Comments on: Why does VMware require the Install and Configure class for the VCP?

By: TMoney

TMoney — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:18:12 +0000

Someone mentioned the CISSP exam which was dead on. The CISSP does not require a class to become certified, but you need to prove that you have working experience with security in different domains of security. You have to submit a resume with past employers names and phone numbers and can be subject to an audit where they actually call these people. Also, the CISSP has questions on the exam that you will not find on any braindumps. I passed the exam with experience and research. VMWare needs to use this method, instead of trying to make extra money off of their cert. We all know that this has nothing to do with preserving the “integrity” of the exam, and is all about money. All you have to do is buy a couple licenses of ESX Server and deal with VMWare’s sales department to recognize that it’s all about Money to them. Just my 2 cents or VMWare’s 3 Grand.

By: Rohail

Rohail — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:04:12 +0000

In this economy who has money to pay for the training? If you have a hands on with the product so you should be allow taking the exam. I completely disagree with VMware assessment about becoming a VCP required a training, and they need to rethink their policy and rescind them.

They are already making too much money from their stocks, and selling their product to big corporate giants, and they don’t need to take money from avg middle class people. Dont be too greedy, please.

By: Ade(gboskin)

Ade(gboskin) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:00:55 +0000

VMware needs to reduce the cost. The cost is so unfair for private candidates whio have beed using vmware for years but just camnnot afford to pay for the course. Or they could introduce some kind of cheaper online cost

By: Marcel van Os

Marcel van Os — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:51:24 +0000

If you are already experienced with the product you can take the DSA course, which is an advanced course, to satisfy the training requirements. With a proper trainer and other competent students I do think you’ll get your money’s worth from that course.

Also I think that if your employer is not willing to fork over the money for a course there’s something wrong with them. For freelance people it’s worth it as well, since, in the Netherlands, you’re more or less required by your customers to be certified.

By: David Anderson

David Anderson — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:26:32 +0000

I agree that the requirement to take the course is ridiculous. I was an early adopter of VMware infrastructure, and have pushing it for several years before everyone jumped on the virtualisation band wagon.

I only took the course because it was a certification requirement, and I got no value from it whatsoever.

I do beleive it is a good course for people new to VMware products, and have recommended to my employer that they send VMware newbies on this course. However, for experienced engineers, it is a complete waste. Especially when you consider that the true cost is much more than what the trainer charges for the course. Your employer still has to pay you for the week that you attend training, so the total cost is much higher.

Thanks VMware. You’re as arrogant as Microsoft.

By: Gary Kuyat

Gary Kuyat — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:43:37 +0000

I do VMware all day for many internal customers and have worked with ESX extensively since ESX 2.5. My entire annual training budget is approximatly $3k, so the thought of blowing it on a single class, just to get a cert is more a laugh than anything else.
Requirements like this keep talented, knowledgable people from getting the certification. Make the test hard if you’re hating on Doogie Howser. Certing based on the thickness of one’s wallet is lame.

By: Eric Siebert

Eric Siebert — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:45:14 +0000

My response is here:
http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/virtualization-pro/the-9-year-old-vcp/

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:42:59 +0000

I think VMware should maintain the course requirement but decrease the course’s cost.
I work for a company where $3,000 for 1 training would have been impossible to get, so I had to wait until I could get a VMware promotion which includes the course.
Secondly, it’s not really possible to get hands-on experience when the only experience you can get IS with your production servers, I am in the very small group of people who can’t afford to buy hardware for setting up a lab…
Keep the course, reduce the price…

By: Steve Beaver

Steve Beaver — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:10:52 +0000

I agree with you in spirit but look at what you wrote above. “You want to make sure test takers have seen the product at least once” Well I am sure the 9 year old that got her MCP saw the product at least once also.

There has to be a better way. I could not take the class during the ESX2.0 days because the company I was at the time did not feel I would get anything that I did not already know from my experience. When I did get the chance with a new employer to take the ESX3.0 class I walked out of the class and straight to the testing center and passed the test.

I do not have any answers as to how, just think with some brainstorming another way could be possible

By: Planet Malaysia

Planet Malaysia — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:34:07 +0000

Yes, certificate is just a paper and used by HR dept. For me, I would prefer working experience.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:29:20 +0000

The course is also the only thing that keeps people with years of experience, but neither the time nor the money for a class from enhancing the value of the certification.

If VMware’s intent is to actually ensure qualified test takers and not to funnel people to a $3000 class they should: 1 – improve the exam itself which will also filter out people who can sleep through a class and then brain dump, 2 – require test takers to provide proof of 2 years job experience with the product in lieu of the class to take the test. Other certifications work in similar ways to improve the quality of test takers (e.g., CISSP).

By: Shawn

Shawn — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:03:29 +0000

It’s not just about ‘good test takers’ – there are the braindumpers to worry about. You can get copies of the actual exam, study that and get certified without ever touching the product!
Currently the VCP exam is multiple choice only, the course requirement is the only thing keeping these people from flooding the VCP ranks. Until they adopt a simulation portion (like the Enterprise exam) they should keep the course requirement.

By: Mike Robinson

Mike Robinson — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:36:35 +0000

If you hire a 9 year old girl because she has her VCP then thats your mistake.

In my experience, 99% of advanced certifications are only good for passing through an HR screening process. You can be a good test taker and get a VCP and not get what you’re doing, but you can be a good class/test person and still not be any good.