This VMware VCP-CMA 2020 certification has been renamed to assume the VMware Certified Professional - Cloud Management and Automation 2021 (VCP-CMA 2021) title for the new year. Anyway, it is meant to validate the professional skills in installing, configuring, and administering a VMware vRealize environment. What’s more, this technology is important in the automation of vital processes within a data center to optimize productivity and efficiency. Therefore, by completing this accreditation track, you will acquire important foundational skills to easily complete the day-to-day operations and improve your credibility in a modern workplace.

Associated Exams to Pass

To begin with, candidates pursuing the VCP-CMA 2021 certificate must possess first-hand experience working with the VMware vSphere 7.x and vRealize 8.x. But this may not be enough. The final breakthrough to your certification journey will depend on what you score in two relevant evaluations. The first one is the VMware vSphere 6.7 Foundations exam also known as 2V0-01.19. The second one is the qualifying exam called Professional VMware vRealize Automation 8.1 exam with code 2V0-31.20.

Revealing the VMware 2V0-01.19 Exam Details

VMware 2V0-01.19 is a 105-minute-long exam with a total of 65 tasks of drag and drop, single-choice, and multi-choice formats. It costs $125 per attempt and students must score at least 300 points to continue with their certification journey.

Ideally, this non-proctored exam is meant for anyone seeking to validate the basic skills related to deploying and configuring the VMware vSphere 6.7 environments. In more detail, candidates must be prepared for questions regarding the following areas of expertise:

• Installation and Configuration of vCenter Server 6.x and ESXi 6.x Hosts
• Configuration and Management of vSphere 6.x Networking
• Configuration and Management of 6.x Storage
• Deployment and Administration of vApps and Virtual Machines
• Establishment and Maintenance of Availability and Resource Management Features
• Performance of Fundamental Troubleshooting of a vSphere 6.x Implementation
• Performance of Basic Monitoring of vSphere Implementation

As you understand, in preparation, there is a lot of work to be done. That's why you should check out VMware's recommended training programs, such as VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale [6.7]; VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [6.7]; and VMware vSphere: Fast Track [6.7]. All of these will help you cover all of the exam objectives and get a passing score on the final test.

VMware 2V0-31.20 Exam Overview

The second exam that the candidate must also pass is the 2V0-31.20 qualifying exam, which focuses entirely on the VMware vRealize Automation 8.1 product.

Regarding the details of the final evaluation, it is a Proctored test consisting of 70 questions that must be answered in 140 minutes. As with all VMware exams, you must register on the Pearson VUE platform and pay the $250 enrollment fee.

Then, on the appointed day, to achieve a passing grade of 300, you must deal with the following topics:

• Technologies and Architecture
• VMware Products and Solutions
• Planning and Designing
• Installing, Launching, and Configuring
• Performance-tuning, Upgrades, and Optimization
• Preparing and Troubleshooting
• Operational and Administrative Tasks

But even in this case, the vendor does not leave out candidates to dry in the preparation process. Anyone can take the VMware vRealize Automation: Install, Configure, Manage [V8] course to get the most up-to-date information on the product and be fully prepared for the exam.

Career Opportunities

Now that you are a VMware certified specialist and have your VMware Certified Professional - Cloud Management and Automation 2021 certificate in hand, there are many career opportunities open to you. For example:

• Systems Engineer

  A system engineer monitors and controls the functioning systems, as well as installs, tests, configures and maintains system management tools, operating systems, and application software. Often, they are involved in the building, maintenance, and troubleshooting of infrastructure and may work independently or as part of a talented IT department. Also, competent systems engineers boast a solid IT background and will use their countless years of experience to monitor the performance of applications, write custom scripts, design support systems, and complete security operations.

  Moreover, these specialists get an average salary of $80,503 per year according to PayScale.com.

• Software Engineer

  The typical job roles and responsibilities of a software engineer focus on the improvement of system quality by detecting basic issues, enhancement of applications by highlighting the basic upgrades and optimizations, and the maintenance of the available codebases, as well as the code, changes. Also, these professionals are involved in the investigation and adoption of new technologies where appropriate and provision of technical support to end-users. Therefore, aside from the educational qualifications, a software engineer should possess the right mix of technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Also, they should be proficient in troubleshooting basic issues and demonstrate a solid analytical and communication skillset.

  At the same time, in accordance with the PayScale.com official website, a software engineer is certain to make an average of $87,349 per year.

• Cloud Automation Engineer

  A cloud automation engineer is sometimes known as a senior software engineer or developer who understands cloud integration, orchestration, and automation. Thus, s/he is a highly experienced IT professional who demonstrates a painstaking understanding of workflows and processes, cloud infrastructure, data center, and software design. Generally speaking, a cloud automation engineer is responsible for implementing, optimizing, and supporting infrastructure to maintain the highest standards of availability. Also, their job scope may cover the design of new systems, the improvement of cost efficiency in cloud platforms, the enhancement of cloud availability, and the build-up of the performance of functional cloud infrastructure. Typically, many recruiters will demand up to 5 or 10 years of professional experience when looking to applicants. And that’s where VMware’s VCP-CMA 2021 certificate may act as your best weapon.

  Furthermore, according to ZipRecruiter, a cloud automation engineer earns an average of $138,576 per year.

Career Path

Technology doesn't stand still, so you always have to keep up with the fast-changing digital world. For this reason, upon obtaining the VCP-CMA 2021 qualification, many professionals seek advanced knowledge by specializing in one of the following tracks:

• VMware Certified Advanced Professional - Cloud Management and Automation Deploy 2021
• VMware Certified Advanced Professional - Cloud Management and Automation Design 2021