Security

Keeping certification exams secure is a full-time job. One of the most effective methods of accomplishing this running daily & weekly reports. Keep an eye out for patterns. Pattern analysis has reduced security anxiety for many certification managers. Running reports weekly and analyzing pass rates by country, exam center and by individual exam attempts can help in keeping exams secure.

Marketing and Certification

Many certification managers overlook the importance of marketing their certification exams internally within their company.

Company employees are the best starter point for a new exam.

1. By requesting that internal employees get certified, this demonstrates that you support and believe in your own exam.

2. Internal staff are more likely to give immediate and critical feedback to the certification manager.

3. Don't' forget to ask certified staff to mention the new exam when talking with current customers.

One of the things that I used to do was to "set up shop" in the company cafeteria. I would do this 1-day a week during lunch time. As people came to the cafeteria to grab a coffee or pick up lunch, I'd quickly take a poll of their awareness of the new exam and ask them for any thoughts/feedback.

Certification without senior support

One of the biggest problems that can face a new certification program is a lack of clear and demonstrated support from senior management.

If you, as a certification manager, are facing this issue, there are a few ways to alleviate the problem.

1) Schedule a meeting with all senior Directors and VPs.

2) Prepare a presentation outlining the positive features and benefits of a well developed program - training registration goes up, customers gradually becomes more loyal, a new revenue stream from exam registration, a new revenue stream from exam preparation classes and study guides and most of all, a tangible way to measure the effectiveness of training and product knowledge.

3) Encourage all senior staff to become certified and carry the certification logo on company business cards.

Conference Certification

If your company has an annual conference with over 5,000 attendees, certification exams should be offered at the conference.

Things to consider:

1) Is there a quiet room where the exams can be taken?

2) Is there computer connectivity?

3) Are you offering pre-conference exam reduced rates?

4) How will you let your conference attendees know that your exams will be available?

5) You will need to offer exams early in the morning and into the early evening - people will want that availability.

Keep tuned for a word document that will help you prepare for conference testing.

Following the 'Think' plan

Before you launch your certification program, what should you do?

Think.

Follow the 'Think' plan

Talk to your certification team and perform program research. Get the buy in of your manager, the Director of Education & the CEO. Only with that sign off, can you move forward.

Help your colleagues to see and believe in the value of the certification plan. By doing this, you will secure a loyal and dedicated base of support.

Improve your current training offerings. Ensure that your training programs are up to date and that they support and compliment your certification program.

Negotiate the best vendor contracts to support your certification program. Vendors contracts include, psychometric services, exam delivery services, marketing and fulfillment services.

Know your certification project plan (this plan includes the development, the design and the marketing plan) inside out and communicate it every week to the certification stakeholders

The top 5 mistakes made when launching a new certification program

1) Not knowing the size of the certification audience

2) Not performing a deep and wide job task analysis that includes external partners

3) Signing on the wrong exam delivery vendor

4) Over-burdening the item writing subject matter experts

5) Not doing the "correct" marketing. Certification is a specific type of product line and needs targeted and specific marketing campaigns.

A question that I am frequently asked....

Can I take an on-line un-proctored assessment and class myself as "certified".

I really like the way "Dear Techie" in www.certmag.com has answered this question. Read the Q and A below.

Nicely done Dear Techie!

http://www.certmag.com/dear_techie/

Dear Techie,

I am a .NET developer with over five years’ experience, and I am looking to move from programming into networking. I have knowledge of how networks work and of the OSI model. I started looking into the Brainbench Network Technical Support, Windows 2003 Server Administration and Cisco Network Design certifications as a starting point. I do plan to get CompTIA Network+, Security+, MCSA and eventually the CEH. Should I spend time working towards the Brainbench stuff or start now preparing for the Network+ exam?

Asked by Cornell D. Hunter on (07-23-2009)

Ken Wagner: Dear Cornell D. Hunter,

While Brainbench is great at what it does, a lot of people and companies do not view Brainbench certifications as actual qualifications. They are seen more as assessments because the online exams are available without any checks on the person taking the exam. I am not saying that this is a good or bad thing, but look at testing centers such as Certiport, Pearson Vue and Prometric: They not only proctor the exams, but also ask for two forms of ID to ensure candidate identity. You can see why exams taken at those centers are looked upon more favorably. If you want to bulk up your resume — or just want some study aids — then go for the Brainbench certifications. If you’re expecting guarantees of a job with them, then no certification or qualification can do that. If you’re expecting universal acceptance of Brainbench certifications as recognized qualifications, then I would say continue the CompTIA route. For the MCSA, Microsoft states: “An MCSA candidate should have one to twelve months of experience in working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system and an existing network infrastructure.” While it is not set in stone, it is expected that the candidate have some experience at that level. As for the CEH route, I would double-check its site. The CEH and related certifications are more geared up toward IT security personnel in the role already. I’m not saying don’t go for it. What I am strongly recommending is to concentrate on the job role you’re going for before you start to look around for another role.