Novell recently announced on its Web site that it will be launching a new high-level cert for Linux professionals, the Novell Certified Engineer (NCE), next year.
Although it's name is similar to the company's longstanding Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), the NCE is a new title for Linux IT pros.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Top 10 Overlooked Windows Server 2008 Features
Windows Server 2008 is on its way. With the first release candidate in the pipeline, it shouldn't be long before release to manufacturing and general availability.
With such a long development time (it's the first new Windows Server OS since 2003,) the showstopping new features have been well publicized: Most IT pros are familiar with at least some of the details of Server Core, PowerShell and Windows Server Virtualization (codenamed Viridian). But Windows 2008 includes a lot more than those headliners.
To that end, we're presenting the Top 10 overlooked features of Windows 2008. We spoke with Ward Ralston, senior technical product manager for Windows Server, to help us build our list. These items haven't garnered the same kind of press attention, hype and word-of-mouth as the others, but they're nonetheless important - maybe very important - to your network.
With such a long development time (it's the first new Windows Server OS since 2003,) the showstopping new features have been well publicized: Most IT pros are familiar with at least some of the details of Server Core, PowerShell and Windows Server Virtualization (codenamed Viridian). But Windows 2008 includes a lot more than those headliners.
To that end, we're presenting the Top 10 overlooked features of Windows 2008. We spoke with Ward Ralston, senior technical product manager for Windows Server, to help us build our list. These items haven't garnered the same kind of press attention, hype and word-of-mouth as the others, but they're nonetheless important - maybe very important - to your network.
Friday, October 05, 2007
70-623: Exam Review
Exam 70-623 PRO: stands alone as a Microsoft certification. The exam targets IT professionals who work within the consumer market supporting end users. Familiar with The Geek Squad? Well, that's the target audience. Exam 70-623 gives this group a way to prove their knowledge supporting users with installation, configuration and troubleshooting retail versions of Windows Vista installed on consumers' machines.
70-623: Exam Review
70-623: Exam Review
Monday, September 24, 2007
70-622: Road to Enteprise Support and Vista
Exam 70-622 PRO: Installing, Maintaining, Supporting, and Troubleshooting Applications on the Windows Vista Client-Enterprise, is a mouthful and it's also a good test of your ability to roll out applications on this or any Windows-based network. Exam 70-622 is one of two exams that you'll need to pass (along with completion of a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist exam, such as 70-620: Vista Configuration) in order to obtain a Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician certification.
I took 70-622 while it was in beta (which this exam is based on). During the beta, I was given 180 minutes to complete 75 questions. The final version is 90 to 120 minutes for about 50 questions.
This exam was wide in scope and tests one's knowledge of all aspects of installing, maintaining, supporting and troubleshooting applications on Windows Vista on an enterprise network in these key areas:
I took 70-622 while it was in beta (which this exam is based on). During the beta, I was given 180 minutes to complete 75 questions. The final version is 90 to 120 minutes for about 50 questions.
This exam was wide in scope and tests one's knowledge of all aspects of installing, maintaining, supporting and troubleshooting applications on Windows Vista on an enterprise network in these key areas:
- Deploying Vista
- Managing Vista security
- Managing, maintaining systems that run Vista
- Configuring, troubleshooting network connections
Monday, September 10, 2007
PRINCE2 and ITIL Certification Practice Exams for ClearScope
Seems there is a new practice exams vendor - ClearScope Training. They offer PRINCE2, ITIL and MSP certification practice exams.
From their web site:
From their web site:
ClearScope is a powerful software-based test engine with dynamic features and interactive multimedia to reinforce your understanding of the subject matter – while simulating the real exam.
Our certification practice exams are the most accurate you will find on the market today. Download and install ClearScope today and get certified faster than you ever thought possible.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Certification advice from the trenches
To certify is a huge step - it changes your identity (those capital letters at the end of your name), it proves to others that you're qualified, and more than anything, it increases your probability of getting hired and getting paid more.
Passing your exams not only tests your knowledge, but also your perseverance and dedication. To succeed, you need to devote a good amount of resources, time and money to earning your cert. And the tricky part can be deciding what those resources are, how much time to invest, and how much money you will realistically spend.
