Citrix certifications have long taken a solid position in the IT industry. These credentials are solutions-based that reflect the changing needs of IT professionals and organizations. As a certified specialist, an individual can prove that he/she has the real skills and experience necessary to successfully solve Citrix solutions.

In 2018 Citrix launched two new Cloud Services certifications starting with the XenApp and XenDesktop Service. In this article you will know about these credentials, as well as find the ways to obtain them.

CERTIFICATION #1: XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud Certified (CC-XAD-CC)

This credential validates the individual’s knowledge and skills on the Citrix Cloud platform and delivering Desktops and App using the XenDesktop Service and XenApp.

Two main courses leading to this certification:

1. CXD-252: Moving to the XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud and Microsoft Azure

Move from the local environment to the Citrix Cloud and learn how to deploy resource locations in Microsoft Azure. Learn the architecture, management, and communications of Citrix Cloud and XenApp and XenDesktop Service, and then migrate the existing infrastructure and settings into Citrix Cloud. Plan the machine catalog and the virtual machine design based on the public Microsoft cloud, and deploy these machines using Machine Creation Services. Discover how to configure Citrix StoreFront and NetScaler Gateway as a service within Citrix Cloud or as managed machines in one’s datacenter or Azure platform for remote access.

Key Skills:

• Find out the differences between XenDesktop and XenApp on-premises and the XenApp and XenDesktop Service.
• Understand how to set up, configure, and operate Citrix Cloud Connectors.
• Deploy and operate Virtual Delivery Agent machines to local resource locations, as well as in Microsoft Azure using MCS.
• Integrate Citrix Cloud and XenApp/XenDesktop with Microsoft Azure Active Directory.
• Provide remote access with NetScaler Gateway and Citrix StoreFront on Microsoft Azure.

OR

2. CXD-250: Moving to the XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud

Learn how to navigate the move from XenDesktop and XenApp on-premises to the Citrix Cloud. Practice how the course will guide you through the architecture, management, communication, installation and configuration of Citrix Cloud and Cloud Connector. Explore how many services available in Citrix Cloud, and see the considerations for moving resources to the public cloud.

Key Skills:

• Describe the communications and architecture of the Citrix Cloud.
• Find out the differences between XenDesktop and XenApp on-premises and the XenApp and XenDesktop Service.
• Distinguish the resources and services available through Citrix Cloud.
• Set up, configure, and operate Citrix Cloud Connectors.
• Deliver desktop and app resources to on-premises resource locations.
• Migrate present local XenApp and XenDesktop infrastructure to the Citrix Cloud.

CERTIFICATION #2: XenApp and XenDesktop Service Integration with Microsoft Azure Certified (CC-XAD-MA)

This credential verifies the candidate’s skills and expertise for integrating the XenApp and XenDesktop Service and supplying desktop and apps to Microsoft Azure.

Two main courses leading to this certification:

1. CXD-252: Moving to the XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud and Microsoft Azure

Move from the local environment to the Citrix Cloud and learn how to deploy resource locations in Microsoft Azure. Learn the architecture, management, and communications of Citrix Cloud and XenApp and XenDesktop Service, and then migrate the existing infrastructure and settings into Citrix Cloud. Plan the machine catalog and the virtual machine design based on the public Microsoft cloud, and deploy these machines using Machine Creation Services. Discover how to configure Citrix StoreFront and NetScaler Gateway as a service within Citrix Cloud or as managed machines in one’s datacenter or Azure platform for remote access.

Key Skills:

• Distinguish the differences between XenApp and XenDesktop on-premises and the XenApp and XenDesktop Service.
• Know how to install, configure, and manage Citrix Cloud Connectors.
• Develop and operate Virtual Delivery Agent machines to local resource locations, as well as in Microsoft Azure using MCS.
• Combine XenApp/XenDesktop and Citrix Cloud with Microsoft Azure Active Directory.
• Provide remote access with Citrix StoreFront and NetScaler Gateway on Microsoft Azure.

OR

2. CXD-251: Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Microsoft Azure

Discover how to develop and operate one’s XenApp and XenDesktop apps and desktops in Microsoft Azure. Gain the skills to plan your virtual machine design and machine catalog based in Microsoft’s public cloud and get hands-on practice deploying those machines using Machine Creation Services. For remote access, an individual will find out how to configure NetScaler Gateway and Citrix StoreFront on the Azure platform. This course centers on Microsoft Azure as a Citrix Cloud resource location however concepts are relevant to both XenApp and XenDesktop sites and Citrix Cloud.

