Certification Watch Volume 10 #12

Certification news regarding the latest MCTS and MCITP options from Microsoft, Citrix CCA program expansion, a CompTIA PDIA+ beta opportunity, new exams from Cisco, Aruba Networks certification, and a certification exam savings opportunity from SAS.

Published August 9, 2007
By Anne Martinez

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Microsoft Cranks Out a Few More

There are two new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) options and a fresh Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) track too. The new MCTS certifications are: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007, and Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, each of which requires a single exam. The MCITP certification, which includes three exams, is Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 (Do you notice a theme here?). This brings the number of available MCITP tracks to 5 and total MCTS tracks to a whopping 15, but who's counting?

Latest Certification Figures Released by Microsoft

Speaking of counting, Microsoft recently updated all of its figures on just how many Microsoft Certified Professionals there are out there. A few highlights: MCDBA 146,872; MCAD 72,263; MCSE Windows Server 2003 has 81,221, MCSE Windows 2000 has 287,714. Newer designations, of course, have lower totals, such as MCTS, which reports 16,986 on SQL Server 2005, and 6,690 on .NET Framework 2.l Web Applications, among others; and, drum roll please… grand total number of MCPs: 2,127,227. For the full list visit the Microsoft certification count page.

Citrix CCA Growing Again

Citrix is continuing to build onto its Citrix Certified Administrator program with an array of additional tracks keyed to the latest product line. Currently in the works are certifications for NetScaler 8 and WANScaler 4 (slated for release this quarter), and EdgeSight 4 (Q4 2007). Each of these has one associated exam. For exam blueprints and so forth, visit the Citrix website.

CompTIA PDI+ in Beta

CompTIA's Printing and Document Imaging (PDI+) beta exam will be available for free in testing centers through August 31, 2007, but there is a catch you must first obtain a promotion code by emailing CompTIA at pdiplus@comptia.org, and then you need to complete an online application and take the exam within 2 weeks. But, hey, it's free… You can get the official details directly from CompTIA.

New Exams Rolling Out at Cisco

Cisco is in the process of rolling out a fresh batch of updated exams including new exams for the CCNA and CCDP certifications. The exams for the recently revised CCNA track go live this month on August 15th (previous exams to remain available until November 6, 2007), and the updated CCDP ARCH exam will hit testing centers September 3rd(current version will remain available until December 14, 2007).

Aruba Networks Launches Certification Program

Aruba Networks, a vendor of mobile networking solutions for enterprises, among other products, has created a new certification program with two levels. The first, which appears to be within the reach of mere mortals, is the Aruba Certified Mobility Professional. This one exam certification demonstrates a solid foundation in wireless LAN technologies along with proficiency in installation, configuration, and operation of Aruba Networks products. The exam costs $125 and is available through Pearson VUE. The next level, on the other hand, requires passing a 6 hour hands on practical exam at an Aruba Networks location and will set you back $1,000. This requires much more in depth knowledge and earns you the title of Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX). For full details visit the Aruba Networks website.

Save 25% on SAS Exams in September

The SAS Global Certification Program, which offers exams which test SAS programming, data warehousing, and predictive modeling expertise, has designated September as "SAS Certification Exam Fair" month. Save 25% off exam fees for SAS exams taken at Thomson Prometric testing centers globally during the month of September. Qualifying exams and the discount code can be found on the SAS website.

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

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