Passing your exams not only tests your knowledge, but also your perseverance and dedication. To succeed, you need to devote a good amount of resources, time and money to earning your cert. And the tricky part can be deciding what those resources are, how much time to invest, and how much money you will realistically spend.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
MCSA/MCSE Upgrade Exams To Retire 2008
In keeping with an exam retirement policy that has been in place since October, the Microsoft Learning Solutions group has announced retirement of two exams for Windows 2000 next year. Those announcements were unveiled during a Certification Live Meeting that took place online this week.
The two exams placed on that retirement list are 70-292, Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003 for an MCSA-Windows 2000, and 70-296, Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining Windows Server 2003 for an MCSE-Windows 2000.
Read more here.
The two exams placed on that retirement list are 70-292, Managing and Maintaining Windows Server 2003 for an MCSA-Windows 2000, and 70-296, Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining Windows Server 2003 for an MCSE-Windows 2000.
Read more here.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
The Training And Certification Guarantees
Will training in a good training institution get me IT certified? All I want is a school that will give me certification guarantees.
What training and certification guarantees can the school give me?
Expectations
Fulfillment is a function of expectations. As you invest and build your IT career, get your expectations right. Don't invest based on unrealistic expectations.
Certification success isn't dependent on training alone. If training is a route you have chosen, it should be part of your high quality preparation effort. Training is a major part of exam preparation, but achieving certification isn't dependent on any one tool. It depends on the quality of all aspects of your preparation. As you attend training classes are you also investing in other aspects of certification such as reading and practicing?
High Quality Effort
Furthermore, training quality isn't a one-way street. Training quality depends on you and the training institution. There are no guarantees. Results will only come from high quality effort from both parties. The training school must have the infrastructure and facilitator that will deliver. A competent training school with a good grasp of the certification will impart what it considers to be the right combination of theory and hands-on exercises.
Choosing a reputable training company is therefore important. Though infrastructure is important at training centers, as mentioned earlier a lot however depends on instructor support and quality, as well as the institution's professional focus. Reputable training organizations have first-class instructors who can deliver knowledge in a way that makes sense to students. Good facilitators are able to relate what is being taught in class with practical, everyday activities. Sound training institutions are learner centred and results-driven.
Who is Teachable?
However, even if your training school is world class, your input is critical. The hard truth about training is that results are conditional. Training won't work without the right attitude and motivation on your part. Nobody can learn for you. You need to be teachable. Are you teachable or just going through the motions. Are you learning or masquerading as a learner? The training institution is excellent, but are you teachable? The best training school cannot learn for you. Do you know what it means to be teachable?
Being teachable means being strong in the areas that matter - before, during and after the training. Do you display humility in class and in your interactions with fellow students and the instructor? Do you have an enquiring mind? You must have the desire to learn. How hungry are you for knowledge and wisdom?
Learning can be tough and stressful. How ready are you to make sacrifices? Showing up at the training school everyday isn't enough. Are you sufficiently motivated to make the effort? How seriously do you take assignments and practice? You must possess the drive and motivation to achieve and advance. This requires commitment plus effort.
Being teachable means ignoring distractions and focusing on what you are learning. How wisely are you investing your time? Do you focus on the main issues or are you more interested in flashy gimmicks and where you can hang out? Make sure your focus is on substance, because the right focus leads to achievement and fulfillment.
Do you admit your mistakes or shortcomings? You can't change what you don't accept. Everybody makes mistakes. If you don't admit your mistakes, you can't learn from them. In the words of Denis Waitley, "There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons. "
Right effort
What does training guarantee without the right effort on your part? What training gives you depends on how teachable you are. In the right environment, your effort is your guarantee. For example, before you started the class, what did your preliminary preparation entail? How much background information do you have on the training or certification? I'm always amazed when people register for a course without even reviewing the course objectives.
Being teachable means recognizing that no training program can teach you everything. Training and certification prepare you for opportunity. Guarantees shouldn't be your focus. Lifelong learning is your responsibility. There are no guarantees. Step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks.
