Re: state of the midrange (fwd)

*SNIP
I support the concept of certification as well...But not as currently
implemented by IBM............
Even after sending e-mail (late June timeframe) to the folks at IBM who
control this process, for the Professional System Administrator, no one has
responded to this day.  Now that is really listening to your customers!
;-)
Mike Shaw
North American Mortgage

*ENDSINP

Mike,

As several of us have responded in this group, myself and Larry Bolhius
specifically, IBM is currently in the process of re-writing the system
administrators exams as well as the operator exams.  And I believe, if you
feel qualified, (This is for anyone who can travel to various places in the
USA, IBM pays the expenses)   I'm sure IBM would love to have you help with
the exam re-write.  If you want I will put you into private contact with
the correct people.

The exams that are being produced today are very carefully crafted to be
true to the task, fair, and properly leveled.  The marginally competent
individual is not going to pass these exams easily, the truly competent
person will.  Larry has commented quite well on this before.

The only way certification means anything is if the tests are properly
constructed, they are, and if the world knows about them.  The part IBM is
really failing on (what a surprise) is making everyone understand the
testing process, and the value associated with it.  Right now the only ones
that really have to have certifications are IBM Business Partners.  (I work
for an IBM Premier Business Partner) As soon as our customers find out the
level of certifications the technical staff hold, we win the business from
competition that do not have the same qualifications.  That's the biggest
reason for holding IBM certifications.  The rest is up to the technician to
deliver.  That keeps repeat business.

I'm not defending anyone in IBM that does not respond to your questions,
but if you forward them to me, I will again send them on to my contacts at
IBM to get them answered.  ( I won't post the name or email address without
expressed permission from the individuals involved)


Jim Oberholtzer
Computech Resources, Inc.
414/785-8111



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