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Both Cisco Systems Inc. and Oracle Corp. have announced new professional certifications for IT professionals focusing on their respective products.
The four new Cisco certifications are all security focused. One is a new professional title, the Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP). Cisco describes it as providing network professionals with professional-level recognition in designing and implementing Cisco secure networks. The other three are specialty designations for experts focusing on specific security aspects of Ciscos products. These are the Cisco Firewall Specialist; Cisco VPN Specialist and Cisco IDS (Intrusion Detection System) Specialist.
To be eligible for any of the new certifications, candidates must hold Ciscos CCNA certification and pass corresponding exams. (Information on exams and training can be found here.)
The new Cisco Certified Security Professional designation is valid for three years, while the new focused certifications are valid for two years.
While introducing the new certifications, Cisco said it will retire its current security specialty designation, the Cisco Security Specialist 1. Cisco said the title will not be offered after Feb. 28, 2003. CSS1 holders will be allowed to upgrade to the new CCSP designation after passing one exam, the Cisco SAFE Implementation test.
Oracle, meanwhile, announced two new certifications for professionals using its Oracle 9i Application Server and Oracle 9i Developer Suite. The new Oracle9i Internet Developer Certified Associate recognizes knowledge in application development using the SQL and PL/SQL languages. The new Oracle9i Web Administrator Certified Associate, meanwhile, recognizes holders ability to administer 9i servers, with a focus on high availability and security, Oracle said.
Candidates for the Oracle9i Web Administrator Certified Associate will be required to pass one exam: Oracle9iAS Basic Administration Exam (1Z0-301). Oracle is currently offering the beta version of the exam, at a discounted price of $50 for candidates who take it before Dec. 31, 2002. After that, the cost will be $125.
Oracle said that the Oracle9i Internet Application Developer Certified Associate focused on SQL and PL/SQL will require completion of two exams. The first, Oracle9i: Introduction to SQL, is available now online and can be taken for $90. The beta version of the second exam will be available in January, 2003, cost $125 and must be taken at an authorized Oracle testing center, the company said.
The Oracle9i Internet Application Developer Certified Associate will be the foundation level for a new professional-level designation, the Oralce9i Internet Application Developer Certified Professional, Oracle said. Due out in mid-2003, it will eventually replace the current Oracle6i Internet Application Developer Certified Professional designation.
More information on the new Oracle certifications and training can be found at www.oracle.com/education/certification.