The purpose of Training
At the end of the day, certification isn't the sole purpose of training and other preparation resources mentioned previously. You aren't investing in certification for the sake of certification. Keep perspective. Your career is more than cramming for the "latest and hottest" certification. If you cram and pass an exam, you have the certification, but be honest, what really do you have? Certification can't give you what you don't have.
Training is important, certification is important, but what are putting into your learning network? Are you only certificate focused? Do the group exercises help in building your personal network or is the certificate your sole interest? Is the training giving you ideas on how you can contribute and solve problems? Will the training improve the quality of your work experience? Are you opening your mind creatively to other career opportunities as you learn? Is the course helping in honing your learning ability? Are you using the program to improve your soft skills?
Do you want to grow, do you want achieve, do you want to make a difference or is the certificate your only goal? Drop that certificate mentality! Certification is of no value without a career focus. Certification or not, can you make progress if you're not teachable? Being teachable means making the most in terms of career impact from your learning investment.
What you put in is What you get out
Relying solely on technical skills and amassing multiple certifications for your career growth is wasteful. Pass your exams, get certified, but never forget that the aim of training is deeper than certification. What you put into the classroom will determine what you'll get out of the experience. "Most people only find what they are looking for." It's not just about the certificate. The aim of training is career achievement and fulfillment. With the right career focus, you are not fixated on training and certification. Therefore as you learn, you should be able to distinguish between what you must master to pass exams, what you can use in the industry and what you will need in future. Understand such differences. Being teachable improves your chances of passing the exam and also helps you in developing important work/industry skills and knowledge.
Know how and Know why
Getting results in IT varies from person to person. Building an IT career requires a working combination of creative effort, attitude and career focus. Before you invest in training, I strongly advise that you get expectations right. Don't invest if it all seems hazy to you. Instead ask questions, listen to instructors, talk to students and attend seminars.
I hope you find this useful and wish you the best in your IT Career.
What training and certification guarantees can the school give me?
Expectations
Fulfillment is a function of expectations. As you invest and build your IT career, get your expectations right. Don't invest based on unrealistic expectations.
Certification success isn't dependent on training alone. If training is a route you have chosen, it should be part of your high quality preparation effort. Training is a major part of exam preparation, but achieving certification isn't dependent on any one tool. It depends on the quality of all aspects of your preparation. As you attend training classes are you also investing in other aspects of certification such as reading and practicing?
High Quality Effort
Furthermore, training quality isn't a one-way street. Training quality depends on you and the training institution. There are no guarantees. Results will only come from high quality effort from both parties. The training school must have the infrastructure and facilitator that will deliver. A competent training school with a good grasp of the certification will impart what it considers to be the right combination of theory and hands-on exercises.
Choosing a reputable training company is therefore important. Though infrastructure is important at training centers, as mentioned earlier a lot however depends on instructor support and quality, as well as the institution's professional focus. Reputable training organizations have first-class instructors who can deliver knowledge in a way that makes sense to students. Good facilitators are able to relate what is being taught in class with practical, everyday activities. Sound training institutions are learner centred and results-driven.
Who is Teachable?
However, even if your training school is world class, your input is critical. The hard truth about training is that results are conditional. Training won't work without the right attitude and motivation on your part. Nobody can learn for you. You need to be teachable. Are you teachable or just going through the motions. Are you learning or masquerading as a learner? The training institution is excellent, but are you teachable? The best training school cannot learn for you. Do you know what it means to be teachable?
Being teachable means being strong in the areas that matter - before, during and after the training. Do you display humility in class and in your interactions with fellow students and the instructor? Do you have an enquiring mind? You must have the desire to learn. How hungry are you for knowledge and wisdom?
Learning can be tough and stressful. How ready are you to make sacrifices? Showing up at the training school everyday isn't enough. Are you sufficiently motivated to make the effort? How seriously do you take assignments and practice? You must possess the drive and motivation to achieve and advance. This requires commitment plus effort.
Being teachable means ignoring distractions and focusing on what you are learning. How wisely are you investing your time? Do you focus on the main issues or are you more interested in flashy gimmicks and where you can hang out? Make sure your focus is on substance, because the right focus leads to achievement and fulfillment.
