Thursday, December 14, 2006

Cisco Updates CCVP Exams

Cisco Systems announced yesterday that it has updated two exams for its mid level Cisco Certified Voice Professional certification.

The titles' Cisco IP Telephony exam has been updated to cover Cisco Unified CallManager 5.0 (exam 642-445). Candidates can now choose between it or the earlier exam, 642-444, which tackles CallManager 4.1.

Cisco also revamped the credential's Voice Gateways and Gatekeepers exam to a new version (642-453) that "features expanded labs, and updates to the lessons on IP to IP gateways and RSVP," the company said. The previous version of the exam, 642-452, will be retired in late April 2007.

Optional training courses for the new exams are available, as well.

The other three exams required to earn this title - Quality of Service, Cisco Voice over IP and IP Telephony Troublehsooting - were not updated.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Windows Vista Certifications Coming in Early 2007

Although full details are still pending, Microsoft has announced on its Web site that several new IT professional certifications covering Windows Vista will become available in early 2007. The new titles include:

* Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Vista, Configuration
* Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Consumer Support Technician
* MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician

Microsoft suggests that if you have taken only exam 70-271 or 70-272, you should consider completing your MCDST in early 2007 to validate your skills on Windows XP and position yourself to take advantage of a one-exam upgrade path-and limited-time 40% savings on the exam-to Windows Vista certifications when they become available.

Microsoft will be present two Live Meeting events on December 6, 2006 to explain the new certifications and exams and answer questions. To register visit the Vista upgrade announcement page.