1. Introduction
2. What is the vExpert Program
3. Benefits: From Intermediate to Expert
4. Understanding Broadcom Advocacy
5. The Strategic Engine: VMUG Advantage
6. What do you achieve after qualifying
7. Market Recognition: Before vs. After
8. vExpert Application Tracking Table
9. Summary: Why you should apply

Introduction

The landscape of VMware has changed significantly over the past year. With Broadcom at the helm, the ways we learn, share, and get recognized have evolved. Whether you are a seasoned architect or an intermediate engineer, understanding the vExpert Program and the new Broadcom Advocacy model is crucial for staying relevant in the modern data center.

What is the vExpert Program

At its core, the vExpert program is not a technical certification. You don’t pass an exam to get it; you earn it through contribution. It is an honorary title awarded by Broadcom to individuals who “give back” to the community.Whether you are writing blog posts, speaking at VMUGs, sharing scripts on GitHub, or simply being helpful on Reddit/Slack, the program recognizes your influence outside of your daily job.

Benefits: From Intermediate to Expert

The program offers value regardless of where you are in your career journey:

• For the Intermediate Professional:
  • The Home Lab Advantage: You get 365-day evaluation licenses for almost all VMware products. This is the fastest way to bridge the gap from “learning” to “expert” without needing a corporate budget.
  • Mentorship: You gain access to the vExpert Pro network—mentors who help you grow your personal brand and technical voice.
• For the Expert Professional:
  • NDA Roadmap Briefings: Get direct access to Product Managers and see what’s coming before the general public.
  • Private Beta Access: Influence the product by testing early builds of software like VCF (VMware Cloud Foundation).
  • Global Networking: A private communication channel with over 2,000 of the world’s top virtualization minds.

Understanding Broadcom Advocacy

Since the acquisition, “Advocacy” has become more structured. Broadcom Advocacy is the umbrella that connects community experts (vExperts) with the business-side rewards.

Broadcom is shifting from a “licensing” model to a “platform” model. Advocacy now rewards those who help customers adopt VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). If you are VMware certified, Broadcom Advocacy provides a bridge where your technical skills (VCP/VCAP) are amplified by your community presence, often leading to exclusive partner rewards and increased visibility within Broadcom itself.

The Strategic Engine: VMUG Advantage

In 2026, the vExpert program and VMUG Advantage are more integrated than ever. This is often the “missing link” for many engineers:

• Certification Savings: VMUG Advantage members receive 50% off VMware certification vouchers.
• vExpert Integration: A major perk of being awarded the vExpert title is receiving a complimentary VMUG Advantage subscription.
• VCF Licensing: The primary way to secure long-term, full-stack VCF licenses for a home lab is through the “Broadcom Advantage” pathway, which requires an active VMUG membership and a valid certification.

What do you achieve after qualifying

Once you see that “Congratulations” email, you unlock several key milestones:

• The vExpert Badge: A digital badge for your LinkedIn and email signature that signals to recruiters you are a recognized leader.
• Content Amplification: Broadcom often features vExpert articles on their official social media channels, giving your personal blog thousands of new readers.
• Exclusive Swag & NFRs: Not-for-Resale (NFR) licenses from partners (like Veeam, Cohesity, etc.) are common perks, allowing you to build a world-class lab for free.

Market Recognition: Before vs. After

The market views a vExpert very differently than a standard engineer:

• Before vExpert: You are seen as a Technical Implementer. People know you can follow documentation and keep the lights on.
• After vExpert: You are seen as a Thought Leader. The industry recognizes that you don’t just use the technology—you understand its direction and help others master it.
• Professional Growth: Many vExperts report that the title acts as a “fast pass” through HR screening. Companies looking for high-level architects specifically search for the vExpert designation because it proves a passion for the technology that goes beyond a paycheck.

vExpert Application Tracking Table

Category	Contribution Type	Specific Activity to Record	Expected Impact / Evidence
Content Creation	Technical Blogging	Links to articles on VCF, Migration, or Troubleshooting.	Number of views or comments.
	Video/Podcasts	YouTube tutorials or guest appearances on tech shows.	Subscriber growth or watch time.
Community	Public Forums	High-quality answers on Reddit (r/vmware) or VMTN.	“Accepted Solution” badges or Upvotes.
	Open Source	GitHub repositories for PowerCLI, Terraform, or Ansible.	Number of Stars, Forks, or Clones.
Speaking	VMUG / Events	Presentations at local User Groups or VMware Explore.	Audience size and session feedback.
	Webinars	Leading online deep-dives or “Ask Me Anything” sessions.	Number of registrants/attendees.
Advocacy	Beta Testing	Participation in Broadcom Private Beta programs.	Number of bugs reported or feedback logs.
	Mentorship	Helping peers achieve VCP or VCAP certifications.	Number of people successfully certified.
Certification	Professional Growth	Passing new VCF-specific exams (VCP-VCF).	Digital badge link (Credly).

Summary: Why you should apply

The vExpert program is the ultimate “force multiplier” for your career. It combines the power of Broadcom’s corporate backing with the organic strength of the community.

Pro Tip: If you missed the first application window, don’t wait. Start documenting your contributions now—every script, every forum answer, and every internal presentation counts toward your next application. Click HERE for applying the vexpert application end date is Feb, 02,2026.