Do you admit your mistakes or shortcomings? You can't change what you don't accept. Everybody makes mistakes. If you don't admit your mistakes, you can't learn from them. In the words of Denis Waitley, "There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons. "
Right effort
What does training guarantee without the right effort on your part? What training gives you depends on how teachable you are. In the right environment, your effort is your guarantee. For example, before you started the class, what did your preliminary preparation entail? How much background information do you have on the training or certification? I'm always amazed when people register for a course without even reviewing the course objectives.
Being teachable means recognizing that no training program can teach you everything. Training and certification prepare you for opportunity. Guarantees shouldn't be your focus. Lifelong learning is your responsibility. There are no guarantees. Step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks.
The purpose of Training
At the end of the day, certification isn't the sole purpose of training and other preparation resources mentioned previously. You aren't investing in certification for the sake of certification. Keep perspective. Your career is more than cramming for the "latest and hottest" certification. If you cram and pass an exam, you have the certification, but be honest, what really do you have? Certification can't give you what you don't have.
Training is important, certification is important, but what are putting into your learning network? Are you only certificate focused? Do the group exercises help in building your personal network or is the certificate your sole interest? Is the training giving you ideas on how you can contribute and solve problems? Will the training improve the quality of your work experience? Are you opening your mind creatively to other career opportunities as you learn? Is the course helping in honing your learning ability? Are you using the program to improve your soft skills?
Do you want to grow, do you want achieve, do you want to make a difference or is the certificate your only goal? Drop that certificate mentality! Certification is of no value without a career focus. Certification or not, can you make progress if you're not teachable? Being teachable means making the most in terms of career impact from your learning investment.
What you put in is What you get out
Relying solely on technical skills and amassing multiple certifications for your career growth is wasteful. Pass your exams, get certified, but never forget that the aim of training is deeper than certification. What you put into the classroom will determine what you'll get out of the experience. "Most people only find what they are looking for." It's not just about the certificate. The aim of training is career achievement and fulfillment. With the right career focus, you are not fixated on training and certification. Therefore as you learn, you should be able to distinguish between what you must master to pass exams, what you can use in the industry and what you will need in future. Understand such differences. Being teachable improves your chances of passing the exam and also helps you in developing important work/industry skills and knowledge.
Know how and Know why
Getting results in IT varies from person to person. Building an IT career requires a working combination of creative effort, attitude and career focus. Before you invest in training, I strongly advise that you get expectations right. Don't invest if it all seems hazy to you. Instead ask questions, listen to instructors, talk to students and attend seminars.
I hope you find this useful and wish you the best in your IT Career.
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.
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.
* 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.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Microsoft's New Vista, Office, Exchange Certs on Track
Right on the heels of the releases of Windows Vista and Office 2007 to manufacturing, Microsoft has released some details on its new-generation tracks for those software releases. Lutz Ziob, director of the Microsoft Learning Group, announced the new tracks today at the company's IT Forum conference in Barcelona, Spain.
The next-generation tracks follow a simpler path: one exam at the Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS or TS) level that focuses on Vista skills, and one or two more at the new Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP or PRO) level that focus on job role.
Read the full Microsoft's New Vista, Office, Exchange Certs on Track article.
The next-generation tracks follow a simpler path: one exam at the Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS or TS) level that focuses on Vista skills, and one or two more at the new Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP or PRO) level that focus on job role.
Read the full Microsoft's New Vista, Office, Exchange Certs on Track article.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
New Training Program Aims to Diversify IT
The CompTIA Educational Foundation has announced a new IT job training initiative under which it will create a fund to help returning veterans, people with disabilities and disadvantaged minorities break into the IT industry.
Announced at the organization's SMB Summit in Tucson, Ariz., from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, the Creating Futures program will be initially funded with $3 million drawn from the vendor membership of the organization, said Wayne Mize, chair of the CompTIA board of directors who also serves as vice president at the Netsourcing Business Center in the Document Solutions & Services Division of Ricoh U.S. in West Caldwell, N.J.
According to Mize, CompTIA plans to solicit additional funds from its membership to add additional tax-deductible funds to the program.
