Certification Watch Volume 13 #2

Published February 2, 2010 By Anne Martinez

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CompTIA Reigns in Recertification Policy
Close on the heels of releasing detailed information on its new recertification policy for CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certification holders, CompTIA has backed off dramatically from the original plans. The most controversial part of the new program was the plan to require individuals who though they already had a lifetime certification from CompTIA to recertify or lose it. Under the modified plan, individuals who already have these certifications will keep them, without any renewal requirements, as will anyone who earns CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ by December 31, 2010. All certifications earned after that will come with the required 3 year renewal plan announced earlier. This change in strategy will no doubt elicit a sigh of relief from many IT pros. You can learn more about CompTIA certifications on GoCertify, as well as read about the original CompTIA recertification plan.

Cisco Systems Revises CCNP
On January 25th Cisco announced a remake of its popular CCNP program which will change the number of required exams from four to three. Essentially, the BSCI, BCMSN, ISCW and ONT courses and exams will be retired, and ROUTE, SWITCH, and TSHOOT exams and courses will replace them. While the old exams were 90 minutes long and cost $150 each, the new ones are 120 minutes and $200 each, making the total testing time and cost unchanged at 360 minutes and $600. The last day to take the old exams is July 31, 2010. If you've already started your CCNP requirements, use Cisco's CCNP Exam Combination Tool to find out which exams you'll have to pass in addition to those you already have and by when.

ISACA Launches Risk Certification
ISACA, vendor of the popular CISA and CISM designations, has created the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification to document expertise with enterprise risk and the skills to mitigate it using IS controls. Candidates will have to demonstrate at least 3 years of related work experience as well as pass the CRISC exam, which will be offered twice a year starting in 2011. A full blueprint is not yet available, but you can read the official press release on GoCertify.

Microsoft Second Shot Returns
Microsoft's promotion that allows certification candidates to take the same test a second time for free if they don't pass the first time is back. The original exam and the retake (if needed) must be completed by June 30, 2010. This covers exams that start with 070 or 083. To get your second shot, you must obtain a voucher online from Microsoft.

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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