Certification Watch Volume 8 #8

Certification news regarding new Microsoft simulation questions, Oracle Application Server beta exam, retirement of PeopleSoft certification, PMP milestone, Cisco free online training, Apple certification perks, ISACA exam dates, and the SmartCertify Direct acquisition.

Published May 23, 2005
By Anne Martinez

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New Microsoft Simulation Questions Now Live

As of Monday May 17, Microsoft announced the release of the of several promised simulation-based certification exams into the global IT certification market. The Microsoft Learning simulation-based exams, which Certification Update first announced in our March 15 issue, feature a combination of traditional test question types and simulated work situations where test takers are required to demonstrate their IT skills by performing critical tasks. Additional Microsoft simulation exams will be available through Thomson Prometric testing centers in the summer of 2005. For the full release from Prometric see this page.

Oracle Application Server 10g Administrator Certified Associate Beta Exam Available

Candidates can register now to take the beta version of the Oracle Application Server 10g Administrator Certified Associate exam, which will be available in testing centers June 3, 2005, through August 5, 2005. The beta exam costs $50. Registration is through Prometric. The full announcement can be found at on Oracle's Web site.

PeopleSoft Certification Program Retires

As of June 30, 2005, all PeopleSoft Certification Program Exams will be retired. Candidates currently pursuing a PeopleSoft credential must complete all requirements before June 30, 2005 in order to be considered certified. Individuals who are currently certified or are in the process of becoming certified under this program may wish to read the retirement letter from Oracle.

PMP Reaches New Milestone

The Project Management Professional (PMP) Program has announced a new milestone - over 110,000 PMPs certified worldwide. Also, an updated PMP exam (referred to as the "2005 Examination") will be released on September 30, 2005. Five days prior, a "black-out" period (beginning on 25 September 2005) will commence during which the PMP credential examination will be unavailable. For more on the PMP certification see GoCertify's PMP page.

Cisco Offers Free Online "Quick Learning Modules"

On May 17, Cisco has announced the availalbility of seven free e-learning training components for practicing configuration tasks on newly released Cisco products. To access the free Cisco training you will have to sign up for the Cisco Learning Connection, which is currently free of charge. After July 31, 2005, there may be a fee for this service. Visit the Cisco Learning Connection to find the full list of what's available.

Apple Announces OS X Certification Alliance

Apple has introduced a new program offering perks to those who have earned certification on Mac OS X Panther (v10.3) or Tiger (v10.4) certification. The perks for members include:

Public, searchable listing of name, location, certification(s), Apple Consultants Network status (if applicable) and email and/or phone (coming June 2005)
25% discount on all subsequent Mac OS X exams
Special access to Apple Sales Web (ASW) via a customized Mac OS X Certification Alliance page, with resources and links of value to the Mac OS X certified community
Regular Apple Sales News communications customized for the Mac OS X certified community
Access to exclusive certification merchandise on ASW

If you have just taken a Mac OS X exam, please allow 72 hours for your certification record to be updated before you sign up for the Mac OS X Certification Alliance. To sign up follow this link.

ISACA Exams Now Offered Twice A Year

ISACA exams for CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Systems Manager) are moving from a once a year testing opportunity to a twice a year format. The new schedule will begin in December 2005. In addition, the CISA exams offered in 2006 will cover new job practice areas as defined in a recent job practice analysis. The next exam date is Saturday, 10 December 2005 - Registration opens 1 July 2005. For full info see the ISACA Web site.

SmartCertify Now CBT Direct

SkillSoft recently announced completion of its purchase of the well known SmartCertify Direct brand, a subsidiary of SkillSoft Corporation. CBT Direct will continue to offer certain of the computer-based IT certification and business skills training courses previously offered by SmartCertify Direct. Read the full press release.

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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