Certification Watch: Network Storage Certifications

Certification Watch is provided by GoCertify.com, a gathering place and
resource center for people interested in computer professional
certification.

1. Microsoft Cancels Plans to Decertify Windows NT 4 MCSEs
In a dramatic reversal of their earlier plans, Microsoft has cancelled
plans to decertify all MCSEs who don’t upgrade to the Windows 2000 track
by the end of this year. Instead, the MCSE title will become track
specific – for example, “MCSE on Windows 2000” or MCSE on Windows
NT 4.0. The accelerated exam option for Win2k candidates is unchanged.
Read Microsoft’s official FAQ on this change at:
http://gocertify.com/redirect/msftMCSENT.html

2. Microsoft Launches New Administrator Designation
A few days ago Microsoft announced the launch of its new Microsoft
Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows 2000
credential. Individuals must pass three core exams and one elective
to earn the new title. The core exams can be chosen from Windows 2000,
.NET, or XP Professional operating system exams. The elective options
include the usual Microsoft selection, covering such topics as Proxy
Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server and others. Microsoft will also
accept a combination of COMPTIA certifications in place of the elective
– either A+ and Network+ OR A+ and Server+.

3. Sun Rolls Out Network Storage Certifications
Sun Microsystems has just launched the first of three certifications
that will make up its new Network Storage Professional program. The
Sun Certified Data Management Engineer covers the skills required to
implement, configure, operate and administer a disk array storage
system. Two additional certifications are in the works. Individuals
who are responsible for design and implementation of backup systems
in a data center will be interested in the Sun Certified Backup and
Recovery Engineer designation. Storage area network (SAN) designers
and administrators will want to check out the Sun Certified Storage
Architect. The first two certifications provide a choice of paths:
either Solstice DiskSuite or VERITAS Volume Manager Software.
Exams are at the usual Sun price – $150.

4. Linux+ Live
CompTIA officially launched its Linux+ certification earlier this month.
This one exam certification is intended to demonstrate foundation level
Linux operating system proficiency. According to CompTIA, Linux+ is a
stepping stone toward higher level Linux certifications from LPI and
Sair. The exam contains 95 questions and lasts up to two hours. The
U.S. exam price is $190 (CompTIA members get a discount). Testing is
available via Prometric and VUE.

5. CIW Simplifies Scoring
ProsoftTraining, vendor of the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)
program, has changed the scoring method for the 1D0-410 Foundations
examination. Candidates must earn at least a 75% their total exam score.
There is no minimum score for each of the three exam sections, as there
was in the past. The foundations exam is the first step toward all
advanced CIW titles.

6. Microsoft Certified Trainer Program Now Requires Annual Renewal
As planned, the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) enacted new
requirements as of October 1st. Existing and new trainers must renew
annually, which includes paying an annual fee. MCTs must deliver at
least 10 days of Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) and earn continuing
education credits, as well as maintain a premier Microsoft certification
(MCSE, MCSD, or MCDBA). Joining the MCT program costs $400 ($300 if you
work for a Microsoft CTEC).

7. Oracle 8 exams to retire March 31, 2002
All Oracle 8 DBA and DBO exams will be retired on March 31st, 2002, with
the exception of the SQL and New Features exams. Individuals who already
hold the certification will continue to be certified. Most exams
required for Oracle8 certification can also be applied to the Oracle 8i
track. However, since Oracle is likely to retire the 8i track by the end
of 2002 or shortly thereafter, candidates might be better served to jump
straight to the 9i track.

The complete current issue of Certification Watch can be found at GoCertify.com.