"The idea is to introduce people to technology as part of an effort to expand the base of technology jobs in the U.S.," said Mize.
Rather than administer the training directly, Mize said he expects CompTIA to reach out to any number of organizations that work directly with the constituencies that the program is intended to help.
After identifying, selecting and preparing candidates from underrepresented populations through training, certification and work experience, the program intends to assist in the placement of these individuals into long-term IT jobs.
Already boasting nearly 600 individuals placed in IT industry careers, the program's site highlights six stories of disadvantaged people who have completed CompTIA certification programs demonstrating foundation skills.
Creating Futures intends to conduct annual research on emerging skills and latest technologies to help keep workers in demand as well as to develop model programs that include both career prep and skill validation.
Announced at the organization's SMB Summit in Tucson, Ariz., from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, the Creating Futures program will be initially funded with $3 million drawn from the vendor membership of the organization, said Wayne Mize, chair of the CompTIA board of directors who also serves as vice president at the Netsourcing Business Center in the Document Solutions & Services Division of Ricoh U.S. in West Caldwell, N.J.
According to Mize, CompTIA plans to solicit additional funds from its membership to add additional tax-deductible funds to the program.
"The idea is to introduce people to technology as part of an effort to expand the base of technology jobs in the U.S.," said Mize.
Rather than administer the training directly, Mize said he expects CompTIA to reach out to any number of organizations that work directly with the constituencies that the program is intended to help.
After identifying, selecting and preparing candidates from underrepresented populations through training, certification and work experience, the program intends to assist in the placement of these individuals into long-term IT jobs.
Already boasting nearly 600 individuals placed in IT industry careers, the program's site highlights six stories of disadvantaged people who have completed CompTIA certification programs demonstrating foundation skills.
Creating Futures intends to conduct annual research on emerging skills and latest technologies to help keep workers in demand as well as to develop model programs that include both career prep and skill validation.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Are Information Exams The Next SATs?
The company that produces the Student Aptitude Test is developing a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exam that tests skills such as computer proficiency and search engine aptitude, and may soon be as relevant as the SAT itself.
Developed by the Educational Testing Service, the ICT Literacy Assessment tests skills such as sifting through email, scouring an academic database and completing work on business productivity software. Students are given 3 to 5 minutes to complete smaller, single tasks on the exam, and 15 minutes to complete sets of more complex tasks.
Development of the ICT has prompted the the National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL) to establish an ICT Literary Policy Council, which will review the exam and recommend ways to make it more effective. According to the NFIL the goal of the new council is to determine, which students are proficient and which may need additional ICT literacy instruction or remediation.
Schools throughout the UK have sanctioned a similar exam in recent years, dubbed the GNVQ in Information and Communication Technology (also labelled ICT). Approximately 100,000 British students take the exam annually for placement in IT-oriented vocational programs.
There's no word yet as to when American schools will embrace the ICT exam, but as such an exam requires mass adoption to be useful it will take some time before it becomes a hallmark of 21st century education.
Developed by the Educational Testing Service, the ICT Literacy Assessment tests skills such as sifting through email, scouring an academic database and completing work on business productivity software. Students are given 3 to 5 minutes to complete smaller, single tasks on the exam, and 15 minutes to complete sets of more complex tasks.
Development of the ICT has prompted the the National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL) to establish an ICT Literary Policy Council, which will review the exam and recommend ways to make it more effective. According to the NFIL the goal of the new council is to determine, which students are proficient and which may need additional ICT literacy instruction or remediation.
Schools throughout the UK have sanctioned a similar exam in recent years, dubbed the GNVQ in Information and Communication Technology (also labelled ICT). Approximately 100,000 British students take the exam annually for placement in IT-oriented vocational programs.
There's no word yet as to when American schools will embrace the ICT exam, but as such an exam requires mass adoption to be useful it will take some time before it becomes a hallmark of 21st century education.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Cisco Widens CCIE Specialty Availability
Cisco Systems announced last week that its top-level Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Security lab exam is now available through its Tokyo-based testing center.
Earlier this month, the company added its CCIE Storage Networking lab to its Brussels, Belgium location. Online scheduling is now available for both labs.
