Next Generation IT: Linux Essentials and Certified Internet Web Professional

Hannover, Germany and Tempe, AZ, USA: The Linux Professional Institute (LPI: http://www.lpi.org), the world's leading Linux certification organization and Certification Partners (http://www2.certification-partners.com/) creators of the Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW) certification--one of the world's most popular vendor-neutral Web technology education programs, announced an innovative partnership initiative to deliver an entry-level technology certification program to address the workforce development needs of both employers and aspiring IT professionals. The program will offer a combined training program in both LPI's Linux Essentials "Certificate of Achievement" and either the CIW's Internet Business Associate (IBA) or Network Technology Associate (NTA) certifications. This combined training and accreditation program will be delivered through CIW's Certification Testing Centers: http://www.ciwcertified.com/Training_Delivery/become_ctc.php

"Employers and government officials involved in IT workforce development have embraced LPI's Linux Essentials program with enthusiasm. However, they have also described to us that this accreditation required something additional for their entry-level workforce needs, particularly in web and networking technologies. This partnership with CIW will address that requirement and will become a fundamental building block in creating the world's next generation of IT professionals, " said Jim Lacey, president and CEO of LPI. Mr.Lacey added that this joint program will also address the shortage of entry-level qualified workers needed for the rapidly developing sector associated with Cloud technology. Mr. Lacey made the announcement of the new LPI/CIW program while speaking at CeBIT 2013 in Hannover, Germany.The combined LPI and Certification Partners program has the following elements:

    * delivery of the Linux Essentials exam through CIW CertificationTesting Centers (CTC) locations and online
    * Linux Essentials e-learning (self-study) and online delivery of the Linux Essentials exam through the CIW CTC network
    * training (self-study) and online testing bundles for the CIW Internet Business Associate (IBA) and Linux Essentials programs
    * training (self-study) and online testing bundles for the CIW Network Technology Associate (NTA) and Linux Essentials programs

Delivery of the Linux Essentials exam will commence immediately with online
Linux Essentials training to be available in April 2013. Initially, the combined program will be available at select locations in North America, Europe and the Middle East with other regions to be added dependent on program demand.For additional information on Linux Essentials and the CIW programs please
see the following:

Linux Essentials:
http://www.lpi.org/linux-certifications/introductory-programs/linux-essentials

CIW NTA:
http://www.ciwcertified.com/Certifications/Web_Foundations_Series/nta.php

CIW IBA:
http://www.ciwcertified.com/Certifications/Web_Foundations_Series/iba.php

"Certification Partners is excited to offer the CIW Internet Business Associate and Network Technology Associate certifications along with LPI's new Linux Essentials certificate," said Certification Partners President and Chief Certification Architect James Stanger, Ph.D.  "Designed for anyone who wants to begin learning essential cloud computing and Linux knowledge, these certifications will give people the opportunity to validate knowledge of technologies used in today's IT workplace. Mr. Stanger added that Certification Partners is also looking at in-classroom training opportunities of the combined program for those academic and government organizations that require that type of IT instruction.

The Linux Professional Institute is globally supported by the IT industry, enterprise customers, community professionals, government entities and the educational community. LPI's certification program is supported by an affiliate network spanning five continents and is distributed worldwide in multiple languages at more than 5,000 testing locations. Since 1999, LPI has delivered over 350,000+ exams and 120,000+ LPIC certifications around the world.

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About the Linux Professional Institute:

The Linux Professional Institute provides a global framework, industry leadership and other services to enhance, develop and further lifelong professional careers in Linux and Open Source technologies. Established as an international non-profit organization in September 1999 by the Linux community, the Linux Professional Institute continues to demonstrate recognized global leadership, direction and skill standards for those who pursue a career in Linux and Open Source technology. LPI advances the Linux
and Open Source movement through strategic partners, sponsorships, innovative programs and community development activities. LPI's major financial sponsors are Platinum Sponsors IBM, Linux Journal, Linux Magazine, Novell, SGI, and TurboLinux as well as Gold Sponsors, HP and IDG.

About Certification Partners:

Certification Partners delivers industry-leading courseware, certifications and training solutions to higher-education institutions, corporations, associations, government agencies, non-profit organizations and career-minded individuals. The company specializes in information technology (IT) job skills with its premier CIW brand, delivers essential workforce training with its LifeSkills certification series, and offers a variety of job skills training internationally with CertPRESS. Certification Partners products bring learners of all ages the knowledge and skills essential to success in the modern workplace. Certification Partners is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, with satellite offices in Ireland and Japan, plus a worldwide reseller network.