Certification Watch: Rising Exam Costs

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

Microsoft to Raise Exam Prices Worldwide January 4, 2002
Following the trend of rising exam pricing, Microsoft Corp. will increase the cost of certification exams worldwide on January 4, 2002. US prices will jump from $100 to $125. Prices will rise in other countries as well – check your local testing center for the new amount.
To help IT professionals beat the price increase deadline, VUE Corporation is offering extended test center hours and same day testing (when a seat is available).
Click here for registration information.

New Logos for the Microsoft Certified
All logos pertaining to the Microsoft Certified Professional program have been redesigned for a cleaner, more consistent look. Although Microsoft says the new logos are “effective immediately” they won’t be available until April. That’s when they will be included in new welcome kits and become available for download from the MCP secured Web site.
The new logos will not be automatically sent out to currently certified individuals, although you will be able to request a replacement certificate and welcome kit if you wish. Microsoft requests that you stop using the current logos by July 1, 2002.

New CIW Security Certification
ProsoftTraining has just added a security specialization to its growing Certified Internet Webmaster program. The CIW Security Analyst designation is intended for people who already hold a networking certification (MCSE, CNE, CCNP, CCIE, LPI Level 2, or LCE) and wish to add evidence of security expertise. Candidates will have to provide proof of their qualifying certification plus pass the CIW Security Professional exam ($125).

Sun Certified Storage Architect Exam Now Live
The single exam required for earning the Sun Certified Storage Architect designation is now available in testing centers. Exam 310-130 consists of 61 short answer and multiple choice questions. Passing score is 65% and you have up to 120 minutes to complete the exam. Vouchers for the $150 exam must be purchased from Sun education – call (800) 422-8020 in the US.

IBM Offers New Exam
A fresh IBM specialist designation just became available December 28th. IBM Certified Specialist – IBM Host on Demand V5.0 & Screen Customizer V2.0 Implementation requires passing exam 568. In addition to earning the specialist designation, this exam counts toward the IBM Certified for e-business – Solution Technologist certification. The new exam covers IBM Websphere Host on Demand and IBM Screen Customizer products.

Past Issues of Certification Watch

Experience Now Required

Microsoft Adds XP, .NET Exams

CompTIA’s Network+

Novell Changes Tack

LPI Level 2 Linux Certification Is Here
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) has released the final versions of both of its Level 2 Linux certification exams. The two exams test intermediate level Linux system administration and troubleshooting skills. Both exams, plus Level 1 certification, are required in order to become certified at LPI Level 2.

The complete current issue of Certification Watch can be found at 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: Millennium Edition she is also the founder of GoCertify.com.