It’s that time of year again—the season of giving, the season of reflection, and most importantly for our community, the season of vExpert applications!
If you’ve been waiting for the green light to join one of the most prestigious advocacy programs in the tech world, the wait is over. The application window for the 2026 vExpert Class is officially open!
Why Should You Care? (The “vExpert” Magic)
For the uninitiated, the vExpert award isn’t a technical certification you can study for in a weekend. It’s an honorary title given to those who go above and beyond their “9-to-5” to give back to the community.
Being a vExpert isn’t just about the cool badge (though let’s be honest, the badge is awesome). It’s about the access:
- The Software: You get NFR (Not for Resale) licenses for nearly the entire VMware/Broadcom stack for your home lab.
- The Network: Exclusive access to a private Slack channel with over 2,000 of the smartest minds in infrastructure.
- The Knowledge: NDA briefings, early access to product betas, and roadmap updates directly from the product teams.
- The Recognition: It’s a globally recognized mark of expertise that stands out on any CV.
Key Dates for the 2026 Class
The clock is ticking! Here is the timeline you need to know:
- Applications Open: Mid-December 2025.
- Applications Close: Mid-January 2026.
- Announcement Day: February 2026.
The “Q4 Sprint”: It’s Not Too Late!
I often hear people say, “I haven’t done enough this year to apply.” Stop right there. The vExpert program looks for quality and consistency, but they also love a “Q4 Sprint.” If you’ve been active over the last few months—writing blog posts, contributing to the Broadcom Community forums, or speaking at a local VMUG—you are a prime candidate. Even if you start today, writing three to five high-quality, in-depth technical guides or recording a few “how-to” videos can be enough to secure your spot for 2026.
Which Path Are You?
When you head over to the vExpert Portal, you’ll need to choose a path:
- Evangelist Path: For bloggers, book authors, and public speakers.
- Customer Path: For IT pros who champion VMware within their organization or share success stories.
- Partner Path: For those working at partner companies who provide technical expertise to the community.
- VCDX Path: A streamlined path for those who hold the elite VMware Certified Design Expert title.
Pro Tips for a Winning Application
- Be Specific: Don’t just say “I blog.” Provide links to your top 5 posts from 2025.
- Include Everything: Did you help someone on Reddit? Did you share a script on GitHub? Did you mentor a colleague? It all counts.
- Link, Link, Link: The reviewers need to see your work. Ensure every contribution has a URL attached.
- Ask a vExpert PRO: If you’re nervous, reach out to a vExpert PRO in your region. They are there specifically to mentor you and review your application before you hit submit.
Final Thoughts
The vExpert program changed the trajectory of my career and, more importantly, introduced me to a “vFamily” that is always there to help. Whether you are a veteran pro or a first-time applicant, this is your moment to get recognized for the hard work you put in all year.
Ready to join us? 👉 Apply for the vExpert 2026 Class here!
Good luck, and I hope to see you in the 2026 directory! 🚀 #vExpert #vCommunity
Former Nuclear Engineer | University Lecturer | Technology Advisor | Digital Transformation evangelist | FinTech | Blockchain | Podcaster | vExpert ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | VeeamVanguard ⭐️⭐️ | Nutanix SME | MBA | AWS ABW Grant’23
