VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect Study Guide: Everything You Need to Know 2025
Your complete roadmap to passing the 2V0-13.25 certification exam. This comprehensive study guide covers all 4 exam domains with detailed explanations, study tips, and practice resources.
Quick Start
Essential steps to begin your preparation
Review Exam Objectives
View all domains →Take Assessment Quiz
Free practice test →Follow Study Plan
8-week roadmap →Full Practice Exams
Start practicing →Exam Domains & Objectives
Master these 4 domains to pass the 2V0-13.25 exam
Architecture and Design Principles
VMware Cloud Foundation Components
Workload Domain Design
Operations and Lifecycle Management
8-Week Study Plan
Follow this structured plan to prepare for your VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect exam
Foundation
Understand core concepts and exam objectives
Focus Areas:
- Architecture and Design Principles
- VMware Cloud Foundation Components
Deep Dive
Master advanced topics and practical applications
Focus Areas:
- Workload Domain Design
- Operations and Lifecycle Management
Practice & Review
Take practice exams and review weak areas
Focus Areas:
Final Prep
Full practice exams and last-minute review
Focus Areas:
- Full-length practice tests
- Review all domains
Curated Study Resources
AI-curated resources with real links to help you prepare for the VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect exam
Complete Study Guide for VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect (2V0-13.25)
The VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect certification validates your skills in designing, implementing, and managing VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) environments. This professional-level certification demonstrates expertise in architecting integrated cloud infrastructure solutions using VCF's automated lifecycle management across compute, storage, networking, and security. This certification is highly valued for professionals working with software-defined data center (SDDC) solutions and hybrid cloud architectures.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Cloud Infrastructure Architects
- SDDC Architects and Consultants
- VMware Infrastructure Engineers with 2+ years experience
- Cloud Solution Designers
- IT Architects transitioning to cloud infrastructure
- System Engineers working with VMware environments
Prerequisites
- Strong understanding of VMware vSphere administration
- Familiarity with software-defined networking (NSX) concepts
- Knowledge of vSAN or storage virtualization
- Understanding of data center infrastructure components
- Experience with VMware infrastructure design principles
- Recommended: VCP-DCV certification or equivalent experience
Official Resources
VMware Certification Home Page
Official VMware certification portal with exam information, policies, and registration details
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Documentation
Comprehensive official documentation covering all aspects of VMware Cloud Foundation architecture, deployment, and operations
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Product Page
Official product overview, features, and capabilities of VMware Cloud Foundation
View ResourceVMware Education Services
Official training courses, learning paths, and certification resources from VMware
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Design Guide
Official design guide with architecture best practices and reference architectures
View ResourceVMware Validated Designs
Comprehensive validated designs for VMware Cloud Foundation deployments
View ResourceVMware Tech Zone
Technical documentation, guides, and resources for VMware technologies
View ResourceRecommended Courses
VMware Cloud Foundation: Planning, Management, Operations
VMware Education • 40 hours
View CourseVMware Cloud Foundation Deploy, Configure, Manage
VMware Education • 40 hours
View CourseRecommended Books
VMware vSphere 8.0 Design Guide
by Multiple Authors
While not VCF-specific, this book covers essential vSphere design principles that are foundational to VCF architectures
View on AmazonVMware NSX-T Data Center Operations Guide
by VMware Press
Essential reading for understanding NSX-T, a critical component of VMware Cloud Foundation
View on AmazonVMware Software-Defined Data Center Design and Deployment
by VMware Press
Covers SDDC principles and design patterns applicable to VCF environments
View on AmazonVMware vSAN Design and Sizing Guide
by VMware Press
Comprehensive guide to vSAN design, a key storage component in VCF
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
VMware Hands-on Labs
Free, browser-based hands-on labs for VMware Cloud Foundation and related technologies. No installation required.
