Certification Watch Volume 8 #2

Certification news regarding new Cisco certification, Oracle 10g upgrade, convergence certification, Server+, SNIA beta, Citrix certification, and the CISA/CISM exam deadlines.

Published February 1, 2005
By Anne Martinez

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Cisco Launches New Voice Professional Certification

Cisco's new Cisco Certified Voice Professional, launched January 31, 2005, validates the ability of an individual to install, configure, operate, and support complex IP telephony/voice over IP (VoIP) networks and applications. The certification content focuses on Cisco Systems CallManager, quality of service (QoS), gateways, gatekeepers, IP phones, voice applications, and utilities on Cisco routers and Cisco Catalyst switches.

Candidates must first hold Cisco's CCNA certification. There are five additional exams: 642-642 QOS; 642-432 CVOICE; 642-425 IPTT; 642-444 CIPT; and 642-452 GWGK. Individuals who currently hold an IP Telephony Cisco Qualified Specialist certification will find that they have already achieved many of the requirements for the new CCVP.

Oracle 8i OCPs Can Upgrade to 10g with One Exam

For a limited time Oracle 8i OCPs can become Oracle Database 10g Certified Professionals by taking a $50 upgrade exam. This special upgrade offer is only available through March 30, 2005. There are a limited number of seats available so if you're interested register now. Full details available on the Oracle Web site.

CompTIA to Work on Convergence Certification

CompTIA has announced plans to bring convergence industry leaders together to strategize on the design of a vendor-neutral convergence certification. Workshop participants will discuss in detail the scope and structure of an industry accepted convergence certification, such as the skills required to achieve such a certification; and the level of on-the-job experience for certification candidates. The first meeting will take place in February.

New Server+ Exam Goes Live February 14

A new version of CompTIA's Server+ exam is slated to go live on February 14th 2005. The CompTIA Server+ exam was updated to incorporate the latest technologies in server architectures, hardware and peripherals and map as closely as possible to current job tasks. Details of exam domains and new objectives can be found on the CompTIA Web site.

New Storage Networking Exam in Beta

The Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) Architect - Assessment, Planning & Design exam is now available in beta format. This test is designed for storage architects and storage networking professionals who assess plan and design complex storage network solutions. This test will validate the ability to understand capabilities and limitations of the architecture and associated devices of current storage networking technology and leverage industry standards for assessment and planning and design, including ITIL and ITSM principles.

Candidates are given 150 minutes. Cost is $100. Register through http://www.2test.com. Passing scores will be identified after the beta testing cycle is completed.

Citrix to Divide CCA, CCEA into Tracks

Effective March 1, 2005, Citrix will be segmenting its CCA and CCEA certifications into tracks for MetaFrame XP Presentation Server and MetaFrame Access Suite 3.0. Accordingly, the certifications will now be named: Citrix Certified Administrator for MetaFrame Access Suite 3.0 and Citrix Certified Administrator for MetaFrame XP Presentation Server. The CCEA designation will follow the same naming scheme.

The purpose of the changes is to align Citrix certifications more closely with specific product platforms, and to give Citrix customers a clearer understanding of certified individuals' areas of expertise.

CISA/CISM Exam Registration Deadline Nears

Early registration for the 2005 CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Systems Manager) exams has a deadline of February 2nd. The final registration date is March 30, 2005. The exam will be held on June 11, 2005 at more than 220 locations worldwide. More than 15,000 candidates are expected to register for this year's exams. There is a discount for registering online.

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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