The digital landscape is in constant motion, with hybrid cloud models and software-defined infrastructure becoming the new standard. For IT professionals seeking to navigate this evolution, VMware certifications remain a powerful way to validate expertise and unlock career growth. Among the various tracks, the VCP-VCF Administrator (VCP-VCF Admin) certification stands out as a critical credential for those who want to build, manage, and secure private cloud environments.
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the VCP-VCF Administrator track against other key VMware certifications, offering a clear guide to the skills, job roles, and salary potential for each. By focusing on the latest exam, VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Administrator (exam 2V0-17.25), this guide will help you determine if the VCP-VCF Admin certification is the right choice for your professional journey.
An Overview of the VCP-VCF Administrator (2V0-17.25)
The VCP-VCF Administrator certification is specifically designed for IT professionals transitioning from traditional infrastructure to a more integrated, cloud-focused role. It validates the skills needed to manage private cloud solutions built on VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). This comprehensive platform integrates VMware’s software-defined compute (vSphere), storage (vSAN), and networking (NSX) into a unified, automated, and secure environment.
The new 2V0-17.25 exam for this certification reflects the latest advancements in VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0. It’s a significant update from the previous version, consolidating exam objectives and placing a stronger emphasis on practical deployment, configuration, and day-to-day operations. This certification confirms that a professional is ready to tackle the complexities of modern, highly-integrated data centers.
VMware Cloud Foundation is a key player in powering hybrid cloud adoption worldwide.
Why VMware Certifications Still Matter
Despite the changes in the market, VMware remains a cornerstone of enterprise IT. The company’s products continue to be widely adopted for their robustness and ability to support complex, large-scale virtualization and cloud projects. As organizations embrace hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage and optimize VMware environments is at an all-time high.
A VMware certification, especially at the VCP level, is a globally recognized mark of competence. It signals to employers that a candidate not only understands the theoretical concepts but also has the practical knowledge to implement and maintain these solutions effectively. The right certification can provide a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
Other Key VMware Tracks: A Quick Comparison
When considering a VMware certification, it’s essential to understand the different paths available. Each track focuses on a specific area of expertise, catering to different career goals. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular VCP-level certifications:
| Certification | Focus Area | Target Audience | Complexity Level |
| VCP-VCF Administrator | Private & Hybrid Cloud Administration with VCF | Cloud & Systems Administrators | Intermediate to Advanced |
| VCP-DCV | Data Center Virtualization with vSphere | Systems Administrators, Virtualization Engineers | Foundational to Intermediate |
| VCP-NV | Network Virtualization with NSX | Network Engineers, Security Administrators | Intermediate to Advanced |
| VCP-VMC | VMware Cloud on AWS operations & hybrid cloud migration | Cloud Engineers, Hybrid Cloud Administrators, Solutions Architects | Intermediate to Advanced |
The Skills You Gain in Each Track
Choosing the right certification depends on the skills you want to develop and the career path you envision. The core skills gained vary significantly between each track.
| Certification | Core Skills | Tools & Technologies |
| VCP-VCF Administrator | VCF deployment, SDDC lifecycle management, vSAN, NSX-T, Aria Suite integration, automation | Managing cloud services on VMware Cloud on AWS, migration strategies, and operational best practices |
| VCP-DCV | vSphere installation, configuration, management, and troubleshooting of virtual machines, storage, and networking | VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter Server |
| VCP-NV | NSX-T deployment, microsegmentation, firewall rules, routing, switching, and load balancing in a virtual environment | VMware NSX-T Data Center |
| VCP-VMC | Managing cloud services on VMware Cloud on AWS, migration strategies, and operational best practices | VMware Cloud on AWS, AWS Services, HCX, vSphere Export to Sheets |
The VCP-VCF Admin stands out by providing a holistic skill set that combines elements of compute, storage, and networking, all within the context of an integrated platform. This makes it particularly valuable for professionals in roles that require a broad understanding of the entire cloud stack.