The full-day, hands-on CCIE lab can only be taken at nine locations worldwide, and certain labs only offer certain specialties. For a complete list of what's available where, go here.
In other CCIE news, Cisco today announced that it is retiring its CCIE e-mail support in favor of the program's online support tool.
Tags: Cisco, CCIE
Earlier this month, the company added its CCIE Storage Networking lab to its Brussels, Belgium location. Online scheduling is now available for both labs.
The full-day, hands-on CCIE lab can only be taken at nine locations worldwide, and certain labs only offer certain specialties. For a complete list of what's available where, go here.
In other CCIE news, Cisco today announced that it is retiring its CCIE e-mail support in favor of the program's online support tool.
Tags: Cisco, CCIE
Monday, October 23, 2006
Microsoft Adds New Certification for Project Managers
New track features two TS-level exams, one Professional level exam, all aimed squarely at Microsoft Office Project 2007 implementers.
Microsoft Adds New Certification for Project Managers Even though Office 2007 isn't expected to ship into the mainstream until January 2007 (along with Windows Vista), the Microsoft Learning Group expects to make a big certification-related announcement around Office 2007 next week, but it has nothing to do with its Microsoft Office Specialist program. Instead, the company will now be going after professional project managers with a new line of Microsoft Office Project 2007 certifications that build upon the Project Management Institute's vendor-neutral framework. Microsoft Learning Group General Manager Lutz Ziob will officially announce the track next week, to coincide with the Project Management Institute Global Congress meeting taking place in Seattle.
Read Microsoft Adds New Certification for Project Managers here.
Microsoft Adds New Certification for Project Managers Even though Office 2007 isn't expected to ship into the mainstream until January 2007 (along with Windows Vista), the Microsoft Learning Group expects to make a big certification-related announcement around Office 2007 next week, but it has nothing to do with its Microsoft Office Specialist program. Instead, the company will now be going after professional project managers with a new line of Microsoft Office Project 2007 certifications that build upon the Project Management Institute's vendor-neutral framework. Microsoft Learning Group General Manager Lutz Ziob will officially announce the track next week, to coincide with the Project Management Institute Global Congress meeting taking place in Seattle.
Read Microsoft Adds New Certification for Project Managers here.
Windows Vista Exams on the Horizon
Preliminary information on new Windows Vista exam numbered 70-620 appears on Pearson Vue testing site this week.
A new exam for Windows Vista has appeared on the Pearson Vue site. The information seems preliminary for now, as there is no listed date for beta availability, which is a good indication that the exam still percolates in development at the Redmond campus. (Microsoft makes no comments on exams in development.)
Read Windows Vista Exams on the Horizon.
A new exam for Windows Vista has appeared on the Pearson Vue site. The information seems preliminary for now, as there is no listed date for beta availability, which is a good indication that the exam still percolates in development at the Redmond campus. (Microsoft makes no comments on exams in development.)
Read Windows Vista Exams on the Horizon.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Novell To Retire NetWare 5.1 and 6 Exams
Novell recently announced on its Web site that it will be retiring the NetWare version 5 and 6 exams relating to its Certified Novell Associate (CNA), Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) and Master CNE certifications.
The exams themselves will retire in March 2007, with the related titles relegated to a "Legacy" status a few months later.
The current 6.5 track for all of the company's NetWare-focused titles will remain available.
The exams themselves will retire in March 2007, with the related titles relegated to a "Legacy" status a few months later.
The current 6.5 track for all of the company's NetWare-focused titles will remain available.
Free Novell Betas for Linux, Identity Manager, More
Novell is currently offering several free beta exams for upcoming titles.
Two of the betas are open this week: Novell Open Enterprise Server for Linux 1.0 (#051-700) and Systems and Resource Management 1.0 (#051-702). Both are scheduled to close Friday.
Candidates can register for the betas at Prometric and Pearson Vue testing centers by phone only. Each beta is limited to 200 participants -- 100 per network testing vendor.
Another beta, Identity Manager 3 1.0 (#051-703), will be available next week. Candidates can begin registering for this exam by phone on Monday.
According to Novell, those who pass the betas will receive credit toward certification -- however, the company did not specify what credentials the exams count toward.
