Is the VCP-DW Worth It?

VMware's Workspace ONE is an incredible piece of technology. It's a digital platform that delivers users an online, virtual workspace. While on that digital workspace, employees, customers, or support staff can access and boot up any application on any device, anywhere. Workspace ONE can be managed from on-premises hardware or from the cloud.

That power and flexibility are maintained by the Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) specially designed by VMware for Workspace ONE. The UEM is the single management interface from which mobile devices, desktops, things connected to the Internet of Things, and so-called "rugged" devices can be managed and deployed.

The VCP-DW is a VMware certification that validates that an IT professional knows how to use VMware Workspace ONE, and the UEM, and keeps a company's use of Workspace ONE online. Whether or not it's worth it depends on a few things. Read on and learn if the VCP-DW is worth it.

What is the VCP-DW?

The VCP-DW, or VMware Certified Professional in Digital Workspaces, is VMware's professional-level certification for administrators who configure and manage Workspace ONE. Workspace ONE is VMware's unified workspace platform, and this Digital Workspace cert tests a technician on configuring, deploying, managing, maintaining, optimizing, and performing basic troubleshooting on Workspace ONE and its related technologies. An associate-level DW cert precedes the VCP-DW, and following it are two advanced certifications in digital workspace deployment or design.

There are several approaches to earning the VCP-DW, based on whether or not you have any other Digital Workspaces certificate from VMware. The final certification exam – the 2V0-62.21- is shared between the different methods. Whether you've earned a Digital Workspace cert before, VMware recommends taking one of their courses in Unified Endpoint Management specializations. If you've never held a Digital Workspace certificate from VMware, one of those courses is required.

The VCP-DW is unlike many industry certifications in that its course materials and tests are updated annually. Normally, vendors who release certs with an expiration date usually give at least two years. That means ensuring you're giving yourself enough time to prepare for and earn the most current version. As of this writing, the VCP-DW 2021 is available, and the VCP-DW will expire in September – so from year to year, there's a bit of calendar overlap for when you do make a go for it.

What Does the VCP-DW Exam Test?

Earning the VCP-DW requires passing one exam, the 2V0-62. VMware alters the exam title each year to show the year it was earned. At the time of this writing, the 2V0-62.21 is the most current exam, but if you've studied to pass the 2V0-61.20, you can still pass that test until September 2021. The 2V0-62 is a 60-question, 130-minute exam that has seven main exam objectives:

• Section 1 – Architecture and Technologies

• Section 2 – Products and Solutions

• Section 3 – Planning and Designing

• Section 4 – Installing, Configuring, and Setup

• Section 5 – Performance-tuning, Optimization, and Upgrades

• Section 6 – Troubleshooting and Repairing

• Section 7 – Administrative and Operational Tasks

It seems likely that VMware won't change those underlying seven sections from year to year. What does change, however, are the specifics within each section. As VMware updates Workspace ONE, the methods and processes for maintaining it can also change.

How Much Does the VCP-DW Exam Cost?

The 2V0-62.21 costs $250 to attempt. If you've prepared for the 2V0-61.20 and it's before September 30, 2021, you can also try that test version for $250. According to VMware's website, if you've never earned a VMware certification, you must also take one of their training courses in Workspace ONE. Whether you take one of those or a different online course that prepares you for the 2V0-62.21, you'll want to go into the test prepared. It's best not to think of the VCP-DW costing only $250 but also to include the courses and training you prepare with.

What Experience Do You Need for the VCP-DW?

VMware recommends at least six months of hands-on experience managing and configuring Workspace ONE and the Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) system before attempting the VCP-DW certifying exam.

Even though the VCP-DW certification is aimed at working professionals and has no formal prerequisite, six months isn't enough time to prepare. If you're planning on earning the VCP-DW and only giving yourself six months, make sure you're spending it with a rigorous on-the-job training program that exposes all of Workspace ONE's features.

By the time you take the test, you'll need to be able to describe all of the major components of Workspace ONE's enterprise integration and productivity services. You should know the authentication technologies used in Workspace ONE and its directory services.

The test will cover environment group structures, end-user portal configuration, and managing and enrolling endpoints. Provisioning and securing applications, enabling the app catalog, and configuring the collaboration resources are key parts of the exam. Finally, you'll want to know how to run reports, set up automation, and troubleshoot Workspace ONE's operations before you attempt the VCP-DW.

Who Should Take the VCP-DW?

Technicians and administrators who work with VMware technologies regularly should take the VCP-DW. In particular, technicians who work for companies that host customer solutions will find the VCP-DW valuable to their careers.

Is VCP-DW Worth It for Technical Solutions Architects?

The VCP-DW is worth it for Technical Solutions Architects or for IT professionals who want to become one eventually. The VCP-DW is essentially custom-made for the job. Technical solutions architects are responsible for planning and implementing the right technological approach for different company divisions. With the VCP-DW, you'll have a top-level understanding of what Workspace ONE is capable of and which teams it's right for.

If you hope to eventually become a technical solutions architect, the VCP-DW is like a roadmap for what you need to learn and how you need to think to get promoted into positions of responsibility.

Is VCP-DW Worth It for Systems Administrators?

The VCP-DW could be worth it for systems administrators, so long as their users or network depend on VMware digital workspace solutions. However, the VCP-DW isn't a generalized certification—it's highly focused on Workspace ONE. So, if you and your organization don't use that specific VMware tool, earning the VCP-DW probably isn't worth it.

On the other hand, if you find yourself troubleshooting Workspace ONE apps or connectivity, the VCP-DW is how you learn to manage endpoints connected to the Workspace ONE ecosystem.

Is VCP-DW Worth It for an Account Manager?

Yes, for account managers who work on VMware networks with Workspace ONE accounts, the VCP-DW is worth it. It would also be worth it for an account manager who wants to expand their familiarity with account provisioning and management on a different system or network. If you're looking to get promoted or moved to a company or division that uses Workspace ONE, earning the VCP-DW shows you know how to handle the VMware accounts.

Preparing for the VCP-DW will teach you how to provision and secure applications, how to apply single and multifactor authentication to users and accounts, how to manage email and application configurations, and how to analyze Workspace ONE reports. For an Account Manager, holding a credential in those nitty-gritty details of the job means proven expertise and knowledge.

Is the VCP-DW Worth It?

The VCP-DW is only worth it for the administrators, technicians, and managers who actually work with VMWare's Workspace ONE or the Unified Endpoint Manager system. If you work with those tools, it's very well worth it. But if you don't work with them and don't plan to, the VCP-DW isn't worth it. Some certifications are aimed at a broad familiarity with virtualization or skills in managing virtual systems, but this isn't one of them.

Use VCP-DW to Learn Skills

Whether your job is specifically managing and administering Workspace ONE or interacting with it a few times a week, preparing for the 2V0-62.21 is the best way to ensure you're familiar with every part of the workspace solution system. Because the VCP-DW doesn't cover other virtualization technologies or vendors, if you need to configure or implement any component of Workspace ONE or UEM, preparing the VCP-DW will teach you how.

Use VCP-DW to Validate Skills

Many technicians and administrators spend months or even years watching YouTube videos, reading documentation, and trying different things. They gain proficiency in a tool like Workspace ONE through trial and error and sweat of their brow. If you're confident in managing and administering ONE and EUM, earning the VCP-DW can validate all that effort. It might also lead to promotions or raises if you want to ensure your manager knows exactly how valuable you are to the team.