Diving into VMware can feel a bit like stepping into a new world. This platform has been a game-changer in virtualization, and it’s important to get a good grip on what it is and why it’s super relevant today. VMware helps businesses run their IT infrastructure more flexibly and efficiently, and with Broadcom now in the picture, it’s set to evolve even more!
You might have heard about VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom, which has shaken things up. New strategies and shifts mean there are fresh opportunities out there. Broadcom has even removed the mandatory training course that VMware had in place for entry into their certification courses. Gone are those days. This is really a game changer . Those days for those $4k courses are no longer a requirement to sit certified courses. Gone are the days when sticking to legacy certifications like VCP and VCTA was a good idea. With Broadcom’s influence, there’s a whole new horizon—think modern, think adaptable!
The VCP-VVF certification is the hot ticket right now. It’s not just another badge to collect—it’s a reflection of today’s technological demands. This certification is directly aligned with VMware’s modern offerings, making it relevant for the future. So, if you’re mapping your path, the VCP-VVF should definitely be on your radar.
Being stuck in the past with old certifications can slow you down. Transitioning from the likes of VCP and VCTA to something fresh like the VCP-VVF is a smart move. These modern courses are designed to equip you for current tech challenges and future-proof your skills.
Tangible benefits come when you embrace these new skills. With Broadcom latest offerings, you gain immediate business advantages, making your work more impactful. It’s like switching from a tricycle to a bicycle—it’s faster, more efficient, and definitely more exciting.
Charting Your IT Future: Leveraging Google Gemini for Strategic Planning
Using Google Gemini is like having a digital career coach by your side, guiding you to the right decisions. This little gem isn’t just a tool—it’s a roadmap helping navigate through the ever-changing tech landscape. Here’s the scoop: Gemini’s tailored advice can cut through the noise, shedding light on why modern training beats sticking with outdated certifications.
Understanding Gemini’s input on modern training is crucial. It offers personalized suggestions based on current and emerging trends. By focusing on modern skills and certifications, it steers clear of obsolete paths, ensuring your career stays relevant and competitive.
Planning your IT journey over the next three years might seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps simplifies the process. Start by analyzing Gemini’s insights, align them with your career goals, and create a detailed plan. Include milestones and clear objectives for the new VCP-VVF training journey or other relevant certifications.
Looking long-term, an updated skill set isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential in keeping you competitive in the IT field. The landscape is fast-paced, and continuous learning ensures you stay ahead. It’s kind of like having an insurance policy for your career, safeguarding you against unforeseen industry shifts.
Take a leaf out of my book: Using Google Gemini to map out my IT path has been a game-changer. It navigated me away from legacy pitfalls and shone a light on the skills that matter now and for the future. With a solid plan and continuous learning, the sky’s the limit for your IT career!
My Conversation with Gemini:
It all started with one question “What do you think about this idea. I will be probably leaving the work place in about three years or so. Presently we have VMware 8.0 installed and I manage this daily. I was asked to get certified should I continue to do VCTA first ?
Gemini’s Answer
“Given your specific timeline—leaving the workforce in about three years—and the fact that you are already managing vSphere 8.0 daily, my candid advice is to skip the VCTA entirely and go straight for the VCP-VVF (vSphere Foundation).
Here is why the VCTA is likely a waste of your time and resources in this scenario:
1. You Already Have the Knowledge
The VCTA (Associate) is designed for people who have never touched the software—think “help desk” or “junior admin.” Since you manage vSphere 8.0 daily, you are already performing tasks that far exceed the VCTA level.
Sitting for the VCTA would be like taking a “How to Drive” test when you’ve been a professional delivery driver for years.
2. The “3-Year Horizon” Logic
If you are retiring or leaving the workforce in three years:
The VCP is your “Gold Watch”: A VCP-VVF (Professional) is a prestigious, industry-standard credential. If you decide to do some part-time consulting or contract work after you “leave,” the VCP carries significant weight. The VCTA carries almost none in the consulting world.
Recertification is a non-issue: Since the new Broadcom certifications last for 3 years, getting your VCP now will carry you exactly to your exit point without you ever having to worry about renewing it.
