Certification Watch: Microsoft Offers Soft Skills Credentials

Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

The credentialing opportunities offered by Microsoft Corp. have expanded with the release of the MSF Practitioner exam.

In order to differentiate this title from existing, product-focused Microsoft certifications, this new designation is called an endorsement rather than a certification.

It’s actually been in existence at Microsoft for several years, although it was earned through a personal interview process rather than by passing an exam. But now a computer-based exam for this title is available through Prometric testing centers worldwide.

A second, non-product credential, MOF Foundation, is coming this spring. Both of these designations focus on product-neutral project and process skills, not product-specific expertise. Read the full article on GoCertify.com.

Forthcoming UnitedLinux Certifications Build On LPI Program

UnitedLinux and the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) have joined forces to create a certification program for UnitedLinux. The new program will offer credentials that can be earned by first achieving LPI certification, and then passing additional, UnitedLinux exams.

The UnitedLinux program will consist of two designations: UnitedLinux Certifed Professional (ULCP) and UnitedLinux Certified Expert (ULCE). To earn the professional title individuals will have to achieve LPI Level 1 certification (LPI exams 101 & 102) plus pass a UnitedLinux exam (103).

The expert level follows a similar structure: first individuals must earn LPI level 2 certification by passing LPI exams 201 & 202, then an additional UnitedLinux exam (203) must be passed as well. The new exams are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2003.

Novell requires Network+ on CNA, CNE Netware 6 Track

Beginning June 30, Novell CNA and CNE candidates will be required to earn CompTIA’s Network+ certification as part of achieving Novell certification. Previously, it was possible to apply Network+ certification as a substitution for the Networking Technologies exam on the CNE track, but not required.

New Nortel Networks VoIP certifications for BCM, Succession and Meridian 1

Nortel Networks recently released three more Enterprise VoIP exams — BCM 3.0 (920-127) Field Specialist, Succession CSE 1000 Rls 2.0 (920-135) Design Specialist, and Meridian 1 IP Enabled (920-145) Design Specialist.

These exams are part of a full suite of VoIP certifications being developed by Nortel. Five VoIP certifications are currently available, with four more on the way during the first quarter of this year.

Nortel’s VoIP certifications cover both core VoIP technology and VoIP products and solutions, ensuring certificants have a strong understanding of voice, data and VoIP core technologies, along with the skills and knowledge required to design and support Enterprise VoIP solutions.

Complete information is available on Nortel’s VoIP Certification site.

That’s all for this edition of Certification Watch. Please keep your
certification news and tips coming to news@gocertify.com.

Anne Martinez is the author of Cheap Web Tricks: Build and Promote a Successful Web Site Without Spending A Dime and Get Certified and Get Ahead. She also is the founder of GoCertify.com.