C E R TI F I C A TI O N P R E P A R A TI O N G U I D E

VMware Certified Professional -

Data Center Virtualization 2023
(VCP-DCV)

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS INTRO CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW

Certification Requirements hold value
because they signify that you have
The VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2023
undergone the necessary lessons, training,
seminars, and hands-on experiences that (VCP-DCV 2023) certification validates an individual's knowledge
are required to fill the job. and skills with VMware vSphere solutions, including virtual machines,
networking, and storage. Job-roles associated with this certification
LEARN MORE
include virtualization administrators, system engineers, and
We welcome you to visit the official VCP- consultants.
DCV 2023 certification webpage:
https://www.vmware.com/learning/certific In this document we show the different certification paths available to earn
ation/vcp-dcv.html the VCP-DCV 2023 certification, depending on what certifications you
already hold. You may follow this guide as a learning resource of what is
CERTIFICATION SUPPORT required of you to earn this certification.
If you need help with a Certification Path
or with Certification Requirements, please
contact the Certification Support Team at:
[email protected]

CANDIDATE AGREEMENT
The Candidate Agreement is a legal
document between the candidate and
VMware regarding participation in the
VMware Certification Program including
access to and use of any Program benefit,
VMware Certification credentials, or any
VMware Certification logo that VMware
makes available as part of the Program.

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VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2023

Certification Path Requirements

Certification path if you hold no VCP Certifications Certification path if you hold a VCP-DCV 2022
1. (Recommended) Gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x 1. (Recommended) Gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x
2. (Required) Attend ONE of the required training courses
Option 1 - Review and study the topics and objectives listed in the
Exam Guide (2V0-21.23) OR Exam Guide (2V0-21.20) and pass ONE
Courses used by VMware to develop these exams and strongly
of the qualifying exams:
recommended to you for exam preparation:
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vSphere 8.x Professional (2V0-21.23)
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7] 135 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD

VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] Schedule Exam

Courses VMware will accept which meet training course Professional VMware vSphere 7. x (2V0-21.20) - Retiring soon on
requirements (List includes the courses used to develop these January 31, 2024
exams.): 130 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD
VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration [V8] Schedule Exam
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8] - On Demand Option 2 - Attend ONE of the training courses in 2023
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V8] VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration [V8]
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8]
VMware vSphere: Security [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8]
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8]
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7]
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V8]
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] – On Demand
VMware vSphere: What's New [V8]
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V7]
VMware vSphere: What's New [V8] - Digital
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V7]
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8]
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale plus Troubleshooting Fast
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7]
Track V7]
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V7]
VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration Workshop [V7]
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V7]
VMware vSphere: What's New [V6. 7 to V7]
3. (Required) Review and study the topics and objectives listed in the
Exam Guide (2V0-21.23) OR Exam Guide (2V0-21.20) and pass VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale plus Troubleshooting Fast
ONE of the qualifying exams: Track [V7]
VMware vSphere: What's New [V6. 7 to V7] - On Demand

VMware vSphere 8.x Professional (2V0-21.23) VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] - On Demand

135 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration Workshop [V7]

Schedule Exam

Professional VMware vSphere 7. x (2V0-21.20) – Retiring soon on

January 31, 2024
C E R TI F I C A TI O N | 2
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2023

Certification Path Requirements

Certification path if you hold a VCP-DCV 2020 or Newer Certification path if you hold a VCP-DCV 2019 or Older
1. (Recommended) Gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x 1. (Recommended) Gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere
8.x
2. (Recommended) Attend ONE of the training courses
2. (Required) Attend ONE of the required training courses

Courses used by VMware to develop these exams and strongly

recommended to you for exam preparation: Courses used by VMware to develop these exams and strongly
recommended to you for exam preparation:
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8]
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7]
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7]
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7]

Courses VMware will accept which meet training course

requirements (List includes the courses used to develop these Courses VMware will accept which meet training course
exams.): requirements (List includes the courses used to develop these
exams.):
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V8]
VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration [V8]

VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8] VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8] - On Demand

VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8] VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8] - On Demand

VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V8]

VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] - On Demand VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8]

VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7] VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8]

VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7] - On Demand VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]

VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] - On Demand

VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] – On Demand VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7]

VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V7] VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7] - On Demand

VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V7] VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7]

VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale plus Troubleshooting Fast VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] – On Demand
Track V7] VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V7]
VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration Workshop [V7] VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V7]
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale plus Troubleshooting Fast
3. (Required) Review and study the topics and objectives listed in the Track V7]
Exam Guide (2V0-21.23) OR Exam Guide (2V0-21.20) and pass VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration Workshop [V7]
ONE of the qualifying exams:

3. (Required) Review and study the topics and objectives listed in

VMware vSphere 8.x Professional (2V0-21.23) the Exam Guide (2V0-21.23) OR Exam Guide (2V0-21.20) and
pass ONE of the qualifying exams:
135 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD

Schedule Exam
VMware vSphere 8.x Professional (2V0-21.23)

135 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD

Professional VMware vSphere 7. x (2V0-21.20) – Retiring soon on
January 31, 2024 Schedule Exam
130 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD

Schedule Exam Professional VMware vSphere 7. x (2V0-21.20) – Retiring soon

on January 31, 2024
C E R TI F I C A TI O N | 3
130 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2023

Certification Path Requirements

Certification path if you hold a VCP-NV 2020 or Newer OR Certification path if you completed a vSphere 6. 7 course but
VCP-CMA 2020 or Newer OR VCP-DTM 2020 or Newer OR never certified
VCP-DW 2020 or Newer OR VCP-SEC 2020 or Newer OR
1. (Recommended) Gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere
VCP-AM 2021 or Newer OR VCP-EWS 2022 or Newer OR
8.x
VCP-VMC 2022 or Newer OR VCP-CO 2022 or Newer
2. (Required) Have attend ONE of the retired 6.7 training courses
1. (Recommended) Gain experience with vSphere 7.x or vSphere 8.x
VMware Advanced Skills for vSphere Professional Workshop
2. (Recommended) Attend one of the training courses [V6.7]
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V6.7]
Courses used by VMware to develop these exams and strongly VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.7]
recommended to you for exam preparation:
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.7] – Blended
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] Delivery
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8] VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.7] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7] VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V6.7]
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V6.7] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale plus Troubleshooting Fast
Courses VMware will accept which meet training course Track [v6.7]
requirements (List includes the courses used to develop these VMware vSphere: Skills for Public Sector Administrators [V6.7]
exams.):
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting Workshop [V6.7]
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V8]
3. (Required) Attend one of the required training courses
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8]
VMware vSphere: What's New [V8]
VMware vSphere: Operate, Scale and Secure [V8]
VMware vSphere: What's New [V8] - Digital
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vSphere: What's New [V6. 7 to V7]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: What's New [V6. 7 to V7] - On Demand
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V7] - On Demand
4. (Required) Review and study the topics and objectives listed in
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] the Exam Guide (2V0-21.23) OR Exam Guide (2V0-21.20) and
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [V7] – On Demand pass ONE of the qualifying exams:
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V7]
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V7] VMware vSphere 8.x Professional (2V0-21.23)
VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale plus Troubleshooting Fast 135 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD
Track V7]
Schedule Exam
VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration Workshop [V7]

Professional VMware vSphere 7. x (2V0-21.20) – Retiring soon

3. (Required) Review and study the topics and objectives listed in the on January 31, 2024
Exam Guide (2V0-21.23) OR Exam Guide (2V0-21.20) and pass
ONE of the qualifying exams: 130 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD
Schedule Exam

VMware vSphere 8.x Professional (2V0-21.23)

135 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD

Schedule Exam

Professional VMware vSphere 7. x (2V0-21.20) – Retiring soon on

January 31, 2024 C E R TI F I C A TI O N | 4
130 Minutes 70 Questions $250 USD

Schedule Exam
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2023

FAQs
Will vSphere V6. 7 courses satisfy the VCP-DCV 2023 certification upon passing the exam?
No, but If you have taken a vSphere V6. 7 course, you may take the VMware vSphere: What's New [V8] or VMware vSphere: What's
New [V8] - Digital or VMware vSphere: What's New [V6.7 to V7] or VMware vSphere: What's New [V6.7 to V7] - On Demand course
and it will qualify.

Why does the VCP-DCV 2023 have a year designator as its version?
Data Center Virtualization solutions are frequently updated. Having a year as its certification version allows VMware to better
maintain the exam and training content, and more importantly, provides certification candidates to communicate how current their
skills are in relation to other certifications.

Do I have to complete the requirements in the order listed?

No, however we strongly recommend that you do so. Also, please note that successfully registering to take an exam does not imply
that you meet the certification requirements in full.

How do I share my VCP-DCV 2023 badge?

When you’ve earned a VMware badge, you will receive an email notification alerting you to claim your badge. When you accept your
badge, you’ll be brought immediately into a sharing workflow that allows you to share to Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, embed in a
personal website, or share over email.

I have completed only version 6.5 course; can I complete What’s New [V6. 7 to V7] course to fulfill the training requirement
towards VCP DCV 2023 certification track?
No, only if you have taken a vSphere V6. 7 course, you may take the VMware vSphere: What's New [V8] or VMware vSphere: What's
New [V8] - Digital or VMware vSphere: What's New [V6.7 to V7] or VMware vSphere: What's New [V6.7 to V7] - On Demand course
to fulfill the training requirement towards VCP-DCV 2023 certification.

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