Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has accelerated the modernization of VMware’s certification program. To align with the latest VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 and vSphere 9.0 releases, Broadcom has officially retired three older exams and introduced new certifications that reflect the current product portfolio, architecture, and enterprise use cases.

This update ensures that certified professionals validate skills relevant to today’s environments instead of outdated product versions. With Cloud Foundation and vSphere playing a central role in hybrid cloud, virtualization, and multi-cloud architectures, the new exams focus on scalability, lifecycle management, and integrated cloud operations.

This transition is not just a version update — it represents a shift to VMware by Broadcom's long-term strategy, where Cloud Foundation is the centerpiece of VMware’s multi-cloud strategy.

1. Product Evolution – Cloud Foundation 9.0 and vSphere 9.0 introduce enhanced features like automated lifecycle management, AI-driven optimization, stronger integration with Tanzu, and expanded multi-cloud support. Certifications must reflect these new capabilities.

2. Industry Relevance – Legacy versions (5.2) are no longer aligned with enterprise adoption. Updated exams validate knowledge in real-world, production-ready features that organizations are using today.

3. Standardization After Broadcom Acquisition – Broadcom is streamlining VMware certifications to fit its roadmap, ensuring consistency and focusing on fewer, deeper credentials rather than fragmented legacy tracks.

4. Future-Proof Skills – IT professionals holding these certifications will prove they can design, operate, and troubleshoot next-generation VMware solutions, keeping their skillset competitive.

- Certification: VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator (VCP-VCF Administrator)

- Exam Details: 60 questions, 135 minutes, scaled passing score of 300

- Exam Domains:

1. IT Architectures, Technologies, Standards

2. VMware Cloud Foundation Fundamentals

3. Plan and Design VMware by Broadcom Solutions

4. Deploy, Configure, and Operate VMware Cloud Foundation

This exam focuses on operational skills for administrators managing Cloud Foundation environments.

- Certification: VMware Certified Professional – VMware vSphere Foundation Administrator (VCP-VVF Administrator)

- Exam Details: 60 questions, 135 minutes, scaled passing score of 300

- Exam Domains:

1. IT Architectures, Technologies, Standards

2. VMware Products and Solutions

3. Plan and Design

4. Install, Configure, Administrate VMware Solutions

5. Troubleshoot and Optimize VMware Solutions

This certification is ideal for IT administrators who want hands-on validation of their ability to install, configure, and optimize vSphere infrastructure.

- Certification: VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Architect (VCP-VCF Architect)

- Exam Details: 60 questions, 135 minutes, scaled passing score of 300

- Exam Domains:

1. IT Architectures, Technologies, Standards

2. VMware Products and Solutions

3. Plan and Design VMware Solutions

4. Install, Configure, Administrate VMware Solutions

5. Troubleshoot and Optimize VMware Solutions

This exam targets professionals who want to design Cloud Foundation architectures, ensuring scalability, high availability, and alignment with enterprise multi-cloud strategies.

1. Understand VMware’s Direction – Read VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 and vSphere 9.0 release notes. Many questions test awareness of new capabilities and lifecycle enhancements.

2. Hands-On Lab Practice – Build a test environment or use VMware’s Hands-on Labs. Practical configuration and troubleshooting are essential for both administrator and architect exams.

3. Focus on Blueprint Weighting – Each exam section is weighted; don’t waste equal time on all domains. Instead, prioritize Plan, Design, and Troubleshooting, as they usually carry heavier weight.

4. Study VMware Documentation & Whitepapers – Broadcom VMware official guides provide the exact terminology and solution designs that often appear in exam scenarios.

5. Use Updated Practice Exams – Familiarize yourself with the new exam structure and validate readiness. Avoid outdated study material based on 5.2 versions.

6. Join VMware Communities & Study Groups – Engage with peers preparing for the new exams to share insights, lab scenarios, and recent exam experiences.

The retirement of VMware’s older 5.2 exams and the release of the 2V0-17.25, 2V0-13.25, and 2V0-16.25 certifications mark a major step in Broadcom VMware’s certification modernization. These updates not only align credentials with the latest Cloud Foundation 9.0 and vSphere 9.0 technologies but also ensure professionals are equipped with future-proof skills demanded in enterprise IT.

For IT professionals, upgrading to these new certifications is essential to stay competitive, demonstrate expertise in VMware’s evolving ecosystem, and align with Broadcom’s vision of hybrid and multi-cloud leadership.