Novell Launches New Certifications to Push Linux
By CXOtoday Staff
Mumbai, Feb 24, 2004

Novell announced today two programs for its customers and partners, extending its support for Linux-based solutions.

The two programs are called the Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) program, and the SuSE certified Linux professional certification.

Both programs are designed to increase the base of technical knowledge on Linux and Linux-based solutions in the market today.

The Novell CLE requires a core understanding of Linux, and Novell strongly recommended that candidates obtain the level of knowledge required for the widely recognized Linux Professional Institute Certification Level I (LPIC-1). Competency in the objectives included in the LPIC-1 certification is required in Novell’s Practicum exam for the CLE.

Novell and its training partners will offer an intensive five-day course on its Nterprise Linux Services, which delivers file, print, messaging, directory and management services on Linux. The course will provide training on installing, configuring, and troubleshooting these services.

Finally, candidates will need to pass the Practicum CLE examination to test real competency and skills operating in Linux and Nterprise Linux Services environments.

According to Dan Veitkus, head of worldwide training services for Novell, "Clients want to be assured that staff, consultants and partners involved in their Linux adoption are competently trained and certified. Our CLE exam is no "paper certification’, and candidates must demonstrate that they can handle practical challenges on Linux and Nterprise Linux Services by completing randomly selected scenarios requiring the resolution of a given problem or process, all within a specified time period.'

The SuSE Certified Linux Professional (SCLP) is based on the LPIC-1, with enhancements. While the LPIC-1 checks basic distribution-independent Linux skills, candidates for the SCLP also need to show expertise in SuSE Linux Enterprise Server-specific issues that are not covered by the LPI exams. This includes the SuSE administration tool YaST, and various standard services of the Enteprise Server (such as the CUPS print server). The exam tests basic skills in connection with the configuration of various Enterprise Server services. LPIC-1-certified candidates who pass the SuSE Linux exam will be awarded the title of SCLP.

For additional details on Novell’s Certified Linux Engineer program, users can click here. For more details on the SuSE Certified Linux Professional program, please visit SuSe" website.

The Novell CLE will be available at the company's annual BrainShare conference in the week of March 22, 2004, and through global partners in April 2004. The SuSE Linux exam for the SCLP will also be available in late March 2004.