On Tue, 18 Sep 2007, Aravindhan Krishnan wrote:
> I would like to get more insight into these certifications.. the syllabi,
> preparation..
>
Let's say that TWINCLING Society has a storage product called 'WEAV',
then most certifications are patterned as:
WEAV certified Associate (level 100)
. knows how to install product
. knows how to configure product
. can troubleshoot connectors
WEAV certified Professional (level 300)
. include all above +
. understand deployment topologies
. supports upcoming Intergalactic IP
. can perform chassis upgrades
WEAV certified Specialist (level 900)
. includes all above +
. has cleared both the above exams
. specializes in iSCSI
. specializes in any of the following:
Interlaken or SPI-2 or SCI (shared coherent interface)
. can perform recovery when the product cannot
etc.
All certifications are liked 'canned food' they have
- manufacturing date
- expiry date
Whent the company releases the next version of the product,
certification is also upgraded subsequently.
If the product is buggy or dificult to configure, the company
may have a quick certification program like
WEAV certified Support Engineer.
As you can see, this is a great way for a company to make money
and also ensure that people attend all its technical conferences,
since all that will also make it to their resume.
Most certifications are administered through an online test
at Thomson Prometric centres etc. for which you have to buy
coupons in advance.
You go to the Centre on the day of your exam and they will
download an exam for you and get you started for 45 min or 90 min
examination. You select the option(s) for each of the questions
and keep moving till you want to review or have reached time limit.
At that point you submit it and a result sheet is printed to show
your score and pass grade.
If you pass the certification exam, then you can take it to your
company's HR (assuming you are working) and in most cases you are
re-imbursed the expense in the next salary cycle.
Regarding preparation, here is a rule of thumb:
always remember you are preparing for a 'Certification' exam
and not a 'Degree' exam !
Think Twenty20 and not test match.
Hope this helps.
thanks
Saifi.
