A Shift in Horizon: Retirement and Replacement of VMware Certification and Exams

In the dynamic world of virtualization and cloud computing, staying up to date with the latest technologies and certifications is crucial for IT professionals. VMware, a leading provider of virtualization and cloud computing solutions, periodically updates its certification program to align with industry trends and advancements. This article explores the VMware certifications and exams that are soon to be retired, explains the reasons behind their retirement, and highlights the opportunities for IT professionals to embrace new certification paths.

Reasons for Retirement

The retirement of certifications and exams is driven by several factors, including technology advancements, changes in industry demands, and the need to streamline and update the certification program. By retiring older certifications, VMware ensures that its program remains current, relevant, and complies with the evolving needs of the IT industry.

While the retirement of certifications may initially be met with some disappointment, it also presents exciting opportunities for IT professionals to explore new certification paths and enhance their skills in emerging technologies. VMware offers a range of updated certifications for those seeking to showcase their expertise in designing VMware solutions. For individuals who currently hold the VMware certifications that are being retired, VMware provides clear guidance and transition paths to help them continue their certification journey. These transition paths often involve taking specific exams or completing training courses to bridge the gap and obtain updated certifications.

The Retiring VMware Exams/Certifications and Their Replacements

The current list of exams and certifications that will be soon retired is provided below:

1. VMware Professional Horizon 8.x (2V0-51.21): VMware has decided to retire the 2V0-51.21 certification exam on July 31, 2023. This test has been a benchmark for professionals working with VMware Horizon 8.x solutions and has served as a testament to their expertise in desktop and application virtualization. Replacing the retired certification exam, VMware has introduced the VMware Horizon 8.x Professional (2V0-51.23) test. This new exam is designed to validate the skills and knowledge required to effectively implement, manage, and troubleshoot VMware Horizon 8.x environments. It covers the latest features and enhancements in Horizon 8.x, ensuring that certified professionals are up to date with the most recent advancements in desktop virtualization.
2. VMware vSAN Specialist Exam (5V0-22.21):Another certification test that is to be retired on July 31, 2023, is the VMware vSAN Specialist Exam (5V0-22.21). This certification exam has been a valuable credential for professionals specializing in VMware vSAN, enabling them to showcase their expertise in software-defined storage solutions. Instead, VMware has introduced the VMware vSAN Specialist v2 (5V0-22.23) certification test. This updated certification validates professionals’ knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and managing VMware vSAN environments.
3. Advanced Design VMware Cloud Management and Automation (3V0-32.21): VMware will officially retire the 3V0-32.21 exam on July 31, 2023. This certification test has played a vital role in recognizing professionals’ advanced skills and knowledge in designing VMware cloud management and automation solutions. To replace the retired certification exam, VMware has introduced the Cloud Management and Automation Advanced Design (3V0-32.23) test. The new exam validates professionals’ expertise in designing advanced cloud management and automation solutions using VMware technologies. It comprises the latest features, best practices, and architectural considerations, enabling certified professionals to provide effective solutions to complex cloud management challenges.
4. Professional VMware Application Modernization (2V0-71.21): This certification exam will also retire on July 31, 2023. It has played a significant role in recognizing professionals’ knowledge and skills in modernizing applications using VMware technologies. The VMware Tanzu for Kubernetes Operations Professional (2V0-71.23) certification test will replace the retired version. This new exam is designed to validate professionals’ expertise in operating and managing Kubernetes environments using VMware Tanzu. It covers the latest tools, best practices, and operational considerations for successful Kubernetes operations.
5. VMware Certified Professional – Application Modernization 2023 Certification: On July 31, 2023, VMware will retire the VMware Certified Professional – Application Modernization 2023 certification. This certification has been designed to recognize professionals’ knowledge and skills in modernizing applications using VMware technologies. It has served as a testament to their expertise in application modernization strategies and best practices. In place of the retired certification, VMware has introduced the VMware Certified Professional – Tanzu for Kubernetes Operations 2023 certification. This new certification focuses on validating professionals’ expertise in operating and managing Kubernetes environments using VMware Tanzu.
6. Professional VMware vSphere 7.x (2V0-21.20): Effective January 31, 2024, VMware will retire the 2V0-21.20 certification exam. It has been aimed at professionals looking to demonstrate their proficiency in vSphere 7.x, encompassing essential knowledge and skills for designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting VMware vSphere infrastructures. Instead of the retired test, VMware is introducing the VMware vSphere 8.x Professional (2V0-21.23) certification exam. The new exam is designed to validate professionals’ expertise in deploying and managing vSphere 8.x environments. It encompasses the latest features of vSphere 8.x, equipping professionals with the skills necessary to leverage the full potential of VMware’s virtualization platform.

Conclusion

As the IT landscape evolves, embracing change is essential for IT professionals to stay ahead in their careers. The retirement of VMware certifications and exams reflects the industry’s ever-changing demands and the need for professionals to acquire new skills. IT professionals should embrace this opportunity to explore the updated certification paths offered by VMware, which conforms with the latest technologies and industry trends. By obtaining the updated certifications, IT professionals can demonstrate their expertise and remain at the forefront of virtualization and cloud computing, ensuring their continued success in the dynamic world of IT.