Another recent change caught me as a complete surprise, I first thought that the massive uprise in VCP-NV 2019 certs was due to an initiative for partner enablement or in preparation for the announced VMware on AWS Master Competency which will require this as parts of it. But then I did some research and found that VMware now offers different ways for the different cert tracks on how to update your cert to the newest version WITHOUT sitting the exam.

In the following paragraphs I will ONLY COVER THE UPGRADE PATHS to renew your certification. If you don't hold that certificate or are on a different track please visit the link on each cert for more dertails.

So how does this look like in practice (and remember this is the status as of today: 21-April-2019):

VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2019 (VCP-DCV 2019)

If you hold a VCP-DCV 5 or 6: You will need to pass the exam, no shortcut for you.

If you hold a VCP-DCV 6.5: You can either take the exam or attend any of the following classes:

• VMware vSphere: Optimize & Scale 6.7
• VMware vSphere: Optimize & Scale plus Troubleshooting Fast Track 6.7
• VMware vSphere: What's New 5.5 to 6.7
• VMware vSphere: Fast Track 6.7
• VMware vSphere: Skills for Public Sector Administrators 6.7
• VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting Workshop 6.7

Taking one of the classes only makes sense if you plan them anyway, if it's just to up your exam, then I would suggest you rather study and take it from a cost perspective.

VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization 2019 (VCP-NV 2019)

If you hold a VCP-NV or VCP6-NV: You can either take the exam (does not make sense if you read the following) or attend the VMware NSX: What's New 6.5 which is free of charge and can be done completely self-paced online. Plus this class is far more than a What's New it provides you with a lot of deep dive troubleshooting info. So even without the cert you should take it.

VMware Certified Professional - Cloud Management and Automation 2019 (VCP-CMA 2019)

If you currently hold VCP-Cloud, VCP6-Cloud or VCP6-CMA: The only chance is you take the exam

If you hold the VCP7-CMA: Then you can either take the exam or attend the VMware vRealize Automation: What's New 7.3 to 7.5 - On Demand class which comes at a cost. So again question is if the class is on your radar anyway it makes sense to take the class, otherwise taking the exam is most likely cheaper.

VMware Certified Professional - Desktop and Mobility 2019 (VCP-DTM 2019)

If you hold VCP6-DT, VCP6-DTM, VCP7-DTM or the VCP-DTM 2018 your only chance is to pass the exam.

VMware Certified Professional - Digital Workspace 2019 (VCP-DW 2019)

If you hold the VCP-DW 2018: You have to pass the new VCP-DW 2019 exam

If you hold an Airwatch certification: Please check the web page as you need to cross off several course requirements before or after (does not make much sense) you pass the exam, no shortcut.

Conclusion:

So we can see certification renewal differs quite a bit per track, could I explain you why? Not really, varies from free on-demand class over attending paid on-demand to classroom training. But as always you can also just take the cert ;-)

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or the other @comdivision folks on twitter or catch up at one of the conferences we are presenting or attending…

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