Key Skills:

• Prepare the Azure environment for secure union with XenApp and XenDesktop.
• Deploy and operate Virtual Delivery Agent machines in Microsoft Azure using Machine Creation Services.
• Integrate XenApp/XenDesktop and Citrix Cloud with Microsoft Azure Active Directory.
• Develop virtual machines and machine catalogs on Microsoft Azure Resource Manager.
• Provide remote access with NetScaler Gateway and Citrix StoreFront on Microsoft Azure.

Citrix Recertification Program

Students and partners have two options to recertify:

Option 1: Visit the associated Instructor-led training. By taking this associated course, you will not be required to pass the examination.

Option 2: Take and pass the required exam. All necessary tests you can find on the ExamCollection website.

The motto of the Citrix company says: “We make the world’s apps and data secure and easy to access.”  To satisfy this statement, Citrix must always keep up with the times. The technologies that never stand still, will not enable any company to grow up and flourish if it shuns changes.

Thus, Citrix Education recently presented the next-generation Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization (CCA – V) certification, based on XenApp and XenDesktop 7.6 LTSR.

The Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization (CCA-V) certification is aimed at operators and administrators who can manage, maintain, monitor and troubleshoot XenDesktop 7.6 solutions.

Are you already impatient to become the first one who will earn this certification? Then listen here: NEW! 1Y0-202 Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop Administration 7.6 LTSR exam is the right way to obtain the CCA – V certification. But it is necessary to pay your attention to the fact that new 1Y0-202 exam is a main reason for the discontinuation of the English version of the 1Y0-201 Managing Citrix XenDesktop 7.6 Solutions exam effective June 30, 2017.

If you’re wondering what this means for you…

= I don’t hold the CCA – V certification but I want to =

From now until June 30, 2017, you have two options to confirm your knowledge and skills.
ATTENTION! Option 2 will be not available since June 30, 2017.

Option 1:
1. Prepare with the recommended training: CXD-210: Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.1x Administration.
2. Review the 1Y0-202 Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop Administration 7.6 LTSR Exam Prep Guide.
3. Pass exam 1Y0-202.

Option 2:
1. Prepare with the recommended training: CXD-210: Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.1x Administration.
2. Review the 1Y0-201 Managing Citrix XenDesktop 7.6 Solutions Exam Prep Guide.
3. Pass exam 1Y0-201.

= I already hold the CCA – V certification =

You have also two options:

Option 1: update your certification and pass only the 1Y0-202 exam.
Option 2: attend the Instructor-led training CXD-210: Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.1x Administration.

NOTE: The discontinuation of the 1Y0-201 exam will have no effect on your current CCA – V certification status (valid for three years from the date attained).

Resources for the exam preparation:

1. 1Y0-202 English Exam Preparation Guide / 1Y0-201 Exam Preparation Guide
2. ExamCollection database for FREE Citrix braindumps containing real exams

You have so many options and enough time for earning the CCA – V certification…it’s unclear only one thing, what you’re still waiting for???

Citrix, leading software company widely known for its high standards’ products and certifications, just released the new version of its Citrix Certified Professional – Mobility (CCPM) Exam due to the launch of new version of its XenMobile software.

The old version of the Citrix Certified Professional – Mobility (CCPM) exam will be permanently discontinued on 15^th of November 2015. Current 1Y0-370 exam will be replaced with the new 1Y0-371 exam version onwards. The new version of the exam is already available for passing, and it is possible to take either old or new exam until 15^th of November, 2015. After this date the old version 1Y0-370 will be canceled.

The CCP-M certification verifies relevant skills needed to design, deploy and manage Citrix XenMobile 10 Enterprise solution software, including mobile device management, mobile application management and secure productivity. Today those skills are in high market demand, due to the top priority of Enterprise mobility management within organizations and growing complexity of security and compliance requirements of their IT departments.

The 1Y0-371 CCPM exam is oriented towards IT professionals like mobility architects, engineers, technical specialists, consultants and system administrators. It is conducted in English, covers four main topics and has 67-questions in total to be answered in 105 minutes timeframe. The required passing score is 66%, and the exam can be taken worldwide at Pearson VUE testing centers, while reservation can be made either online or by phone. If candidate want retake the test, he can do it 24 hours after the first attempt, and calendar 14 days for every other attempts.