View ResourceVMware Cloud Foundation Trial
Download and try VMware Cloud Foundation in your own environment for evaluation and learning
View ResourceVMware Learning Zone
Interactive learning modules and guided tutorials for VMware technologies
View ResourceVMware Pathfinder
Interactive tool for exploring VMware solutions and learning paths
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
VMware Technology Network (VMTN) Communities
Official VMware community forums with dedicated sections for Cloud Foundation, certification discussions, and technical Q&A
Join Communityr/vmware
Active Reddit community discussing VMware technologies, certifications, and real-world implementation experiences
Join Communityr/vcap
Reddit community focused on VMware certifications including VCP-level discussions and study resources
Join CommunityVMware {code}
Developer community with resources for automation and API integration with VCF
Join CommunityVMware Blogs
Official VMware blogs covering product updates, best practices, and technical deep dives
Join CommunityvExpert Community
VMware vExpert community with blogs, resources, and expert insights on VCF and related technologies
Join CommunityStudy Tips
Architecture Focus
- Create visual architecture diagrams for different VCF scenarios to solidify your understanding
- Study the VMware Validated Designs thoroughly - they represent best practices and often appear in exam scenarios
- Understand the 'why' behind architectural decisions, not just the 'how'
- Practice explaining VCF architecture to others to identify knowledge gaps
- Focus on component interactions and dependencies - this is critical for troubleshooting questions
Hands-On Practice
- Use VMware Hands-on Labs extensively - they're free and provide real environment experience
- If possible, deploy VCF in a home lab or nested environment for deeper understanding
- Practice common operational tasks like adding hosts, creating workload domains, and performing upgrades
- Document your lab exercises - writing reinforces learning
- Focus on SDDC Manager workflows as they're central to VCF operations
Component Mastery
- Don't just study VCF in isolation - understand NSX-T, vSAN, and vSphere deeply
- Know the version compatibility matrix for VCF components
- Understand how each component contributes to the overall solution
- Study certificate management flows - this is often tested and commonly misunderstood
- Review Aria Suite (formerly vRealize) integration and monitoring capabilities
Design Scenarios
- Practice designing solutions for different requirements (capacity, performance, security)
- Understand workload domain sizing and when to create separate domains
- Study network design patterns including overlay and underlay considerations
- Know storage policy options and their implications on performance and availability
- Practice capacity planning calculations and understand resource allocation principles
Exam Strategy
- Read questions carefully - VCF questions often include scenario-based contexts
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve odds on difficult questions
- Watch for questions about 'best practices' versus 'supported configurations'
- Time management is crucial - don't spend too long on any single question
- Flag questions you're unsure about and review them at the end
- Look for keywords in questions that point to specific components or features
Documentation Review
- Bookmark and regularly review the VCF Planning and Preparation Workbook
- Study the VCF release notes to understand new features and changes
- Review the VCF Operations Guide for lifecycle management procedures
- Understand the difference between management and workload domain procedures
- Keep notes on limitations and maximums for various VCF components
Exam Day Tips
- 1Arrive at the test center 15 minutes early or log in to your online proctored exam 30 minutes before start time
- 2Bring two forms of valid ID if testing at a center (check Pearson VUE requirements)
- 3Read each question completely before looking at answers - scenario details matter
- 4Use the question flag/mark feature to revisit uncertain questions after completing easier ones
- 5Manage your time: with 70 questions in 135 minutes, you have about 1.9 minutes per question
- 6Don't panic if you encounter unfamiliar topics - educated guessing is better than leaving blanks
- 7Pay attention to qualifiers like 'most appropriate,' 'best practice,' or 'minimum requirements'
- 8For scenario-based questions, identify the core requirement before evaluating options
- 9Remember that some questions may have multiple correct answers - read carefully for 'choose all that apply'
- 10Take a deep breath if you feel stuck - a clear mind helps with complex architecture questions
- 11Trust your preparation and first instincts - don't overthink or second-guess excessively
- 12If time permits, review all flagged questions before submitting the exam
Study guide generated on January 7, 2026
Pro Study Tips
Expert advice to maximize your study effectiveness
Active Learning Strategies
- Hands-on practice: Apply concepts in real scenarios
- Teach others: Explain concepts to reinforce learning
- Take notes: Write summaries in your own words
Exam Day Preparation
- Get enough sleep: Rest well the night before
- Review key points: Go through your notes and cheat sheets
- Time management: Practice pacing with timed exams
Continue Your Preparation
More resources to help you succeed
Complete VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide will help you prepare for the 2V0-13.25 certification exam offered by VMware. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this guide covers everything you need to know to pass on your first attempt.
What You Will Learn
Our study guide covers all 4 exam domains in detail:
- Architecture and Design Principles (30%)
- VMware Cloud Foundation Components (25%)
- Workload Domain Design (25%)
- Operations and Lifecycle Management (20%)
Recommended Timeline
Most candidates need 6-8 weeks of dedicated study to pass the VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud Foundation Architect exam. We recommend studying 1-2 hours daily and taking practice exams weekly to track your progress.
Next Step: Start with our free practice test to assess your current knowledge level.