At VMworld 2013 VMware introduced a new level of
certification, the VMware Certified Associate (VCA). This is an entry level certification based on
free online training from VMware. In talking with some of the folks at VMworld this
level of certification is targeted at students and people beginning their careers
in IT. VMware released four tracks based
on general virtualization, cloud, networking and desktop. Now will
you see people with existing VCP / VCAP / vExperts taking these exams, maybe to
show some knowledge in another silo or maybe not. I went through two of them this weekend and
found both to be a good framework of information for each of the respective
topics. Is this enough knowledge to get
a job, well no but it’s not meant to be.
It’s designed to show that you know the fundamentals of each topic.
While many folks deep in the virtualization trenches wouldn’t
give this a second thought I would suggest taking a look at it not for
yourselves but your co-workers. While we
believe that the world revolves around virtualization (and it does) there are
many other technology disciplines that exist.
Exchange Admins, DBA’s, Server Admins, Storage, networking &
programmers - just to name a few. Sure
we can explain virtualization to them but let’s face facts, how many of us are
professional teachers?
With the VCA courses / certification VMware is giving the
virtual administrator a chance to bring more of the IT folks into the virtual
fold. One of the theme’s at VMworld was “VMware
Loves Apps”. Let’s take this opportunity
to extend the virtual handshake to these other groups by encouraging them to
take the free training and maybe even get a few additional letters on their
business cards. The more they feel they
have a part of ownership in the virtual world the easier it will be on us to
continue the virtual journey.
Thanks good to know I'm very interested. The know we know the better I'm prepared on my job search. Great blog.
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