There is certainly no argument about the value of becoming a VCDX. I can tell you firsthand that I am a better architect as a result of completing the process. I’ve written this bLOG post to detail the costs associated for me to become a VCDX, $4,161.57 (detailed below, does not include the cost of attending VMware Instructor-led Training). Although I listed the retail cost of VMware exams, VMware does offer promotions that can reduce these costs. For example, VMware exam fees are typically discounted at VMworld and Partner Exchange events. My travel expenses included the EMC corporate rate discount. I didn’t include meals, because quite frankly I didn’t eat much while I was there. Since I was able to hitch a ride to the airport you won’t find any parking fees in the travel expense section either.
Many of you will notice that I didn’t include “Opportunity Costs”. In order to prepare for the VCDX I had to dedicate all of my free time to the process, as a result this prevented me from working on other opportunities. I also had to take two-weeks off; the week before the Defense, and the week of the Defense. I strongly believe that any opportunity costs will be offset by value of becoming a VCDX however my Economics Professor would be disappointed that they are absent from this post.
| VMware Training and Exam Costs | |
| VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V5.5] Instructor Led Training | Cost Varies |
| VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) | 175 |
| VMware Certified Advanced Professional 5 – Data Center Administration (VCAP5-DCA) | 400 |
| VMware Certified Advanced Professional 5 – Data Center Design (VCAP5-DCD) | 400 |
| VCDX Application – No Fee | 0 |
| VCDX Design Submission Fee | 300 |
| VCDX Defense Panel Fee | 900 |
| Total VMware Fees | $2,175.00 |
| Travel Costs | |
| Airfare – Austin, TX to Palo Alto, CA (Round-trip) | 431.2 |
| Hotel – Westin Palo Alto, CA (3-nights) | 1342.62 |
| Car Rental – National (4-days) | 212.75 |
| Total Travel Costs | $1,986.57 |
| Total Costs | $4,161.57 |
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