4 Virtualization Certifications You Need in 2017

For the past decade or so, virtualization has transformed the IT industry, and based on the increasing number of organizations using virtualization, it's safe to assume that virtualization will remain a server room staple.

Considering the demand for virtualization skills, pursuing a virtualization certification can help you become a more desirable IT professional. Whether you are brand new to virtualization or if you want to increase your existing skills, here are four certifications that can make you a virtualization pro.

1. VMware Certified Professional 6.5 Data Center Virtualization (VCP6.5-DCV)

This is VMware's latest certification, which correlates with the release of the newest version of its flagship product, vSphere 6.5. And CBT Nuggets trainer Keith Barker recently wrapped up his VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV) training course to help get learners up to speed on VMware's new product.

If you're a virtualization pro, there are plenty of reasons you should consider this cert. First off, VMware has long dominated the virtualization space, and despite more competition in recent years, it's still an industry leader. Having the most current VMware certification not only demonstrates that you know your stuff but also highlights your desire to keep learning, both of which can make you more attractive to employers.

Then there's the fact that the VCP6.5-DCV certification validates your knowledge of implementing, managing, and troubleshooting a vSphere 6.5 infrastructure, as well as highlighting your understanding of best practices associated with deploying cloud-based situations.

Just a reminder, to sit for this exam, you need to have first passed the vSphere Foundations exam (either vSphere 6 or vSphere 6.5). Learn more from the Roadmap to Success: VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV).

2. VMware Certified Professional 6, Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

Maybe your organization isn't planning to migrate to vSphere 6.5 anytime soon, or perhaps you still need to upgrade from your VCP5.5-DCV cert so you can be up-to-date on the latest VMware magic. Earning VCP6-DCV certification would be a logical move.

TheVCP6-DCV course at CBT Nuggets covers everything you need to know about using VMware's vSphere 6 product. You'll learn how to monitor and manage a virtualized data center. Be sure to get some hands-on practice with a home VMware lab to prepare you for the practical areas of the exam, which focus on configuring and administering vSphere 6 security, network, and storage solutions. We mapped out your path to VCP6-DCV success.

To qualify for the VCP6-DCV exam, you must first pass the vSphere 6 (or vSphere 6.5) Foundations Exam.

3. MCSA: Windows Server 2016

It's always a good idea to broaden your skill set in regard to specific technologies. With that in mind, we wanted to share a non-VMware certification (GASP) that can help you conquer essential virtualization skills, MCSA: Windows Server 2016!

You might be thinking, Server 2016?!? But Microsoft Hyper-V has made serious strides since its debut in 2008. And with Server 2016's release came more new Hyper-V goodness. Earning MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills to use Hyper-V. You might be surprised at all the ways Hyper-V can now challenge VMware's products.

You'll learn how to enable Hyper-V within Server 2016, create and install virtual machines, and then be up and running just like that, you'll be living in a SysAdmin's dream.

And earning the MCSA is the first step toward earning your MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, which can not only boost your resume but diversify your cloud tech and virtualization expertise. As you continue to further your knowledge of Hyper-V, you can leverage its capabilities to best suit your needs.

4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator (Associate)

Okay, this one technically isn't a virtualization cert. But if you don't know or haven't figured it out yet, virtualization and cloud technology go hand in hand So, if you're going to be working a lot with virtualization, you'll want to add some cloud skills.

Obtaining an AWS certification that highlights technical expertise in deploying, handling operations, and management tasks on the AWS platform is a clear advantage for IT pros. This certification validates your ability to migrate on-premise apps, control data flow, and troubleshoot operational issues.

Our AWS Certified SysOps Administrator training course can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed perform the aforementioned tasks, as well as prepare you to take the associate-level exam. Newcomers to the AWS certification program also should consider participating in the AWS Technical Essentials course, which covers the basics of AWS services.

Any of these four certifications can set you up nicely in regard to handling virtualization within your organization. Remember as you train toward these certs that hands-on practice will really help reinforce your learning. Good luck in your quest to becoming a virtualization pro!