For Certification Candidates, A Slightly Simpler World

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The Hewlett-Packard (HP) Certified professional, HP STAR, and Compaq Accredited Professional certification program are progressing toward a planned merge into a single unified program.

The new program, called HP Certified Professional program, is organized into four primary categories: sales, pre-sales consultants, integration, and operating systems. Each category includes progressive levels of certification denoting increasing expertise.

HP acquired Compaq last May in the largest merger of technology firms in history.

Information on the new, unified program, as well as links to requirements for the original separate programs, can be found on the HP Web site. Details on the specific tracks for each designation are scheduled for a February 2003 release. At that time transition plans for migrating from the old to the new program will also be announced. For more information, read this article on GoCertify.com.

CompTIA Launches HTI+

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) on Nov. 11 officially launched the exams for its new Home Technology Integrator certification, called HTI+. The new certification was jointly designed by CompTIA and the Internet Home Alliance, a network of leading companies advancing the home technology market. HTI+ certifies expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining a home network.

To earn HTI+ certification, candidates will have to pass two exams, containing 100 questions each. The first is titled Residential Systems (HT0-101), and covers computer networking fundamentals, audio/video fundamentals, home security and surveillance systems, telecommunications standards, HVAC management, water system controls, home access controls, and miscellaneous automated home features.

The second exam, Systems Infrastructure and Integration (HT0-102), covers low voltage and high voltage structured wiring, and user interface and control processors. Both exams are available through VUE and Prometric testing networks. As with other CompTIA exams, the cost is $199 per exam ($149 for CompTIA members). You can access the full objectives for both exams on the CompTIA Web site.

Red Hat Adds Technician Certification

Red Hat software, well known for its respected Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Linux certification, has announced plans for a new, lower level certification for Linux professionals. The new title, Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) will require passage of a hands-on lab exam, just as its big brother RHCE does, but the skills tested will be less extensive.

RHCT certification is intended to signify that an individual has the necessary skills to set up new Linux systems and attach them to a production network. The RHCT (RH202) exam will consist of two sections: A one hour troubleshooting exercise covering four problems, and a two hour configuration and installation exercise. The exam is scheduled to debut in January 2003 and will cost $349 if purchased separately from training. Associated training is, of course, also available.
See the Red Hat Web site for additional details and exam locations.

ISACA to Add Certified Information Security Manager Title

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), vendors of the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, have created a new certification program for individuals who provide security systems management and consulting. The new title, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), focuses on information risk management while addressing management, design and technical security issues at a conceptual level.

Candidates must pass the CISM exam and agree to adhere to the ISACA code of professional ethics. There is also an experience requirement of at least five years of experience working in the information security field, with at least 3 years of that in qualifying areas. A few experience substitutions (for example: CISSP, CISA, a post graduate degree, or one of several other certifications) are available. The first CISM exam is scheduled for June 2003.

Between now and Dec. 31, 2003, individuals can earn the CISM title without taking the CISM exam, if they qualify via a “grandfather application”. The grandfather application requires at least 8 years of information security work experience with at least five years in the qualifying areas. Once again several experience substitutions can be applied. See the ISACA Web site for full details.

Nortel Networks Releases First Two VoIP Certifications

With the release of two new product-focused exams in November, Nortel Networks has announced that the first two Enterprise VoIP certifications are completely available. You can earn Support Specialist certification (NNCSS) in VoIP Succession CSE 1000 Rls 2.0 or Meridian 1 IP Enabled 25.40 by completing three exams — two technology exams and one product-focused exam. Details on the two new certifications are available from the following links:
NNCSS: VoIP Succession CSE 1000 Rls. 2.0
NNCSS: VoIP Meridian 1 IP Enabled 25.40

Cisco CCDA, Security Specialist Replacement Exam Dates Set

According to Cisco’s Web site, anyone who wants to take the current version of the CCDA exam has until February 5, 2003 to register and until March 5 to actually sit for the exam. After that the new CCDA exam (641-861) will take its place.

Several Security Specialist 1 exams are also slated for replacement. The last day to register for 640-442 MCNS (Managing Cisco Network Security), 9E0-571 CSPFA (Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced Exam), and 9E0-570 CSVPN (Cisco Secure VPN Exam) is Jan. 17, 2003. These exams must be taken by Feb. 28. The corresponding replacement exams are 640-100 MCNS, 9E0-111 CSPFA, and 9E0-121 CSVPN.

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.