When Cisco retired the WAN tracks of the CCNA and CCNP certifications last year, a replacement WAN certification was promised. Now, it has arrived. Cisco Multiservice Switching Specialist is for individuals who install, configure, support, troubleshoot, and design complex ATM-based networks in the service provider market segment.
Candidates must hold Cisco’s CCNA title, plus pass the ATM Multiservice Switching (9E0-911) and the PNNI and MPLS Networking (9E0-921) exams. If you already hold one of the retired WAN certifications, it will remain valid for three years from the date achieved. After that you will have to recertify under this new title.
Oracle Extends Training Requirement Deadline
On June 15 Oracle announced that all candidates starting Oracle 9i DBA Certified Professional credential will have to complete an instructor-led/hands-on course as part of certification requirements. The deadline for the new training requirement has been changed to Sept. 1. This means that candidates who take at least one exam in the Oracle 9i DBA track before Sept. 1 will be exempt from fulfilling the training requirement.
Check Point Launches Certified Managed Service Expert (CCMSE)
If you are an advanced security expert who implements Check Point’s Internet security solutions in a Network Operating Center environment, check out the new Check Point Certified Managed Service Expert (CCMSE) title. You’ll have to earn (or already hold) the lower level CCSA and CCSE certifications first, then pass the Managing Multiple Sites with Provider-1 NG exam (#156-810). Please visit GoCertify for summaries of all Check Point certifications.
Nortel Announces VoIP Certifications, Beta Opportunities
Nortel Networks is in the process of creating two new certifications for individuals who design, plan, and implement Enterprise VoIP solutions. One certification will be for Design Specialists, the other for Support Specialists. The first three exams for these new designations will enter beta this month and the first 50 people to request a voucher can take them for free. The beta exams are: VoIP Technology (#921-801); VoIP Succession CSE 1000 (#921-104); and VoIP Meridian 1 IP Enabled (#921-109). To get your free voucher email certprog@nortelnetworks.com with the desired exam name and number. Further details are available on the Nortel Web site.
New Consultant Certification From Tivoli
Tivoli Certified Consultant — IBM Tivoli Access Manager for e-Business V3.9 (formerly Policy Director) became available worldwide July 31. Individuals who are certified under the previous version (Tivoli SecureWay Policy Director V3.8) will have until January 31, 2003 to update to this new title.
Convergence Technologies Professional Exam Is Live
If you’ve been looking forward to the release of the vendor-neutral Convergence Technologies Professional (CTP) exam your wait is over. The exam, which costs $125, is now available through Prometric testing centers worldwide. Remember to complete the online candidate agreement first though — it is a required part of becoming certified.
CompTIA Linux+ Promotional Pricing
If you already hold CompTIA A+, Network+, or Server+ certification from CompTIA, you can take the Linux+ exam at 25% off the non-member price of $199 through Sept. 30. To receive the discount, use the promotional code XKSUPE when you register at a Prometric or VUE testing center. Get the full scoop from the CompTIA Web site.
Sun Microsystems Exam Registration Process Changed
Sun Microsystems has streamlined its certification process, making
it more convenient for candidates to purchase examinations. Before now, candidates had to purchase a test voucher directly from Sun and then
schedule a date with Prometric, the company that administers the exams.
Effective on Aug. 1, Sun’s new and improved procedure allows a
candidate to call Prometric directly, and purchase the test and schedule
a date all in one step. Candidates can also sign up online at the Prometric Web site.
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.