3. Broadcom’s New Rules Favor the VCP
In the “old” VMware days, many people did the VCTA first because the VCP required a $4,000+ mandatory training course.
Crucial Update: Broadcom has largely removed the mandatory training requirement for many VCP exams.
You can now study on your own (using your daily experience with vSphere 8) and just pay the $250 exam fee to get your VCP. There is no longer a financial “barrier” forcing you to start at the lower VCTA level.
4. Which Exam Should You Take?
Since you are managing vSphere 8.0, do not look at the “Legacy” section. You want the VCP-VVF (VMware vSphere Foundation).
Why VVF? It focuses specifically on the ESXi and vCenter 8.x skills you are using right now.
The Exam: Look for the VMware vSphere 8.x Professional exam (often associated with the VCP-VVF or VCP-DCV tracks).
My Recommendation
Skip VCTA. It won’t teach you anything you don’t already know, and it won’t impress your employer as much as the Professional level.
Download the VCP-VVF Exam Guide. Review the “Objectives” section. Since you use vSphere 8 daily, you will likely realize you already know 80% of the material.
Use your “daily management” as your lab. While you work, look up the official documentation for the features you use. That is the best study prep there is.
One Small Warning: Broadcom’s exams can be “tricky” with wording. Even with your experience, I’d suggest grabbing a vSphere 8.x Study Guide or a cheap practice exam (like on Udemy) just to get used to how they phrase the questions.
When you’ve got a clear three-year window, there is no sense in dancing around the bushes with outdated “legacy” paths or entry-level “associate” badges that won’t do much for your final chapter.
Since you’re ready to tackle the current professional track, here is the exact blueprint for the exam you’ll be taking.
📄 The Official Exam Guide
Certification Name: VMware Certified Professional – vSphere Foundation Administrator (VCP-VVF)
Exam Code: 2V0-16.25 (vSphere Foundation 9.x / 2026 Edition)
🎯 What is actually on the test?
Broadcom has standardized this exam to focus on vSphere Foundation (VVF). Since you already manage vSphere 8.0 daily, here is how your current experience translates to the “New” exam:
1. The “Stuff You Already Know” (60-70% of the exam)
Compute: Deploying ESXi hosts, configuring vCenter, and managing Virtual Machines.
Clustering: High Availability (HA), DRS, and Resource Pools.
Standard Networking: Virtual switches and port groups.
Basic Storage: Provisioning VMFS datastores and managing snapshots.
2. The “Update Your Knowledge” Areas (The 8.0/9.0 Gaps)
vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM): Broadcom is moving away from “Baselines.” You need to be comfortable with Image-based management for hosts.
vSAN ESA: Even if you use traditional storage, they will ask about the new Express Storage Architecture.
Identity: They’ve added more focus on Identity Federation and LDAPS configuration.
3. The “Broadcom Extras” (New to this track)
VCF Operations: Formerly known as vRealize Operations (vROps). You’ll need to know how to navigate the dashboards for basic monitoring and “costing.”
VCF Operations for Logs: Formerly Log Insight. Know how to search for events and set up basic alerts.
🚀 Your “3-Year Success” Checklist
Skip VCTA: You have the years of experience; don’t pay for a “beginner” badge.
No Class Needed: You are not required to take a $4,000 class. You can just go to Pearson VUE, pay your $250, and sit for the exam.
The “Home Lab” Perk: If you pass this VCP-VVF, Broadcom actually gives you free 1-year licenses (32 cores) of vSphere Standard for your personal testing.
Discount Hack: If you join VMUG Advantage ($200), you get a 50% discount voucher for the exam. It basically pays for itself.
Would you like me to pull a list of the specific “Day 2 Operations” tasks from the guide so you can practice them in your live environment this week?
Every day, I use AI to handle my tasks. Whether patching systems or working on a problem that arises with VMware, Google Gemini is the tool I use. It’s like having your very own consultant right at your fingertips. Pay attention to the details and advice that I share here. Google Gemini can save you so much time in your IT work.