New developments in certification

by Dan Blacharski

July 15, 2002 —

Monster Gets Bigger
The massive online job portal, Monster.com, has gotten even bigger with
its entry into the learning space. The new MonsterLearning
(http://www.monsterlearning.com) provides a search engine that delivers
general and enrollment information about learning opportunities from a
wide variety of learning providers (both offline and online), as well as
conferences, seminars, certifications, and other instructional
materials.

E-Learning Club
If there's a product out there, sooner or later somebody will turn it
into a multi-level marketing deal. To be honest, I haven't become a paid
member and don't know if I will -- and I usually have little patience
for this sort of thing -- but it's worth mentioning as probably the
first e-learning MLM program on the Net. For those of you who are
inclined towards joining MLM plans, check out the SystemX "E-Learning
Club" at http://www.systemx.biz/index.lasso?num=1031118112. Lots of
e-learning offerings and e-books, as well as the opportunity to bug all
your friends into joining your downline. You can get a seven-day free
trial for all courses and e-books in the catalog.

Cisco Certified?
Like most good certification programs, Cisco has job listings on their
Web site for people who have successfully earned the certification.
Powered by online recruiting services company Dice
(http://www.dice.com), the Cisco site at
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/careers lists job
opportunities from Dice member companies that require Cisco
certifications.

Linux Certified
Still growing in popularity and moving into the mainstream, a Linux
certification is becoming a valuable commodity. Once considered a rogue
operating system, "Linux certified" was at one time a contradiction in
terms since there was no formal structure behind it. Now, it's in
demand. Employers recognize the value of a Linux certification and
require some proof of your expertise. The Linux Professional Institute
is one place to go for that proof. They have delivered more than 10,000
certification exams since starting the program in January 2000.

More Free Stuff
Taking courses, whether online or in a classroom, tends to be expensive,
so whenever something free comes up, I try to pass it along. If you're a
member of IEEE, you can now get free online training through their new
Distance Learning Campus. They have over 100 Web-based courses, several
of which are focused on certification preparation. Check it out at
http://www.computer.org/distancelearning. If you're not a member, it may
be worthwhile joining just to get this benefit.

Security
Ascendant Learning offers another vendor-neutral security certification.
Their Security Certified Program (SCP) is targeted at those who already
hold a networking or Internet credential. Check this one out at
http://www.securitycertified.net.

ITworld