Job Roles and Market Demand
The skills validated by these certifications translate into a variety of high-demand job roles. While a VCP-DCV might lead to a traditional virtualization administrator role, the VCP-VCF Administrator is more aligned with the rapidly growing private and hybrid cloud sector.
| Certification | Typical Job Roles | Industries Hiring |
| VCP-VCF Administrator | VCF Administrator, Cloud Administrator, Infrastructure Architect, Hybrid Cloud Engineer | Cloud Service Providers, Large Enterprises, Government, Financial Services |
| VCP-DCV | Systems Administrator, Virtualization Engineer, IT Consultant | Nearly all industries that use virtualization |
| VCP-NV | Network Engineer, Network Security Administrator, Solutions Architect | Telecom, Cybersecurity, Large-scale data centers |
| VCP-VMC | Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Consultant, DevOps Engineer | Companies using or migrating to AWS with VMware |
Hybrid cloud roles are expanding significantly faster than traditional IT infrastructure jobs, positioning the VCP-VCF Administrator as a highly future-proof certification.
The Salary Outlook: What to Expect
Compensation for VMware-certified professionals varies by location, role, and experience level. While VMware certifications consistently rank among the higher-paying IT credentials, the actual numbers are typically more modest than often advertised. Here’s a realistic snapshot:
| Certification | Global Avg. Salary | US | Europe | India | APAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCP-VCF Administrator | $85,000 – $100,000 | $90,000 – $105,000 | €65,000 – €85,000 | ₹8L – ₹15L | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| VCP-DCV | $80,000 – $95,000 | $85,000 – $100,000 | €60,000 – €80,000 | ₹6L – ₹12L | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| VCP-NV | $82,000 – $100,000 | $88,000 – $105,000 | €62,000 – €82,000 | ₹7L – ₹14L | $68,000 – $88,000 |
| VCP-VMC | $85,000 – $105,000 | $90,000 – $110,000 | €64,000 – €84,000 | ₹7.5L – ₹14.5L | $70,000 – $92,000 |
Note: These figures reflect market averages from sources like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Broadcom’s partner data (as of 2025). Senior architects or specialists may earn above these ranges, especially in high-demand markets like the US and Europe.
VCP-VCF Administrator (2V0-17.25) Exam Details & Preparation
The VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator certification is achieved by passing the 2V0-17.25 exam. Understanding the structure and requirements is the first step toward success.
| Exam Details | VCP-VCF Administrator (2V0-17.25) |
| Format | 60 Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Duration | 135 Minutes |
| Passing Score | 300 (Scaled) |
| Price | $250 USD |
| Exam Delivery | Pearson VUE, proctored |
Exam Blueprint
The 2V0-17.25 exam is structured around four major domains, covering the end-to-end lifecycle of VMware Cloud Foundation:
- IT Architectures, Technologies, and Standards
- VMware Cloud Foundation Fundamentals
- Plan and Design the VMware by Broadcom Solution
- Deploy, Configure, and Operate VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)
For detailed study resources, consult Broadcom’s official documentation:
🔗 Official VCP-VCF Administrator Guide
Beyond the Exam Blueprint: Preparation Tips
Success in the VCP-VCF exam requires more than memorization. Candidates need practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and a strategic approach.
1. Leverage Practice Tests
High-quality practice exams help you:
- Pinpoint weak areas to improve.
- Gain familiarity with question style and difficulty.
- Build time-management skills under exam pressure.
2. Get Hands-On with VMware Cloud Foundation
Practical exposure is critical. If possible, use a VCF lab environment (hands-on labs, company testbeds, or VMware’s free trial labs). Real-world practice with vSAN, NSX-T, and lifecycle management will reinforce concepts far better than reading alone.
3. Map Study to Real-World Use Cases
Don’t just study topics in isolation. Connect blueprint objectives with how enterprises deploy and operate VCF—for example, mapping SDDC lifecycle management to real hybrid-cloud scenarios.
4. Follow VMware Blogs & Release Notes
VMware Cloud Foundation evolves rapidly. Reading official release notes, blogs, and KB articles ensures your knowledge aligns with the latest features and best practices, especially around automation and security.
5. Use VMware Training Resources
Broadcom Education offers instructor-led and on-demand courses. Even if you can’t take a full course, free resources like VMware Hands-on Labs or VMware {code} sessions provide immense value.
