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IT Certification Verification

How to Verify a VMware Certification

VMware certifications validate expertise in virtualization, cloud infrastructure, and data center management. Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware in 2023, certification management has migrated. Here is how to verify VMware credentials in the current environment.

· 6 min read

Quick answer

VMware certifications are verified through the Broadcom certification portal (following the 2023 acquisition) or via Credly/Acclaim digital badges, which candidates share publicly. Ask the candidate to share their Credly profile URL or badge link — this is the most reliable verification method for current VMware certifications.

VMware certification tiers

VMware's certification program is organized into four levels, each indicating a different depth of expertise:

Level Credential Description
1 — Associate VCA (VMware Certified Associate) Foundational knowledge; no hands-on exam required; entry-level
2 — Professional VCP (VMware Certified Professional) Core professional credential; requires training and exam; most widely held
3 — Advanced Professional VCAP (VMware Certified Advanced Professional) Advanced design and deploy credentials; separate design and deploy tracks
4 — Expert VCIX / VCDX (VMware Certified Implementation Expert / Design Expert) Highest level; VCDX requires a panel defense; very few holders worldwide

VCP is the most commonly required credential for infrastructure and cloud engineering roles. Common specializations include VCP-DCV (Data Center Virtualization), VCP-NV (Network Virtualization / NSX), and VCP-CMA (Cloud Management and Automation).

Verification via Credly (Acclaim) badges

VMware issues digital credential badges through Credly (formerly Acclaim). When candidates earn a VMware certification, they receive a digital badge linked to their Credly profile. The badge URL contains a verifiable, tamper-evident credential.

To verify:

  1. Ask the candidate to share their Credly badge URL or profile link
  2. Open the badge link — it will show the credential name, issuing organization, earner name, and issue/expiry dates
  3. Confirm the earner name matches the candidate's name and the credential is not expired
  4. Optionally view their full Credly profile to see all current credentials

Digital badges on Credly are cryptographically signed and cannot be fabricated. A legitimate badge URL from credly.com is the strongest form of VMware certification verification available.

Broadcom acquisition impact

Broadcom acquired VMware in late 2023. The VMware certification program has continued under Broadcom, but some certification names, tracks, and the management portal have changed. As of 2026:

  • Legacy VMware certifications (pre-2024) remain valid and verifiable through Credly badges or the Broadcom Education portal
  • New certifications are issued under the Broadcom/VMware brand
  • Candidates may have certifications under both legacy VMware and Broadcom accounts — ask for the specific badge or credential ID

Verify the certification date context

For older VMware certifications (2020–2023), verify using Credly badge links. The certification management portal URL changed with the Broadcom acquisition, so direct portal lookups may require the candidate's Broadcom account credentials rather than being publicly searchable. Credly badges remain the most reliable third-party verification.

Certification recency and validity

VMware certifications are typically valid for 2 years. After expiration, recertification is required to maintain the credential. Check the expiration date on the Credly badge — an expired VCP-DCV is not a current credential, though the holder did once pass the exam.

For rapidly evolving technologies like VMware vSphere or NSX, a certification earned 4+ years ago may represent outdated knowledge even if technically still within the validity window. Consider the certification version (e.g., VCP-DCV 2024 vs. VCP-DCV 2020) in addition to current status.

Red flags

  • Candidate cannot provide a Credly badge link or portal record for the claimed certification
  • Credly badge URL does not resolve or shows a different name than the candidate
  • Expired certification presented as current without evidence of recertification
  • VCDX or VCIX claimed without being able to provide verifiable evidence — these are very rare credentials; verify rigorously
  • Certification version significantly out of date relative to the technology version in the role

Verification checklist

  • 1. Ask the candidate for their Credly badge URL for each claimed VMware certification
  • 2. Open the badge URL on credly.com — confirm earner name, certification name, and expiration date
  • 3. Confirm the certification level matches the role requirements (VCP, VCAP, or VCIX/VCDX)
  • 4. Confirm the specialization track matches (DCV, NV, CMA, etc.) for the technology in use
  • 5. Note the certification version and consider whether it reflects current VMware/Broadcom technology

Verify IT program accreditation

VMware-certified professionals often hold degrees from IT or computer science programs. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a school's technology program is properly accredited.

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