IT Specialist Certification

Tontonsam

I recently view some people having IT Specialist Certification. Do you know what is this certification or I can get it. I made a research and It seems that Opengroup delivers this certification. Can you tell me more about?

savior faire

Tontonsam wrote: »

I recently view some people having IT Specialist Certification. Do you know what is this certification or I can get it. I made a research and It seems that Opengroup delivers this certification. Can you tell me more about?

Of the numerous certs I have, the most recent is the mcts, in SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance. I am currently working on Business Intelligence Imp & Maint. There is a plethora of MCTS certs that are offered. I lean towards the database design/programming, business intelligence and application side, more than the technical side.
Dont know if this is what you are referring to?

Bokeh

From their website: Direct applicants pay certification fees to The Open Group. These fees are $1,250 USD for the assessment plus $175 per annum to remain in the program and $625 for tri-annual recertification. (Fees are the same for both Level 1 and Level 2 certification.)

Process


2.1 When did the IT Specialist Certification Program commence?

The program opened on January 30th, 2008.
2.2 Are there tests required to obtain the IT Specialist certification?

Since there is no prescribed body of knowledge for the program, there is no test. Instead, we evaluate candidates’ experience and skills against the requirements of the program by evaluating their written applications and through a Certification Board review.
2.3 The IT Specialist Conformance Requirements indicate that a “Certification Board” will assess candidates’ experience and skills. Who is on that board? How are Certification Board reviews administered?

In their applications for certification, candidates are required to describe their work experience in sufficient detail to support their claim of meeting the skills and experience requirements defined for the program. Certification Boards consist of certified IT Specialists who evaluate applications against the requirements of the program. Evaluation includes interviewing the candidate.
2.4 What are the different levels of certification?

There are two levels of certification for IT Specialists within the program:

l Level 1: Certified IT Specialist -- able to perform as a contributing Specialist with assistance/supervision, with a wide range of appropriate skills

l Level 2: Master Certified IT Specialist -- able to perform independently as lead Specialist, and take responsibility for delivery of solutions
2.5 Is training available and required for the IT Specialist certification?

As the program does not prescribe any particular body of knowledge, no training requirements have been defined.
2.6 Are there any fees for obtaining IT Specialist certification?

Direct applicants pay certification fees to The Open Group. These fees are $1,250 USD for the assessment plus $175 per annum to remain in the program and $625 for tri-annual recertification. (Fees are the same for both Level 1 and Level 2 certification.)
2.7 Do applicants need to travel for Certification Board interviews?

It depends on the level of certification. Level 1 (Certified IT Specialist) applicants are interviewed by telephone and no travel is required. Level 2 (Master Certified IT Specialist) applicants are required to meet with the Certification Board in person and to cover any expenses for their own travel and accommodation.


2.8 How long will it take to become certified?

It is anticipated that most applicants will take three to six months to complete the entire process. Thorough documentation of how the applicant meets the criteria is required and is much like preparing a very detailed resume. The application process and documentation systems are on-line and can be completed over a period of time.
2.9 Why do IT Specialists go through the effort and cost to become certified?

ITSC enables IT Specialists to validate their skills and experience against a vendor-neutral, globally-recognized set of standards, through a peer-reviewed program administered by an independent certification entity. ITSC certification can thus augment the confidence of employers, potentially contributing to the certified professional’s career advancement. ITSC can also enhance the trust of clients, thereby increasing appreciation for the quality of service provided by certified IT Specialists. With both the Open Group and accredited organizations working to increase awareness of ITSC, demand increases for the services of certified IT Specialists. There are numerous industry examples where rigorous certification programs have proven to be highly valued and individuals with those certifications are in the greatest demand.
2.10 Do certified IT Specialists receive some sort of logo or title to designate their credential? What does it look like? How is it obtained? How may it be used?

Yes, there are official marks, one for each certification level, that are awarded for use by certified Specialists. The logo artwork can be downloaded, once certification has been granted, via a link to a Resource Center that appears within the certified individual’s login account. Details for the use of these marks on business cards, proposals, etc. can be found in the Trademark Usage Guide at IT Specialist Certification Program.
2.11 How does one obtain a Personal Confirmation Code to verify that a person is ITSC certified?

Contact the individual concerned. As a certified IT Specialist, they have an obligation to provide their Personal Confirmation Code (PCC) to prospective or current employers and clients, upon request. Once you have obtained the individual's PCC, go to the Directory of Certified IT Specialists at IT Specialist Certification Program and enter the PCC in the Search facility, along with the certified IT Specialist’s last name.
2.12 What is the process to obtain accreditation to establish an Accredited Certification Program (ACP)?

Applicants will request accreditation from The Open Group, who will appoint an assessor. The assessor will conduct a review of the applicant’s program documentation and procedures. The assessor will report the results to the applicant and The Open Group and, if the applicant has been successful, accreditation will be granted.

For more information, please refer to The Open Group IT Specialist Accreditation Policy and associated documents at IT Specialist Certification Program - Getting Started.


3. Criteria


3.1 What are the certification criteria?

There is an extensive set of criteria defined in the ITSC Conformance Requirements. This document can be found at IT Specialist Certification Program - Getting Started.


3.2 What is the best method of obtaining the skills and experience necessary to meet the Open Group IT Specialist Certification criteria?

There is a set of foundation skills that form the basis for an IT Specialist’s practice. An individual seeking to become certified should, where practicable, obtain training to satisfy the foundation skills criteria -- for example, a Project Management course, etc. But most importantly, prospective candidates should seek to acquire the work experience that enables them to demonstrate that they possess the required skills.

The needed experience is best obtained and imparted through a combination of formal mentoring and individual performance and empowerment. We strongly suggest that prospective candidates discuss the Conformance Requirements with their managers, seeking support in shaping their work assignments to help acquire the skills and experience needed to achieve certification.

Accredited organizations may support the process by establishing a formal IT Specialist mentoring program designed to grow their community of certified IT Specialists.

Seems very pricey to me. Send them money and they might have an answer for you in about a year.