3V0-42.23 · ● Active · Expert · Broadcom/VMware
Advanced-level certification validating design expertise in VMware NSX architecture, network virtualization concepts, and enterprise networking solutions. Tests scenario-based knowledge through multiple-choice and interactive question formats.
Exam facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | $250 USD |
| Duration | 135 minutes |
| Questions | 55 (multiple-choice, drag-drop, build-list, matching, hot-area, point-and-click) |
| Passing | 300/500 (scaled scoring) |
| Format | Multiple choice · Drag-and-drop · Build-list · Matching · Hot-area · Point-and-click |
| Delivery | Pearson Professional Assessments (OnVUE, test center) |
| Languages | English |
| Valid | 3 years |
| Renewal | Pass successor exam or VCAP-level recertification |
| Prerequisites | Active VCP-NV 2022 or current-year VCP-NV certification |
| Released | 2023 (NSX-T 3.x); updated to NSX 4.x (3V0-42.23 in 2024) |
| Retiring | N/A (Active) |
Vendor source — Broadcom VCAP-NV Design ↗
Official exam guide — VCAP-NV Design 4.x Exam Preparation Guide ↗
Exam objectives — Broadcom VCAP-NV Design Overview ↗
About
The VCAP-NV Design certification validates advanced expertise in designing and recommending VMware NSX solutions for enterprise network virtualization. This expert-level credential requires candidates to hold an active VCP-NV 2022 or current certification and tests practical design decision-making across NSX architecture, logical networking, security micro-segmentation, and network services. The exam is scenario-focused, emphasizing real-world design challenges rather than memorization, and is delivered through Pearson Professional Assessments. Current version (3V0-42.23) covers NSX 4.x.
Domain context — Network Virtualization
Network virtualization through VMware NSX provides software-defined networking capabilities enabling micro-segmentation, distributed firewalls, logical switching and routing, load balancing, and advanced threat protection independent of physical network infrastructure. Expert-level designers combine NSX architecture knowledge with enterprise networking principles to build scalable, secure, resilient virtualized networks.
Read full deep dive — VMware Network Virtualization Ecosystem →
Topics covered
- NSX architecture and design principles (20–25%)
- Logical switching and logical routing (20–25%)
- Micro-segmentation and distributed firewall design (15–20%)
- Network services: load balancing, NAT, DHCP, DNS (10–15%)
- Multisite and federation design (10–15%)
- Security and compliance in NSX (5–10%)
- Performance, scalability, and operational considerations (5–10%)
Source: Broadcom VCAP-NV Design Exam Guide ↗
Common skills at Network Virtualization · Expert
- Enterprise network architecture and design methodologies
- Software-defined networking (SDN) principles and implementation
- Distributed firewall and micro-segmentation strategy
- Logical networking topology design and optimization
- Advanced routing and switching concepts
- Network security and compliance frameworks
- Multi-site and hybrid cloud networking design
- Performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization
- Design documentation and stakeholder communication
Recommended courses at Network Virtualization · Expert
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcom Official | VMware NSX 4.x Advanced Design | Price varies | ↗ |
| CBT Nuggets | NSX Design and Deployment (VCP/VCAP tracks) | $199–$399/yr | ↗ |
| Global Knowledge | VCAP-NV Deploy and Design tracks | Varies | ↗ |
| Pluralsight | VMware NSX courses | $299/yr+ | ↗ |
| Linux Academy (A Cloud Guru) | NSX and network virtualization labs | $29/month | ↗ |
Course-selection rule: VCAP-NV Design specifically targets advanced designers; VCAP-NV Deploy courses (lab-based, 225 minutes) differ fundamentally. VCP-NV 2022+ prerequisite means foundational knowledge is assumed. Courses emphasizing NSX 4.x architecture and design decision-making are preferred for exam readiness.