The CCPM Exam consists of the following sections:

• Designing a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution (22 % weight)

• Installing the Components of a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution (10% weight)

• Configuring and Integrating the Components of a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution (30% weight)

• Managing and Maintaining the Components of a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution (38% weight)

Weight of each sections means the amount of questions out of total exam, for example if the exam has 60 questions, and section 1 is weighted 22%, then 13 questions of the exam will be on the topic of section 1.

Here are some examples of the skills every candidate should demonstrate within each section:

Section 1: Designing a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution

Determine the placement of components in a XenMobile deployment

Differentiate between mobile platforms and available options on each

Section 2: Installing the Components of a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution

Configure first-time user install of XenMobile Server through the command-line interface

Complete the install of XenMobile Server through the console

Section 3: Configuring and Integrating the Components of a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution

Configure policies to manage mobile devices

Configure Delivery Groups

Configure notifications

Section 4: Managing and Maintaining the Components of a XenMobile 10 Enterprise Solution

Wipe, lock, locate and disable devices

Designate device ownership (corporate vs personal)

Back up and restore XenMobile

More of the preparation guidelines and the details on skills required from the candidates can be found at the official Exam Prep Guide available here.

Citrix Mobility Certification is valid for three years obtaining the certification. If new exams are released within this period, it is required to take additional examination in order to keep the certification.

So if you are planning to level up your career and get CCPM certification, visit official Citrix Education website to get more insights and book for the exams.

Formerly known as WinFrame Server, Citrix MetaFrame Server and Citrix Presentation Server, XenApp is an application virtualization solution that enables users to connect to their corporate applications from a wide range of computer systems and mobile devices. XenApp hosts applications on central servers and allows users to interact with them remotely or stream and deliver them to user devices for local execution. Citrix Xen App extends Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host desktop sessions and applications to users through the Citrix HDX protocol. XenApp was originally built on top of the Windows Terminal Server platform (which was developed by Citrix in mid 90s).

Citrix XenApp and Remote Desktop Services enable organizations to centrally manage their Windows applications and computing resources in a secure data center, which is especially important for organizations whose operations involve the flow of sensitive data.

As a cross-platform solution, Citrix XenApp enables users to access these applications from anywhere, including non-Windows clients. Here’s how it works: XenApp sessions and applications can be accessed by client devices using a software client Citrix Receiver which is available for a variety of client form factors and operating systems.

HDX protocol provides smooth remote display capabilities, multimedia redirection, USB redirection, and a variety of other capabilities, depending on the client device.

Citrix XenApp direct competitors are Microsoft Terminal Services for Windows Server 2008, Quest Software vWorkspace, Systancia AppliDis Fusion, Spoon Server and Ericom Software WebConnect. Win4Lin Virtual Desktop Server provided similar functionality for serving Windows desktop sessions from Linux servers, while Sun’s application virtualization offering, the Oracle Secure Global Desktop, serves to provide a complete solution allowing for the delivery of both Windows and Unix applications on all major platforms.

Citrix XenApp Certification

Citrix has recently revamped its certification program making its credentials more solution-based and tailored to the current and ever-changing needs of IT professionals and organizations. There are three standard levels proving candidates’ skills and experience required to deliver successful Citrix solutions:

• Citrix Certified Associate
• Citrix Certified Professional
• Citrix Certified Expert

The company offers the credential of CCA for Citrix XenApp for those willing to certify knowledge of Citrix XenApp 6.5 solutions. To attain this certification, candidates need to pass the Basic Administration for XenApp 6.5 exam. IT tests the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, and administer Citrix XenApp 6.5 on-demand applications.

The Citrix XenApp 6.5 Administration exam is divided into the following sections which can serve as a preparation guide:

• Understanding the Citrix Architecture
• Licensing and Installing XenApp
• Configuring XenApp Sessions
• Configuring XenApp Policies
• Publishing Applications and Content
• Additional Management
• Managing Performance and Load
• Configuring Printing
• Enabling and Securing Web Access to Published Applications and Content
• Troubleshooting

So, getting XenApp certified seems like a smart career move for many IT professionals trying to find their high-potential role in medium-and big companies and corporations, since the demand for remote access solutions backed up by the latest functionality and security advances will definitely keep growing.

Citrix offers XenApp official training available on the company’s website. You can also check out the Citrix section at ExamCollection.