Certification Watch Volume 7 #9

Certification news regarding a major revision of Linux+, CompTIA's Server+, Symantec overhaul, a new Microsoft exam, IBM Lotus R5 certification, Nortel Networks, and CISA and Certiport milestones.

Published June 2, 2004
By Anne Martinez

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CompTIA Announces Major Revision of Linux+

A major revision of CompTIA's Linux+ exam will be introduced in late 2004. There will be substantial changes (more than 75% of current topics). The new exam will also reflect an increase in the expected skill level of candidates. Currently, Linux+ tests for a level equivalent to 6 months of experience with Linux. The new exam will up that to 6-12 months.

The following chart compares the 2004 exam objectives to the current objectives, which were developed in 2001.

2004 Exam Objectives	2001 Exam Objectives
Installation 19%	Planning and Installation 16%
Configuration 20%	Configuration 15%
Management/Maintenance 26%	Administration/Maintenance 32%
Security 21%
Documentation 6%
Basic Linux Hardware 8%	Hardware 19%
	Troubleshooting 18%
Total 100 percent of the exam	Total 100 percent of the exam

Individuals who pass the Linux+ 2004 exam will demonstrate the knowledge mastery required to provide basic installation, operation, security, administration, and troubleshooting services for the Linux operating system on workstations and servers. More information on CompTIA Linux+, including new exam objective, is available at the CompTIA website.

CompTIA Server+ 2004 Objectives Available

Objectives for the revised Server+ exam, which is slated for release in the fourth quarter of 2004, are now available on the CompTIA Web site. The complete exam blueprint covering the new objectives is available in PDF format on CompTIA's Web site.

Symantec Certification Program Revamped to Combine Vendor-Neutral and Product-Specific Expertise

Symantec has completely revamped its certification program as of May 1, 2004. The new program features three hybrid certifications, with several tracks available. Hybrid certifications combine vendor-specific and vendor-neutral requirements in an effort to create well-rounded, yet product-specific expertise.

Symantec is using the vendor-neutral certifications offered by GIAC, ISC2, CompTIA, ASIS, ISACA, TruSecure, and the CIW program for the vendor-neutral components. Candidates for Symantec certification must pass one or more Symantec solutions exams, plus achieve a vendor-neutral certification, at each level of certification.

The levels are: Symantec Certified Security Engineer (SCSE), Symantec Certified Technology Architect (SCTA), and Symantec Certified Security Practitioner (SCSP). They do not have to be earned in any particular order, although because of the way the tracks are organized, candidates will achiever either the SCTA or the SCSE prior to the SCSP.

Testing is through Prometric, with the new exams costing $150 each. An overview of the new program can be found on Symantec's Web site.

A list of approved vendor-neutral security certifications is also available.

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