The VMware 1V0-41.20, sometimes called the Associate VMware Network Virtualization, is a test associated with the VMware Certified Technical Associate-Network Virtualization 2021 certification. It validates the basic expertise in working with the VMware NSX platform, NSX terminologies, and the navigation of graphical user interfaces in NSX.

Certification Overview

This certificate is abbreviated VCTA-NV 2021 and confirms an understanding of the business needs and use cases available in the VMware NSX platform including basic terminologies associated with this solution. Besides, the VCTA-NV 2021 designation holder demonstrates a solid understanding of network virtualization and SDDC concepts, VMware NSX portfolio and architecture, and VMware Virtual Cloud Network vision at a more advanced level.

VMware 1V0-41.20 Exam Facts

The 1V0-41.20 exam is a 90-minute test that costs $125 in the USA. It has a maximum of 30 questions with a passing rate of 300 grades. In general, the questions will exclusively be in multiple- and single-choice forms, and the actual evaluation can be taken as a proctored exam at Pearson VUE.

General Tested Domains

All in all, the 1V0-41.20 exam addresses skills from 7 major domains. Out of these, only 3 have testable subtopics as we will find out below:

• Domain 1: Technologies & Architecture;
• Domain 2: Products and Solutions;
• Domain 3: Planning and Designing;
• Domain 4: Installing, Configuring, and Setup;
• Domain 5: Tuning for Performance, Optimization, and Upgrades;
• Domain 6: Troubleshooting and Repairing;
• Domain 7: Operational Tasks & Administration.

Domain 1: Technologies & Architecture

The topic of Technologies & Architecture covers an understanding of SDDC concepts, the importance of networking that is virtual in managing traditional networking issues, and constructing blocks for Software Defined Networking (SDN).

Domain 2: Products and Solutions

The section of Products alongside Solutions in the official 1V0-41.20 test addresses the networking terms for vSphere, the VMware products that belong to an SDDC solution, the vSphere components, and the characteristics of the same. Also, it measures the student’s knowledge of identifying the products for supporting use cases when you have a use case, the pros of NSX Data Center, and the interaction between high-level components in the NSX architecture and the general advanced-level elements. At last, this section will evaluate the skills of identifying the function of proficient-tier particles in the NSX architecture and the functions of NSX-T facets.

Domain 7: Operational Tasks & Administration

This area is built around one major task, which is identifying the use of the NSX graphical interface for users to reach an objective when you have a case scenario and the specific goal in mind.

Job Opportunities

Once you clear the VMware 1V0-41.20 evaluation, you may go on to fill the following roles:

• Network Architect

  In short, a network architect maintains network security and designs, implements, and manages the security operations to counter network vulnerabilities. Also, this individual will be responsible for providing technical guidance on technology roadmaps, product plans, and network solutions. Additionally, s/he will be tasked with developing & designing proposals and creating documentation for clients and the general IT staff. In summary, a typical day in the life of a network architect may entail any of the following:

  • Managing technical network frameworks and solutions;
  • Troubleshooting network systems to detect & manage network issues;
  • Upgrading the network hardware as directed by the organization;
  • Designing, testing, and inspecting network systems;
  • Performing network analysis, planning, and modeling;
  • Installing as well as maintaining hardware components including routers, wireless adaptors, hubs, and cables.

  Thus, according to PayScale.com, a typical network architect earns an average salary of $121,224 per year.

• Network Infrastructure Engineer

  A network infrastructure engineer understands the complexities of network infrastructure and uses his/her technical background to design, deploy, and secure an organization’s network systems. Besides, he/she is responsible for performing audits and site surveys to ascertain that the available network site meets the standard specifications. Usually, the components of a network infrastructure range from routers to firewalls, switches, infrastructure software, and servers. And these engineers must understand the details of every component to guarantee the least downtime while complying with the company’s procedures and policies. In addition to all these, a network infrastructure engineer must understand the deployment of optimized servers, the performance of data backup, the management of routing, switching, WANs, LANs, and firewalls, and also planning alongside the deployment of data center networks. With all factors considered, they will be rewarded with an average compensation of $88,820 per annum as stated by PayScale.

• NSX Engineer

  A VMware NSX engineer is a professionally trained individual tasked with integrating and implementing the VMware NSX security platforms into hybrid cloud infrastructures. In more detail, these individuals must demonstrate a first-class understanding of the security of network technology for VMware environments. Besides, NSX engineers are well acquainted with the VMware Virtual Cloud Network and can easily apply the related skills when deploying virtual networks. In summary, these specialists will be expected to provide network and security support for firewalls as well as physical networks, ensure availability & reliability using effective solutions, deliver security together with network infrastructures, and develop, maintain, and support networks that exist in the NSX/NSX-T. Accordingly, they are guaranteed an average annual pay of $113,402. Note that this figure is obtained from the ZipRecruiter official website.

Other Honorable Mentions

In addition to the aforementioned technical roles, the associate level VCTA-NV 2021 certification may help you obtain new roles under the following titles:

• Systems Engineer;
• Virtualization Engineer;
• Virtualization Cloud Network Engineer;
• Senior Network Virtualization Engineer.

Certification Path

After attaining the associate-level VCTA-NV 2021 certificate, the next path should be aimed at advancing your skills using the VMware Certified Professional-Network Virtualization 2021 designation. This validation confirms your knowledge of translating the economics of security and network operations into effective solutions. In a nutshell, it certifies your mastery of the installation, configuration, and administration of the NSX virtual networking implementations, the physical architecture notwithstanding. To attain it, students must first earn the prerequisite certifications at the associate level and then pass the VMware 2V0-41.20 exam, otherwise known as the Professional VMware NSX-T Data Center 3.0.