Certification Watch Volume 4 #2 - Page 2

LPI Fires Up Level 2

The Linux Professional Institute has announced that it is ready to undertake the next phase of the development of its intermediate (Level 2) Linux certification. This process includes a job analysis survey which is currently available to the public on the LPI web site. Interested parties are encouraged to complete this survey, which consists of 19 parts, each of which takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. You don't have to complete the entire survey, but if you do your name will be entered into a drawing to win vouchers toward Level 2 exams when they're released.

New Storage Certifications

Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. has launched a new certification program pertaining to its storage area network (SAN) products. This is a two level program. Level one: Brocade Certified Fabric Professional is already live and requires passing a single exam which focuses on Brocade SilkWorm switches. Level two: Brocade Certified SAN Designer, which requires design level expertise, is scheduled to become available later this spring.

Brocade isn't the only one certified information storage expertise. EMC Corporation unveiled its EMC Proven Professional certification program on Feb. 12. This program includes four tracks: Operator, Builder, Architect, and Instructor. Each track has Associate and Master levels. The foundation for all levels is the Enterprise Storage Fundamentals exam, which is the only exam that is actually live so far. Additional exams are scheduled to roll out over the next few months. Each track requires passing multiple exams. The instructor program won't be fully functional until 2002.

New From Allaire

Allaire Corporation, which launched its first certification - Certified ColdFusion Developer - last June, has announced a new designation that will be of interest to Web site builders. To earn the Certified Web Site Developer title, you'll have to pass a 70 question exam that tests your expertise in Web page design, Web page authoring, and supporting technologies. The exam is offered worldwide through the VUE network and costs $100.

On January 16th, Allaire and Macromedia signed an agreement to merge, an action that is expected to be completed in the second calendar quarter of 2001. Assuming the acquisition proceeds according to plan, the combined company will be called Macromedia. According to company sources, the Allaire certification program will continue uninterrupted.

Brainbench Certifications Increasingly Popular

Brainbench reports that 96% of the Fortune 100 employ Brainbench Certified Professionals. About 60% of individuals who complete Brainbench certification exams receive a passing score. In a recent policy adjustment enacted January 19th, if you want an actual paper certificate showing your accomplishment you'll need to pony up $7.95. Purchasing a certificate is not a requirement for becoming certified.

That's it for this issue of Certification Watch. Keep your certification news and tips coming to news@gocertify.com.