Certification Watch Volume 7 #2

Certification News regarding the end of jCert, first MCDST exam, CTT+ deadline, and the SelfTest Software / Transcender acquisition.

Published January 19, 2004
By Anne Martinez

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jCert Initiative Ended

The jCert initiative program has been discontinued as of January 1, 2004. The jCert group was formed in 1999 to reduce exam redundancy for Java skill validation. The group essentially mapped out Java certifications and skill levels in a effort to fit them into single, ascending progression of Java certification. jCert member organizations, which included BEA Systems, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Oracle, ProsoftTraining, and Sun Microsystems, gave credit for each other's exams as long as they followed the map. Oracle withdrew from jCert in June 2002. The jCert Web site will remain up until March 2004.

First MCDST Exam is Live

Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System, is now available in test centers worldwide. This is the first of two exams required to achieve Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) title, the latest certification from Microsoft. The exam, which costs $125, is available through VUE and Prometric test centers. Objectives can be found online.

CompTIA CTT+ Upgrade Deadline Extended

If you have already passed the previous version of the CTT+ computer-based exam (exam code TK0-001), you now have until March 31, 2004 to submit your video exam (exam code TK0-202) based on the new 2003 objectives. After March 31, you will have to pass both portions under the 2003 objectives.

Self Test Buys Transcender

Two of the most well known practice test vendors have become one, as Kaplan Professional, which owns Self Test Software, has acquired Transcender LLC. This should have no immediate effect on users of either brand of practice test software.

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

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