Veeam Certification: Why Getting Certified Truly Makes a Difference
I'm spending more money on pieces of paper that I don't even know will help me with employment. Certifications are just a money-making machine for big companies; they purposely create these programs only to generate more revenue.
Have you heard some of those statements before? If so, you are not alone. But when it comes to Veeam certification, the story is different, as with these credentials, you gain skills that can set you apart.
So, dive in to discover what really makes Veeam certifications worth it.
The Problem with IT Certifications Today
With the sheer number of IT certifications, it's no surprise that their reputation has taken a hit.
Not all certifications are built with professionals in mind; for some companies, certifications can feel more like revenue tools than genuine learning opportunities.
Here are some common challenges that have put a dent in the value of certification:
- Questionable Quality: Many certifications lack substance, failing to teach practical skills that translate into real-world expertise. In these cases, the certification might do little to enhance your knowledge or open doors in your career.
- Revenue Focus: Some IT companies treat certifications as a revenue stream, reducing validity periods and hiking up exam fees. This leaves professionals feeling more like paying customers than dedicated learners.
- Brain Dumps and Shortcuts: Unethical "brain dump" sites circulate exam questions and answers, undermining the integrity of the certification process. While candidates might pass exams using these shortcuts, they'll struggle in real-world applications.
- Pricey Requirements: Certain companies link partnership statuses to the certifications their employees hold, making expensive qualifications a necessity. It can reduce certification to just another checklist item, taking away from its intended purpose.
How Certifications Truly Fuel Professional Growth
After considering the downsides some certifications bring, let's not forget their real value, which goes well beyond the piece of paper you might add to your LinkedIn profile.
Certifications offer a structured path for meaningful growth, providing a foundation for both technical mastery and essential professional habits.
Here's how they can genuinely make a difference:
- Developing Self-Discipline: The process of certification demands more than just technical knowledge; it requires setting up a study schedule, sticking to it, and following through. This discipline becomes second nature, equipping you to tackle complex projects with confidence and commitment.
- Hands-On Experience: Many certifications aren't just theoretical — they encourage you to dive into the tech hands-on, reinforcing understanding and building confidence. It is invaluable, giving you real-world skills that translate directly into the workplace.
- Fostering a Lifelong Learning Mindset: Like the resources around us, such as libraries and museums, certifications are tools we can leverage to become more knowledgeable and capable. So, their true value lies in how you choose to use them as part of a commitment to lifelong growth.
Veeam VMCE & VMCA: What’s the Difference?
To meet the demand for skilled data protection professionals, Veeam offers two primary certifications: VMCE (Veeam Certified Engineer) and VMCA (Veeam Certified Architect).
Here’s how each helps you master Veeam’s tools and provides the expertise needed to safeguard your organization effectively.
VMCE (Veeam Certified Engineer)
The VMCE certification covers core skills from deployment and configuration to troubleshooting, making it ideal for those focusing on operational data protection.
Completing this certification builds foundational knowledge in Veeam and is well-suited for IT pros managing Veeam solutions.
Newcomers to Veeam must attend a training course before the VMCE exam, offering hands-on experience in key functionalities.
If you’re already certified in a previous VMCE version, you can skip the training and proceed directly to the exam.
VMCA (Veeam Certified Architect)
The VMCA certification is aimed at professionals responsible for designing robust Veeam backup solutions.
Focused on scalable, resilient infrastructure, this certification equips architects with advanced skills in disaster recovery design.
While not required, the VMCE is recommended as a solid foundation for those moving to architect-level work.
If you’ve previously completed the VMCA, you can skip additional training and directly attempt the updated exam, following Veeam’s retake guidelines.
My Personal Take on Veeam Certifications
I passed my first VMCE exam in 2016 after attending fantastic training at VeeamON in October 2015. My trainer, Rasmus Haslund, helped spark my interest in Veeam certifications, as he proved that the key to loving a subject lies in having a great teacher.
Since then, I've completed the VMCA ADO and upgraded both certifications over the years, with my latest exam just this past August. Why keep retaking them instead of just listing VMCE and VMCA on LinkedIn and moving on?
The answer is simple: continuously upgrading my certifications keeps me sharp. It doesn't matter how seasoned you are — if your skills aren't current, you're at risk of becoming redundant.
Another key benefit is that Veeam certifications push you to explore technologies and disaster recovery setups beyond your current environment.
Even if you're not using a particular feature now, like a Scaleout repository, the certification gives you the foundational knowledge to handle it if it becomes necessary down the line.
Prove Your Expertise by Getting Certified with Veeam
Certifications are no replacement for on-the-job experience. However, they are that added ingredient that turns one into a stronger all-around IT professional.
Studying and preparing for the exams alone is a fantastic form of training and helps you sharpen many of your skills, not only those related to the certification subject you are dealing with at the time.
Veeam’s certifications are well respected and can genuinely make you a Data Protection star. When disaster strikes, companies want proven experts to help them recover.
Carrying a Veeam VMCE and VMCA badge is proof that you are the person right for the job!