Certification Watch: CompTIA Security+ Exam Now Live

It's been quiet on the certification front the past few weeks as people focus on their holiday activities and plans, so we only have a few small items to report in this edition of Certification Watch.

Final Security+ Exam Now Live

If you've been waiting for the final version of CompTIA's Security+ exam to hit testing centers, your wait is over. Although CompTIA's new certification development process typically takes 18-24 months, Security+ was put on a fast track due to the urgent need for skilled information security professionals. The vendor-neutral exam, which is available through both VUE and Prometric testing networks, costs $225 ($175 for CompTIA members). This is the highest cost of any CompTIA certification exam.

Nortel Networks Exam Prices to Rise in US, Latin America

Effective Jan. 13, the candidate fee for Nortel Networks Certification exams delivered at Prometric Authorized testing centers will be $149 USD. This new rate applies to the North America (NA) and Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) regions only. Registrations made prior to Jan. 13, even if the exam is not scheduled until after the 13th, will be charged the current $125 USD rate. The candidate fee in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions will remain unchanged at $175 USD.

Juniper Networks Launches New Track

Juniper Networks has added a new track to its professional certification program. The ERX Edge Router certification track will be a choice at each the first three levels of the Juniper Networks Technical Certification Program (JNTCP): Associate, Specialist, and Professional. The certification process is the same as for the original, M-Series track: one exam per level with the Professional level requiring a hands-on practical exam. Juniper Networks certification exams are offered through Prometric testing centers. The hands-on exams are at Juniper Networks facilities.

That's all for this edition of Certification Watch. Please keep your certification news and tips coming to news@gocertify.com.

Anne Martinez is the author of Cheap Web Tricks: Build and Promote a Successful Web Site Without Spending A Dime and Get Certified and Get Ahead. She also is the founder of GoCertify.com.