Two of the betas are open this week: Novell Open Enterprise Server for Linux 1.0 (#051-700) and Systems and Resource Management 1.0 (#051-702). Both are scheduled to close Friday.
Candidates can register for the betas at Prometric and Pearson Vue testing centers by phone only. Each beta is limited to 200 participants -- 100 per network testing vendor.
Another beta, Identity Manager 3 1.0 (#051-703), will be available next week. Candidates can begin registering for this exam by phone on Monday.
According to Novell, those who pass the betas will receive credit toward certification -- however, the company did not specify what credentials the exams count toward.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Certification – it's expensive, and it's hard work!
Certification – it's expensive, and it's hard work. So is it worth it, to get a few letters after your name? That's the sixty-four thousand dollar question.
The first thing to think about is what a certification like Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) actually means. It shows prospective employers that you know certain things, but there are plenty of networking professionals who will also know those things without necessarily having a certification to prove it. So particularly with the lower level certifications, an employer may be less impressed with the certification than with a few years' experience. A common mistake amongst IT rookies is to assume that a low level certification will open the door to IT jobs. It doesn't
But if you're reading this the chances are that you've been in the industry some time, and you may well already have a certification or two under your belt. So the question is this: is there any point in spending the money and taking the time to get a higher certification? And if so, which is the best investment? Which one will help you get a better job or command a higher salary? Ultimately, the question is a financial one: which one offers the highest return on investment?
In terms of landing a new job, there's no doubt that having a higher level certification opens some doors. That's because many employers – especially service providers and other organizations with customer-facing staff or even staff at their customers' premises – will only employ people with a certification to prove their skills. Call it covering themselves or whatever you like, but they need to be able to say that their staff are fully certified to reassure their customers that they are getting the best people – even though certification is not necessarily an alternative to experience.
Like most investments, a certification is risky, as you can never be absolutely sure of the return you'll get. That's because the market changes rapidly, and what's hot one year is not the next. The Sarbanes-Oxley regulations caused many companies to in-source a large number of network professionals last year, but this year it's not causing such a distortion.
What tends to happen when there is strong demand for a particular skill set is this: Employers seek the right people, and those with a certificate to prove they have that skill set get picked up first. Such is the demand that they can also command a premium salary over those without the certification. But because demand is so high, there are plenty of people without the certification – but with the necessary skills – who also pick up jobs. A certification, in other words, gets you higher pay, and that's where you get a return on your investment. "Most certifications get you a 8.5 percent bump in pay on average, while top ones, like Cisco's CCIE, will get you well beyond that with about a 10 - 15 percent pay premium," says David Foote, chief research officer at New Canaan, Connecticut-based Foote Partners.
What about the lower order Cisco qualifications – the CCNA and CCNP? Many recruitment companies find that the more demanding the job, the more reassured clients when prospective candidates have a certification, so a certification opens doors. "If you are looking for Cisco people, especially on the design side, clients are certainly more confident that candidates can do the job if they have a certification," says Leanne Thomas, a consultant at global recruitment company Hays. "For network support it's probably not as important as experience, but for hardcore networking roles, there is a lot to be said for a CCNP. If you have a CCIE you can walk into a lot of jobs."
What about Microsoft qualifications? Thomas says that the majority of networking jobs of the last twelve months have been IP related, so it's the Cisco rather than Microsoft qualifications that have been most in demand. "If you are good then you don't need a Microsoft qualification. We're not being told by clients that they won't take customers unless they have one."
So aside from Cisco's CCNP and CCIE, what other qualifications are worth looking at? The answer is VoIP: a Cisco, Nortel or Avaya IP telephony certification is likely to be a sound investment. Remember – when demand is weak it will open doors, and when it is strong it will likely earn you a premium salary. "We're seeing VoIP more and more in demand these days and not many people have the qualifications," says Paula Murphy, an account manager at international IT recruitment company SCom. "These qualifications are today what a straight Cisco qualification was five or six years ago. Everyone and their dog has got a CCNA certification these days, so it doesn't mean much."