6. Build a Study Timeline
Plan a 6–8 week structured schedule, breaking down topics into weekly goals (e.g., Week 1: Architecture & Standards, Week 2: Fundamentals, etc.). Consistency is more effective than last-minute cramming.
Candidates who combine official study guides, hands-on labs, and timed practice tests typically see a 30–40% higher pass rate on their first attempt.
VCP-VCF vs VCP-DCV: The Foundational Choice
Many professionals face the decision between the VCP-VCF and the long-standing VCP-DCV certification. This choice often comes down to career trajectory.
| Criteria | VCP-VCF Administrator | VCP-DCV |
| Primary Focus | Integrated Private Cloud and its components (compute, storage, network) as a single entity. | Data Center Virtualization, specifically the core vSphere platform. |
| Scope of Skills | Broader scope covering vSphere, vSAN, and NSX-T within a unified, automated framework. | Deep dive into vSphere, including virtual machine management, resource allocation, and troubleshooting. |
| Target Roles | Cloud Administrator, Private Cloud Operator. | Systems Administrator, Virtualization Specialist. |
| Career Trajectory | Positions you for a career in modern, hybrid cloud environments with a focus on holistic infrastructure management. | Provides a solid foundation for virtualization roles and is a prerequisite for many advanced VMware tracks. |
The VCP-DCV is an excellent starting point for a career in VMware administration. However, for professionals aiming for roles that require managing more than just virtual machines—roles that involve an integrated, software-defined stack—the VCP-VCF Admin is the more strategic choice.
VCP-VCF vs VCP-NV: Network Specialization
For those interested in the networking side of virtualization, the VCP-NV (Network Virtualization) is a strong contender. Here’s how it compares to the VCP-VCF.
| Criteria | VCP-VCF Administrator | VCP-NV |
| Primary Focus | Holistic platform management, including networking as part of a larger, integrated stack. | Deep network virtualization and security, focusing on NSX-T. |
| Scope of Skills | Covers network basics within the VCF context. | Requires extensive knowledge of NSX-T, including microsegmentation, firewall policies, and advanced routing. |
| Target Roles | Cloud Administrator, Generalist. | Network Engineer, Network Security Administrator. |
| Career Trajectory | Prepares you for a well-rounded role managing a private cloud. | Specializes you in a high-demand niche, making you a go-to expert for network virtualization. |
If your passion lies in networking and security, the VCP-NV may be a better fit. However, if your role requires you to manage the entire platform—from compute to storage to network—the VCP-VCF Administrator provides the most relevant skill set.
The Future of VMware Certifications
With the acquisition by Broadcom, the VMware certification landscape is evolving. Broadcom’s focus on enterprise solutions and VMware Cloud Foundation has made the VCF track more prominent than ever. The new 2V0-17.25 exam is a clear indicator of this shift, as it streamlines objectives to focus on the most relevant, in-demand skills.
This shift positions the VCP-VCF Administrator as a key credential for the future. As more organizations adopt VCF to manage their private clouds and connect them to public cloud providers, the skills validated by this certification will become essential for success. Professionals who hold this credential will be well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern hybrid IT environments.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Deciding on a certification path is a personal decision that should align with your career goals.
- If you are just starting and want a broad understanding of virtualization, the VCP-DCV is a logical first step.
- If you are an experienced network engineer looking to specialize in software-defined networking, the VCP-NV is a great choice.
- If you are looking to advance into a modern cloud administration role, manage integrated software-defined data centers, and work with cutting-edge hybrid cloud technology, the VCP-VCF Administrator is the most strategic option.
This certification validates a skill set that is in high demand, positions you for roles with significant salary potential, and provides a clear path for future career growth.
Conclusion: The VCP-VCF Administrator as a Future-Proof Investment
In a world where digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly complex, the VCP-VCF Administrator certification serves as a beacon for IT professionals. It signifies a professional’s ability to manage a modern, integrated cloud platform. By focusing on the skills required to deploy, operate, and secure VMware Cloud Foundation, this certification prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of the hybrid cloud era.
As you prepare for the VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Administrator exam, remember that the right study materials and a structured preparation plan are crucial. By leveraging resources like practice tests to solidify your knowledge and build confidence, you can significantly increase your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt and stepping into a rewarding and future-proof career.
