Certification Watch: Trickle Down Certification

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Certification Watch is provided by GoCertify.com, a gathering place and
resource center for people interested in computer professional
certification.

Systems Administrator Exams From cSAGE Hit Beta
The UNIX and extended core modules of the cSAGE certification program will be available in beta format from January 28th thru February 13th. Registration begins January 22 through VUE testing centers . Junior level system administrators are especially encouraged to take these exams, which cost $100 each ($225 each when the beta period ends). If you pass both, you could actually become certified before the SAGE program officially goes live on March 26th.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Modified
The new Project Management Professional (PMP) exam will be released on March 4, 2002. The current version of the exam (which uses the 1996 objectives) will no longer be available after that date. The new exam includes coverage of a new domain: professional responsibility (in addition to the current areas – initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing). Test out your readiness with the 50 free sample questions on the PMI Web site. The questions and answers are in PDF format.

CISSP to Increase Experience Requirements in 2003
The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, sponsors of the well-respected Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, have announced plans to modify the experience requirements for earning the CISSP title . Starting January 1, 2003, candidates will have to demonstrate that they have either four years of experience, or three years of experience plus a college degree in order to sit for the exam. Currently, three years of experience is required. “Equivalent life experience” can be substituted for the college degree, at ISC2’s discretion. The experience must be in the field of information security.

Microsoft Offers Special Cards to First 5,000 MCSAs
If the idea of a special ID card excites you, consider accelerating your track to the MCSA . If you’re one of the first 5,000 to complete the requirements, your certificate and wallet ID card will showcase your glory.

Trickle Down Certification
Computer professional certification has been finding its way into traditional brick and mortar education venues for several years. The latest move comes from Certiport, the company responsible for administering the end user Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) program (MOUS) program . Certiport is working to introduce both MOUS and Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) at the high school level. This is very much an entry-level certification, and not particularly relevant to current IT professionals. However, it does show the continued expansion of certification as both a credential, and a blueprint for learning.

Cisco WAN Tracks Formally Mothballed
As previously announced, Cisco retired its CCNA WAN Switching, CCNP WAN Switching, and CCDP WAN Switching certifications on December 31, 2001. Although no new certifications can be earned on these tracks, previously earned certifications will remain valid for three years from the date achieved.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Early Registration is Now Available
Early registration for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam is currently underway. The four hour exam takes place once a year, with the next sitting scheduled for June 8, 2002. Candidates must register by April 3. The CISA exam tests knowledge of IS audit process principles and practices. The early registration rate ($295/ISACA members, $400/nonmembers) applies though February 13th.

Free Practice for Sun Certified Web Component Developer Candidates
Are you considering taking on the newest Sun certification for Java 2 – Web Component Developer? Then zip on over to the Sun Web Learning Center and try your hand at the free 10 question practice exam they’ve just posted.

The complete current issue of Certification Watch can be found at GoCertify.com.

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