Practice exams
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeasureUp | VMware NSX Advanced Design Practice Tests | $99–$149 | ↗ |
| Whizlabs | VCAP-NV Design Practice Exams | $39–$69 | ↗ |
| Boson | Boson ExSim practice tests (NSX/VCAP-NV) | $99–$129 | ↗ |
| VMLab / VMExam | VCAP-NV Design Sample Questions | Free–$49 | ↗ |
Books
| Title | Author | Publisher | Year | ISBN | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMware NSX-T 4.X Advanced Design | James Vadillo | Sybex (proposed) | 2024 | N/A | SearchITBooks ↗ |
| Official VMware NSX-T Data Center 3.x Study Guide | Community-contributed | N/A | 2023 | N/A | Lab documentation ↗ |
Book rule: Official NSX-focused VCAP-NV Design study guide from a major publisher (Sybex, Pearson, Wiley) is not widely published for current NSX 4.x. Exam preparation relies on official Broadcom exam guides, virtual lab documentation, and video courses. Prior VCAP-DCV Design books do not translate well to NSX/VCAP-NV focus.
Typical job titles at Network Virtualization · Expert
NSX Network Architect · NSX Design Engineer · Cloud/Network Solutions Architect · Network Virtualization Specialist · Enterprise Network Architect · Infrastructure Architect (NSX-focused) · Security Network Architect
(Job titles drawn from Glassdoor and LinkedIn job-board postings listing VCAP-NV or NSX design expertise as required or strongly preferred.)
Salary
| Region | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USD | $139,250–$202,250 (Network/Cloud Architect) | Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide ↗ · Glassdoor VMware NSX Architect ↗ |
| USD | $119,631–$157,264 (VCAP-certified roles) | ZipRecruiter VCAP Jobs ↗ |
| GBP | £95,000–£140,000 (Network Architect in UK) | IT Jobs Watch ↗ |
| EUR | €85,000–€140,000 (Network Architect, DE/FR) | Glassdoor EU ↗ |
| AUD | A$150,000–A$220,000 (Senior Network Architect) | Seek Australia ↗ |
Salary rule: VCAP-NV Design roles typically command premium salaries within network architecture bands due to expertise and scarcity. Salary varies significantly by geography, employer size, and industry. Roles explicitly requiring VCAP-NV or NSX design expertise are at the upper end of architect ranges.
Skills validated
- VMware NSX-T / NSX 4.x architecture and components (managers, controllers, edges, data plane)
- Logical network design (logical switches, logical routers, DLR, ESG concepts)
- Micro-segmentation design using distributed firewall and identity-based policies
- Network security design: encryption, intrusion detection, advanced threat protection
- Load balancing design and multi-site connectivity
- Network services design (DHCP, DNS, NAT, IPAM)
- Integration with physical network and third-party solutions
- Operational requirements, performance optimization, and troubleshooting
- Design documentation and communication with stakeholders
Related certifications
- Prerequisite: VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization (VCP-NV 2022+) ↗
- Companion exam: VCAP-NV Deploy (3V0-42.20, lab-based) ↗
- Stacks with: VCAP-DCV (Data Center Virtualization) or VCF (VMware Cloud Foundation) certifications
- Replaces: VCAP-NV Design 3V0-42.20 (NSX-T 3.x, superseded)
- Vendor overview: Broadcom VMware Certification ↗
Sources
- Broadcom VCAP-NV Design certification page
- Broadcom VCAP-NV Design NSX 4.x Exam Guide
- Broadcom VCAP-NV Design 2024 Preparation Guide
- Pearson Professional Assessments – Broadcom exams
- CBT Nuggets VMware Network Virtualization Training
- Global Knowledge VCAP-NV Training
- Robert Half 2026 Network/Cloud Architect Salary
- ZipRecruiter VCAP Job Listings
- Glassdoor VMware NSX Architect Jobs
- MeasureUp Practice Tests
- Whizlabs Practice Exams
- Boson ExSim Practice Tests
Last verified: 2026-05-01
Parent ecosystem: VMware NSX & Network Virtualization
Vendor overview: Broadcom VMware Overview