taking the course, but I think there is value in it – part of it being the VCP certification and the skills it implies.
I understand the counterpoint often references the fact that you do not require a course to upgrade. Therefore, how can I be sure someone who is a VCP 3/4/5 is familiar with version 5? I acknowledge this is a valid point. All I will counter is that at least I can assume someone who is actively upgrading their certifications is interested and knowledgeable in the field. If it were up to me, I might actually take it farther than VMware and require people to demonstrate some sort of version knowledge during upgrades. I wouldn’t make this a formal course, or something with an associated cost per se. Proving that someone meets this requirement could be as simple as attending VMworld, being a member of the VMUG, or something online. I know this idea will probably get people worked up a bit, but that’s OK.
I also understand that many people think the course does not necessarily prepare you for the exam. To be honest, that’s not the point of the course, nor should it be.
The aim of the VCP is to demonstrate that you are a VMware professional; that you can be employed to administer a VMware environment. The point is not that you sat through a course, memorized some answers, and obtained a certification. The goal is to train and familiarize you with the product in function and then test your knowledge of vSphere.
When you have a VCP, I know you have performed these activities, and I can make the reasonable assumption you can administer my environment. The same cannot be said about the skills measured in many other certifications, therefore the course maintains the usefulness of the VCP. Remove the course, and the recognition the VCP has is greatly diminished.
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