Johannesburg, 25 Jun 2001
CompTIA (Computing Industry Association), well known for its vendor-neutral "plus" certifications, setting standards worldwide, is due to launch its long-awaited certification, Linux+, before the end of 2001.
CompTIA announced in 2000 that members would participate in the development of this certification during 2001. With Linux being a "hot topic" in the IT industry, CompTIA has received numerous queries regarding launch dates.
"We are proud to announce that CompTIA`s South African Office nominated a local Linux expert to the committee. Alf Stockton was interviewed and accepted as a Linux+ Subject Matter Expert for the review committee," says Adrian Schofield, CompTIA`s international sales and marketing director. "Stockton is an experienced software development consultant who has long advocated the benefits of the Linux operating system."
According to Stockton, there is a strong need in the industry for an organisation to drive the technical skill marketplace with comprehensive certification requirements.
"As corporations increasingly embrace the use of Linux software, it is reasonable to assume that there will be an increase in the demand for Linux training.
"Clearly, IT professionals will need to address Linux as it emerges as a network operating system and server platform. Internet providers need to understand Linux and GPL as it emerges as a solid platform for the Apache Web server," Stockton explains.
The CompTIA Linux+ certification exam is designed to measure the competence of Linux Professionals with six months experience in the Linux operating system, who provide basic installation, operation, troubleshooting services and hardware on workstations and servers, as well as basic system administration duties.
"Individuals in areas such as helpdesk, technical sales and service technicians will benefit from obtaining this internationally recognised certification," Schofield says.
Cornerstone Partners, companies that have participated in the development of the certification, include Compaq NA, Hewlett-Packard NA, Linuxcare, LinuxMall.com, Linux Professional Institute, prosofttraining.com and Sair Linux.
"The entry-level certification space is where CompTIA has built its reputation with globally acknowledged certification programmes," Schofield continues. "We expect Linux+ to broaden the expertise of IT professionals as they build their careers. The training community has shown its support of Linux+ through participation in development and advisory meetings.
"Developing the Linux+ certification augments CompTIA`s portfolio of existing vendor-neutral certifications, including A+, Network+, Certified Document Imaging Architech (CDIA), i-Net+ and Server+," Schofield adds.
Trainers and industry professionals are invited to partake in the Linux+ beta exam, due to launch on 22 June 2001. The beta test will be available for one month at a considerably lower price to allow trainers to certify in advance of offering the training. Pre-registration will be available through Prometric and VUE. The beta exam consists of 145 questions and must be completed within two-and-a-half hours.
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