It looks like Brainbench still has an ILE RPG certification test. I had
that years ago, when I could take that test for free, but I don't know
if it has ever been updated. Looks like it costs $49.95 now.
-Eric
-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Larry Ducie
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 5:19 PM
To: RPG400
Subject: Re: What happened to Test 972: IBM Certified Specialist - ILE
RPGProgrammer?
Hi Jon,
<snip>
The RPG cert test has been withdrawn because there was insufficient
demand for it.
</snip>
This, of course, was the only possible reason - and the only one I
really expected.
It is just such a shame. At our shop we teach/train our developers in
the latest skills and methodologies and we use IBM Certification as one
of the benchmarks - a very important benchmark. I had two guys in the
final stages of preparation (with 4 more just behind them), had them
assessed last week and was going to book them in for the Exam. Any
occupation that aspires to professional status requires professional
bodies/associations and has to have standards - set by the industry. I
guess we're just not a profession. Just a bunch of guys doing a similar
job talking on a forum.
I just don't think IBM get it. I understand they are a business but
certification of professionals comes as part of the deal - to me anyway.
IBM are the only providers of the RPG language so the responsibility of
providing supporting docs and professional certification lies with them
- either directly or through endorsed partnerships.
I now have to find another way to motivate/focus my developers into
embracing new skills and enhancing their current skills. Passing the
Exam also gives them a confidence boost. But heck, I guess I could teach
them java and walk them through the myriad Oracle certifications. ;-)
(and I agree - the thought of IBM spending all that effort getting i and
p together on Power just to move i over to mainframe is classic "grassy
knoll")
Cheers
Larry Ducie
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