SHARE

Certification Watch: CompTIA to Revise Linux Exam

A major revision of CompTIA’s Linux+ exam will be introduced late this year that will include changes to more than 75% of the current topics. The new exam also will reflect an increase in the expected skill level of candidates. Currently, Linux+ tests for a level equivalent to six months of experience with Linux. The […]

Written By

Anne Martinez

Jun 22, 2004

Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

A major revision of CompTIA

’

s Linux+ exam will be introduced late this year that will include changes to more than 75% of the current topics.

The new exam also will reflect an increase in the expected skill level of candidates. Currently, Linux+ tests for a level equivalent to six months of experience with Linux. The new exam will up that to six to 12 months.

The chart below compares the 2004 exam objectives to the current objectives, which were developed in 2001.

2004 Exam Objectives	2001 Exam Objectives
Installation 19%	Planning and Installation 16%
Configuration 20%	Configuration 15%
Management/Maintenance 26%	Administration/Maintenance 32%
Security 21%
Documentation 6%
Basic Linux Hardware 8%	Hardware 19%
	Troubleshooting 18%
Total 100 percent of the exam	Total 100 percent of the exam

Individuals who pass the Linux+ 2004 exam will demonstrate the knowledge mastery required to provide basic installation, operation, security, administration, and troubleshooting services for the Linux operating system on workstations and servers. More information on CompTIA Linux+, including new exam objective, is available at the CompTIA website.

CompTIA Server+ 2004 Objectives Available

Objectives for the revised Server+ exam, slated for release in the fourth quarter, are now available on the CompTIA Web site. The complete exam blueprint covering the new objectives is available in PDF format on CompTIA’s Web site.

New Symantec Cert Program Combines Vendor-Neutral, Product-Specific Expertise

Symantec has completely revamped its certification program. The new program features three hybrid certifications, with several tracks available. Hybrid certifications combine vendor-specific and vendor-neutral requirements in an effort to create well-rounded, yet product-specific expertise.

Symantec is using the vendor-neutral certifications offered by GIAC, ISC2, CompTIA, ASIS, ISACA, TruSecure, and the CIW program for the vendor-neutral components. Candidates for Symantec certification must pass one or more Symantec solutions exams, plus achieve a vendor-neutral certification, at each level of certification.

The levels are: Symantec Certified Security Engineer (SCSE), Symantec Certified Technology Architect (SCTA), and Symantec Certified Security Practitioner (SCSP). They do not have to be earned in any particular order, although because of the way the tracks are organized, candidates will achiever either the SCTA or the SCSE prior to the SCSP.

Testing is through Prometric, with the new exams costing $150 each. An overview of the new program can be found on Symantec’s Web site.

A list of approved vendor-neutral security certifications is also available.

New Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Exam Released

Exam 70-285: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization is now available in North America, Europe, and Asia. This exam counts toward your MCSE: Messaging on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. Microsoft’s preparation guide can be found on the Microsoft Web site.

Lotus Notes and Domino Release 5 Exams to be Retired

Most Lotus Notes and Domino Release 5 exams will be retired Nov. 30. Candidates can still achieve R5 certification (three exams at the professional level) until then. Lotus suggests that it is still worthwhile to earn R5 certification because individuals who hold R5 certification only have to take one additional exam to earn R6 certification. Since Lotus does not retire certification titles, only certification exams, once someone is certified on R5 they will remain certified on R5.

Nortel Networks Releases Design Expert Certification for CallPilot

Nortel Networks has released a new CallPilot 2.x Unified Messaging certification exam, the only exam required to become a Nortel Networks Certified Design Expert (NNCDE) in IP Convergence CallPilot.

This credential validates your ability to apply design principles and plan CallPilot 2.x Unified Messaging solutions. The exam, #920-444, covers CallPilot (releases 2.02/2.5), Meridian 1 IP Enabled Release 25.40, Succession 1000/1000M Release 3.0, and SL-100 and DMS-100 switches, and tests your knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Message Networking (30% of exam questions)
Migration (18% of exam questions)
Security (12% of exam questions)
Network Management (24% of exam questions)
Applications (16% of exam questions)

In order to earn this new credential, you must hold NNCDS – VoIP CallPilot 2.0 certification. However, if you feel ready, you can take the Expert-level exam now and earn the Design Specialist credential later.

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