Certification Watch: Microsoft Adds .NET Exams

Six Microsoft .NET developer exams have been added to the electives list for MCDBA on SQL Server 2000 certification.

These exams (70-305, 70-306, 70-310, 70-315, 70-316, and 70-320) cover developing and implementing Windows applications, Web applications, or XML Web services using Microsoft’s Visual Basic, C#, and .NET framework products. These exams will be acknowledged as electives starting in December.

According to Microsoft, these developer exams were added as electives because some database administrators have responsibilities that include support of applications. The electives come from Microsoft’s MCSD for Microsoft .NET and MCAD for Microsoft .NET certification tracks.

CISSP Hits 10,000 Mark

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 recently announced it has now certified more than 10,000 individuals on information systems security expertise.

The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is one of the most respected IT security certifications available and has experienced phenomenal growth in recognition and demand in recent years. CISSP candidates must meet a substantial experience requirement of at least three years, plus pass stringent testing covering topics such as access control systems and methodology, application and systems development security, business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

ISC2 predicts that there will be 15,000 CISSPs worldwide by the end of this year.
You can learn more about the CISSP, as well as the System Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) on GoCertify.

Nortel Networks Rolls Out 5 New Certifications

Nortel Networks has just released new certifications for Alteon, MPS-100, Passport 8600 and Baystack/BPS. The individual certifications are earned through the successful completion of one product exam each.

Details about these certifications, including recommended training courses listed by region, are available on the Nortel Networks certification web site. The new certifications are:

• NNCFS – Periphonics – Media Processing Server (MPS) 100 (#920-107)
• NNCSS – Alteon (#920-251)
• NNCSS – Periphonics – Media Processing Server (MPS) 100 Technical Support (#920-108)
• NNCSS – Passport 8600
• NNCDS – Baystack/Business Policy Switch (BPS) (#920-243)

You can register for the exams required for these certifications directly through the Prometric Web site. Complete information about the Nortel Networks Certification Program is available on the Nortel Web site.

Cisco To Release New CCDA Exam Later This Year

Cisco is working on a new exam for it Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) title. The exam (641-861) is in beta now through Oct. 31 at a reduced cost of $50. The beta exam runs 2 to 3 hours with 75-85 questions. Registration is available through Prometric and VUE testing networks.

SAGE To Accept Linux+ As Alternate Requirement

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) and SAGE (Systems Administrators Guild) announced that Linux+ certification will be integrated into the SAGE certification program as an alternate requirement toward earning the first level of cSAGE certification.

cSAGE certifies junior level systems administration skills, and consists of core exam testing general system administration skills, plus an operating system specific exam. Candidates must also submit a statement of hands-on experience. The Linux+ exam can be substituted for the cSAGE UNIX module. The next level of SAGE certification, named mSAGE, is currently under development.

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.