Certification Watch Volume 5 #3

Certification News regarding Microsoft, Macromedia, Cisco, Pervasive, Nortel and IBM.

Published February 1, 2002
By Anne Martinez

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Microsoft Moves To Pass/Fail Only Score Reports

Candidates taking Microsoft certification exams released since December 31, 2001 will no longer receive feedback on individual exam sections or any numerical score information - the only result will be a pass or fail notice. Older Microsoft exams will also migrate to the new score format during 2002. Before now, test takers received a score report detailing the required passing score, the candidate's actual score, and a breakdown of performance on specific test sections.

The reason for the change, according to Microsoft, is that some certified individuals were inappropriately using the numerical scores to represent their relative success on an exam, when in fact a higher or lower passing score does not necessarily indicate the potential for superior job function. Besides, says Microsoft, providing information on which areas need improvement is not part of the purpose of certification exams.

Stripping away performance feedback that allows unsuccessful exam takers to focus their renewed study efforts seems callous at best. Certification Watch suspects that this may also be part of an overall plan to make Microsoft Certification more difficult to obtain, in response to complaints about "paper" MCSEs. While perhaps some toughening of exams and requirements was at one point in order, it appears as if Microsoft is in imminent danger of swinging too far in that direction.

Macromedia Retires Certified Web Site Developer Title

The Certified Web Site Developer exam, launched just under a year ago by Allaire (which merged into Macromedia), is being discontinued. Currently certified individuals will retain their status until June 30th 2003, and can receive a free voucher for the Dreamweaver 4 Certified Developer exam by contacting mmcp@macromedia.com.

New Cisco IP Telephony Specialist Certification

If you're into the hot field of computer telephony and converged networks, Cisco has a new certification for you to consider. Cisco IP Telephony Support Specialist is for individuals who plan, implement, and support Cisco advanced IP telephony network solutions. The focus of this new title is implementing and supporting Cisco data and voice integration solutions over Frame Relay, ATM and IP. To earn this title you'll first have to hold a CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) credential plus pass three additional exams.

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