It took a while, but finally here it is the VCDX 4 program. Now some of us who were fortunate enough to complete the VCDX 3 certification and managed to pass VCAP-DCD are already a VCDX 4, but for those of you who just started the journey now is the time to start digging!
In general the process hasn’t really changed all that much:
- Pass the VCP exam
- Pass the VCAP-DCA exam
- Pass the VCAP-DCD exam
- Submit a vSphere 4.x design
- Defend your vSphere 4.x design
There are a couple of things I do want to point out here though:
- The VCDX Application Form has changed! We received a lot of feedback on the form and based on that we decided to trim it down. So if you are planning to do the VCDX4 defense make sure you download the latest version of the form. Also note that the design decision tree was taken out, reason for that being is that many already included these decisions in their design. If you haven’t done that yet, make sure you do it. For every decision make sure you explain why/what etc.
- Dates… no indeed no dates have been announced so far. However, the VCDX4 website does state the following “Unlike previous years, currently, there are no plans to have VCDX Defenses coinciding with the VMworld events in 2011 at this time”. Some of you will ask why, well just think about it for a second you have VMworld and then during VMworld you have the top experts confined to a room with hardly any opportunity to present/attend. I guess that is the main reason, I said “guess” cause I wasn’t part of the decision making process.
All there is left to say, if you plan on certifying this year make sure you start writing today! Your design will be a lot of work, make sure you meet the requirements and don’t forget any of the required documents mentioned in the application. For tips, do a search on VCDX on my blog…
Thanks Duncan – I’d better get a move on then !!
Thanks for the tips on “what’s new”. I’ll have to take a look at the application and see how much shorter it is.
Another “what’s new” is that the two VCAP exams can be taken in either order for VCDX4 whereas for VCDX3 the exam order was Enterprise Admin then Design. The VCAP exams also specifically require VCP4.
Jas
correct!
it is very short compared to the old one.
Good to hear. That old application was quite a monster!
Do we have any specific Books or docs that can help us for VCAP-DCD?
I hope to be starting my journey soon… thanks for the tips!
Awesome News! I passed the VCAP-DCD so just need to hammer out the DCA and start on the application! It sounds like its a long road, but worth it!
Any idea what the application fee is? I can’t find it anywhere posted what the application fee and defense fee are.
Also, the Handbook refers to a VCDX4 BluePrint which is not yet posted.
I don’t know what the fee is. I would suggest to email vcdx@vmware.com. The blueprint should be out soon.