And don't forget security. Security concerns are never going to go away, and that means that any security certification you have is going to make you more employable and more valuable. "Any flavor of security product certification is advantageous, it doesn't really matter what," says Hays' Leanne Thomas.
So remember, a qualification costs money, and isn't worth much unless it distinguishes you from the rest of the crowd. So don't follow the pack. Think long and hard before going for any certification, and what benefits it will bring you. But pick the right one and it could pretty well guarantee you well paid employment for a long time to come.
The first thing to think about is what a certification like Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) actually means. It shows prospective employers that you know certain things, but there are plenty of networking professionals who will also know those things without necessarily having a certification to prove it. So particularly with the lower level certifications, an employer may be less impressed with the certification than with a few years' experience. A common mistake amongst IT rookies is to assume that a low level certification will open the door to IT jobs. It doesn't
But if you're reading this the chances are that you've been in the industry some time, and you may well already have a certification or two under your belt. So the question is this: is there any point in spending the money and taking the time to get a higher certification? And if so, which is the best investment? Which one will help you get a better job or command a higher salary? Ultimately, the question is a financial one: which one offers the highest return on investment?
In terms of landing a new job, there's no doubt that having a higher level certification opens some doors. That's because many employers – especially service providers and other organizations with customer-facing staff or even staff at their customers' premises – will only employ people with a certification to prove their skills. Call it covering themselves or whatever you like, but they need to be able to say that their staff are fully certified to reassure their customers that they are getting the best people – even though certification is not necessarily an alternative to experience.
Like most investments, a certification is risky, as you can never be absolutely sure of the return you'll get. That's because the market changes rapidly, and what's hot one year is not the next. The Sarbanes-Oxley regulations caused many companies to in-source a large number of network professionals last year, but this year it's not causing such a distortion.
What tends to happen when there is strong demand for a particular skill set is this: Employers seek the right people, and those with a certificate to prove they have that skill set get picked up first. Such is the demand that they can also command a premium salary over those without the certification. But because demand is so high, there are plenty of people without the certification – but with the necessary skills – who also pick up jobs. A certification, in other words, gets you higher pay, and that's where you get a return on your investment. "Most certifications get you a 8.5 percent bump in pay on average, while top ones, like Cisco's CCIE, will get you well beyond that with about a 10 - 15 percent pay premium," says David Foote, chief research officer at New Canaan, Connecticut-based Foote Partners.
What about the lower order Cisco qualifications – the CCNA and CCNP? Many recruitment companies find that the more demanding the job, the more reassured clients when prospective candidates have a certification, so a certification opens doors. "If you are looking for Cisco people, especially on the design side, clients are certainly more confident that candidates can do the job if they have a certification," says Leanne Thomas, a consultant at global recruitment company Hays. "For network support it's probably not as important as experience, but for hardcore networking roles, there is a lot to be said for a CCNP. If you have a CCIE you can walk into a lot of jobs."
What about Microsoft qualifications? Thomas says that the majority of networking jobs of the last twelve months have been IP related, so it's the Cisco rather than Microsoft qualifications that have been most in demand. "If you are good then you don't need a Microsoft qualification. We're not being told by clients that they won't take customers unless they have one."
So aside from Cisco's CCNP and CCIE, what other qualifications are worth looking at? The answer is VoIP: a Cisco, Nortel or Avaya IP telephony certification is likely to be a sound investment. Remember – when demand is weak it will open doors, and when it is strong it will likely earn you a premium salary. "We're seeing VoIP more and more in demand these days and not many people have the qualifications," says Paula Murphy, an account manager at international IT recruitment company SCom. "These qualifications are today what a straight Cisco qualification was five or six years ago. Everyone and their dog has got a CCNA certification these days, so it doesn't mean much."
And don't forget security. Security concerns are never going to go away, and that means that any security certification you have is going to make you more employable and more valuable. "Any flavor of security product certification is advantageous, it doesn't really matter what," says Hays' Leanne Thomas.
So remember, a qualification costs money, and isn't worth much unless it distinguishes you from the rest of the crowd. So don't follow the pack. Think long and hard before going for any certification, and what benefits it will bring you. But pick the right one and it could pretty well guarantee you well paid employment for a long time to come.
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