What is the best entry level virtualization certification?

j86schroeder

Hi,

I am looking into virtualization certifications. I have used VirtualBox, but not VMware. I am not familiar with other virtualization methods. Do any employers use VirtualBox? I am looking to find a well known-respected multi-vendor virtualization certification if possible.

For folks who use honeynets/honeypots, what type of virtualization is used for this?

Thanks,

j86schroeder

I wanted to add that, I am also looking for more understanding on Server Virtualization, OS Virtualization and Network Virtualization

j86schroeder

Adding again another question and that is. Which entry level virtualization certification is most valuable to employers?

stryder144

I would recommend hooking up with Stanly Community College. Assuming your state allows you to take classes through them (they have a list), you can get the VMware IT Academy ICM course for whichever version of VSphere they are teaching for a lot cheaper than most other schools. That satisfies the schooling requirements for the VCP-DCV. That certification is probably the best known virtualization certification you can get, entry-level. If you had your CCNA: R&S, you could take the VCP-NV certification exam without taking the ICM course. Once you get the VCP-NV you should be able to take the VCP-DCV exam (last I read you could do that but make sure you actually can before trying to accomplish this). That will set you up for the network virtualization and server virtualization world. You could also get the MCSA: Linux on Azure certification.

MariusRZR

I know that this is a VMWare thread, but the best entry-level virtualization cert, and the cheapest, would me MS Specialist - Hyper V And System Center. Exam 74-409. The exam is around 150 $ and compared to VCP, doesn't have a hard course requirement.

As for difficulty, it's harder and more complex than vSphere 6 Foundation 2v0-620 but not quite as hard as VCP6 2v0-621( I think, didn't take this one yet)

So, in my experience, go for Hyper-V first, and then, if you can get someone to pay for or you can pay for it yourself, VCP6-DCV. Many topics from Hyper-V will help. Don't even bother with VCA.

dave330i

MariusRZR wrote: »

I know that this is a VMWare thread, but the best entry-level virtualization cert, and the cheapest, would me MS Specialist - Hyper V And System Center. Exam 74-409. The exam is around 150 $ and compared to VCP, doesn't have a hard course requirement.

As for difficulty, it's harder and more complex than vSphere 6 Foundation 2v0-620 but not quite as hard as VCP6 2v0-621( I think, didn't take this one yet)

So, in my experience, go for Hyper-V first, and then, if you can get someone to pay for or you can pay for it yourself, VCP6-DCV. Many topics from Hyper-V will help. Don't even bother with VCA.

~300 jobs in my area with Hyper-v keyword. ~2k jobs with VMware. Your search may yield different results.

j86schroeder

Do you know how much it would cost me to get the entry level cert for the VMware?
vSphere 6 Foundation 2v0-620

How much for the next one after that VCP6-DCV?

Thanks,

MariusRZR

You don't get a cert with only 2v0-620.
For 2v0-621 you need to take the vSphere 6 Install, configure and Manage course. If you buy it from VMWare, it's around 1800$. There are various ways to obtain it cheaper, Stanley CC for example.

2v0-620 is around 150$ and 2v0-621 is around 250$

STANLY_CC

Posting this again for the new people that may not be aware that we can help with the certification process.

Stanly Community College, located in N.C., is an authorized VMware IT Academy, and we the course we offer meets the education portion of the VM certification. However, we can offer the VMware course only to individuals and not as part of corporate training. Additionally, this course is designed for students who have not yet taken the VCP exam. Students who have already passed the exam would still have to retake the exam using the voucher given at the end of the course in order to receive full VMware VCP certification.

This course is offered under the umbrella of Continuing Education, and it is conducted online, including labs, in an asynchronous manner which basically means it is available to students 24/7. Students can study at their own pace provided you meet the minimum due dates set by the instructor. The courses are 8 weeks in length, and the current tuition & lab fee costs total $185.00US. There is also a textbook in both hard copy and e-book formats available through our book store. We are currently teaching the 6.0 version of the VMware curriculum.

We enroll students in the VMware courses in the order in which they registered on our online wait list. If you have not added your information to this list please do so at https://vmware.stanly.edu/waitlist.php. We apologize for any delay, but as you can imagine these classes are extremely popular. We make every effort to accommodate all students in a timely manner.

At this time, due to evolving changes in higher education regulations, SCC is unable to serve all of the students that are interested in our courses or programs. SCC will no longer be able to offer distance education online programs or courses for students residing in Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can also visit our VMware page on our SCC website https://www.stanly.edu/future-students/continuing-education/technology-courses/vmware-vsphere-install-configure-manage.

Please feel free to send me a private message here or email me at slewis8950@stanly.edu.

j86schroeder

Thanks, well since SCC doesn't offer the distance education training right now as I am in Arkansas, looks like my only route is Hyper-V then VMware if someone will pay for it.

MariusRZR: is there a good study resource material you recommend on this Hyper-V Exam 74-409?

Free study guide???

https://hyperv.veeam.com/study-guide-microsoft-certification-exam-74-409-server-virtualization-windows-server-hyper-v-system-center-4202/

STANLY_CC

So sorry, but unfortunately, we have no other options available to us at present since we have been unable to secure authorization from Arkansas. If you have any questions, or if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

j86schroeder wrote: »

Thanks, well since SCC doesn't offer the distance education training right now as I am in Arkansas, looks like my only route is Hyper-V then VMware if someone will pay for it.

MariusRZR: is there a good study resource material you recommend on this Hyper-V Exam 74-409?

Free study guide???

https://hyperv.veeam.com/study-guide-microsoft-certification-exam-74-409-server-virtualization-windows-server-hyper-v-system-center-4202/

MariusRZR

j86schroeder wrote: »

Thanks, well since SCC doesn't offer the distance education training right now as I am in Arkansas, looks like my only route is Hyper-V then VMware if someone will pay for it.

MariusRZR: is there a good study resource material you recommend on this Hyper-V Exam 74-409?

Free study guide???

https://hyperv.veeam.com/study-guide-microsoft-certification-exam-74-409-server-virtualization-windows-server-hyper-v-system-center-4202/

The guide from Veeam and the free video training from Microsoft Virtual Academy. That's what I used.
Please note that only using the information provided by Veeam in the guide is not enough. Follow that guide but search for more information regarding each topic.

There is also a course on CBT Nuggets for Hyper-V in Server 2008 R2. I know it's 2008 R2, but it helps a lot.

j86schroeder

Thank you all, I appreciate your help!