On Mon, 8 Aug 2005, Chris wrote:
Oh hell, why not include someone that can code php, MySQL etc. Where do
you draw the line? A good Sys Admin does NOT need to be a programmer.
If you want a cert for programming (in C in this case) then create one
for just that.
What has been interesting is that when we formed the Group and made the
mission statement, our target was BSD system administration. Yet
everywhere we go and have a BOF or talk to users, the programming topic
always comes up.
The other thing that comes up is "are you going to force me to learn a BSD
variant I never use?"
Both of these have been topics of discussion within the Group and on this
list and, ideally, the testing methodology would address both these
concerns. One suggestion that has been raised is to have the certification
be module based.
As an example, let's pretend for a moment that an exam targetted at
experienced admins requires 4 modules where the candidate chooses the
modules he wishes to "specialize" in. Let's pretend his choices are:
- configuring mail server to certain specs (e.g. SASL, TLS, IMAP, content
filtering) on BSD of choice using MTA of choice
- configuring web server to certain specs (e.g. SSL, Webdav) on BSD of
choice using tools of choice
- troubleshoot a network problem using tools of choice
- scan a network for vulnerabilities
- configure the firewall of choice according to scenario's requirements
- create x # of scripts to do specified tasks using language of choice
- install BSD of choice according to requirements of a scenario
- recommend a solution according to requirements of a scenario (written
module)
- contribute x to one of the BSD projects (e.g. 3 months of port cleaning,
x of of docs, provide mentorship)
In this pretend module environment, there could be a mix of handson,
written, and experience required. A person could prove proficiency in the
parts of sysadmin they are most interested in using in the real world or
wish to prove to prospective employers.
Dru
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