VCP certification

Hello,

I just finished taking and passing VMware's VSP 4 and VTSP4 classes and passed the required tests, so technically I'm a VSP and VTSP 4 certified.  What I'd really like to get is VM's VCP certification; however, I'm confused about going about it.  

Do I HAVE to take one of their classes before I'm technically certified?  Is there a way to go about it without paying to take a class.  I have some experience in Vsphere and virtualization in general and also have CBT's for this technology, but I just think it's a bit of a ripoff to have someone pay to get certified.  Also, I'm planning on taking the test within the next couple of weeks.  

I'd like to hear your thoughts from both the certified & non-certified out there.