As previously announced, three legacy Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator™ (CCEA) and Citrix Certified Integration Architect™ (CCIA) certifications will expire on June 30, 2010. After this date, these credentials will no longer be current and will be listed as "expired" on Certification Manager transcripts. These certifications are:

• CCEA for MetaFrame XP Presentation Server

• CCEA for MetaFrame Access Suite3.0

• CCIA for MetaFrame XP Presentation Server

So how do you update or keep your certification valid if you hold one of the above?

Before Expiration Date of June 30, 2010

• You may take advantage of update paths* for the new Citrix Certified Enterprise Engineer™ (CCEE) and CCIA for Virtualization, available in January 2010. With the update path, only one exam is required for updating to CCEE and one additional (two total) exams are required for CCIA. To learn more about the update paths, visit www.citrix.com/CCEEupdate or www.citrix.com/CCIAupdate

After Expiration Date of June 30, 2010

• If you have achieved three or more requirements towards the Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator (CCEA) for Citrix XenApp (Presentation Server 4), complete the track. Doing so will extend the validity of your CCEA and enable you to take advantage of the CCEE and CCIA update paths.

• If you have not made any progress towards updating your CCEA or CCIA, begin completing requirements for the new CCEE for Virtualization. The new, streamlined requirements consist of a total of five exams, and if you possess any of the recent Citrix Certified Administrator™ (CCA) or Citrix Certified Advanced Administrator™ (CCAA) certifications, you may have already fulfilled part of the requirements.

*PLEASE NOTE: The update path is recommended for seasoned professionals who possess knowledge of, or hands-on experience in, Citrix virtualization technologies. For those without experience in these technologies, following the complete CCEE and CCIA paths is recommended. Please note that individuals with versions of the CCEA and CCIA for XP expired in 2005 are not eligible to use the update path and are encouraged to take one of the two courses of action indicated above now. Visit Certification Manager to confirm your certification status.

If you have any questions about this expiration notice, or about how to maintain your certification status, contact training@citrix.com.

Citrix training courses provide the foundation to effectively implement and support Citrix solutions. Check out these upcoming training classes in Australia:

Course Name: CXA-202-1I Implementing Citrix XenApp 5.0 for Windows Server 2008 Skills Update
Date/Location: November 2-4, 2009 at Dimension Data Learning Solution, Sydney Australia
                       November 4-6, 2009 Dimension Data Learning Solution, Melbourne Australia
Description: This course is for experienced Presentation Server 4.5 users looking update their skills to XenApp 5.0. Students will gain the foundation necessary to effectively implement, deploy and administer Citrix XenApp 5.0 and its components, including Web Interface, application streaming and Secure Gateway. Learners will receive hands-on training for installing Citrix XenApp for Windows Server 2008 and Plug-ins and for using the various administrative consoles to configure policies, individual server and server farm settings, isolation environments, streaming applications and much more. This course is the recommended training for Citrix exam A05, the requirement for the Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix XenApp 5.

Register here or call DDLS on 13 12 01 

Course Name: CTX-1264AI Citrix XenApp (Presentation Server 4.5): Support
Date: November 23-25, 2009
Location: Dimension Data Learning Solution, Melbourne Australia
Description: This course provides learners with the skills needed to monitor, maintain and troubleshoot network environments running Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 and XenApp 5.0 for Windows Server 2003 software. Learners are introduced to the tools used to monitor the Presentation Server farm, record farm activity and generate reports. In addition, learners take away the skills needed to maintain data and server integrity and to scale, optimize and troubleshoot the XenApp (Presentation Server) farm. This training is recommended for Citrix exam 264, a requirement for the Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator (CCEA) for XenApp 4.*

Register here or call DDLS on 13 12 01

Course Name: CTX-1456AI Citrix Access Suite4.0: Build/Test Workshop
Date: November 26-27, 2009
Location: Dimension Data Learning Solution, Sydney Australia
Description: This workshop-style course provides learners with valuable experience building and testing designs for Citrix Access Suite™ 4.0. Over 80% of the class is conducted through hands-on exercises. Students will gain the knowledge and skills required to build an enterprise environment in which all components of the Citrix Access Suite 4 are implemented. This course will prepare you for exam 456, a requirement for the CCEA certification.*

Register here or call DDLS on 13 12 01

*Individuals holding a CCEA can easily update to the upcoming Citrix Certified Enterprise Engineer (CCEE) by passing just one exam. Those without a CCEA must pass five exams to earn a CCEE.

Validate your knowledge of XenDesktop with the latest Citrix certification - the Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix XenDesktop 3. This certification demonstrates the ability to implement and manage a XenDesktop environment. Get certified today and gain the skills and confidence to perform well, while demonstrating your value to an employer.

CCA for Citrix XenDesktop 3 certification

• Certification requirement: Exam A14 Implementing Citrix XenDesktop 3
• Recommended training (instructor-led or self-paced online):
  • CXD-200-1I Implementing Citrix XenDesktop 3 (instructor-led training)
  • CXD-200-1W Implementing Citrix XenDesktop 3 (self-paced online training)

Learn more about the CCA for Citrix XenDesktop 3

Do you have a CCA for XenApp 5? If the answer is yes, you are well-positioned to advance to a brand new level of Citrix certification!

The Citrix Certified Advanced Administrator™ (CCAA) for Citrix XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2008 is a new designation to recognize advanced administrator-level specialists who possess Citrix XenApp expertise. Because the CCAA builds upon the CCA for XenApp 5 foundation, current CCAs for XenApp 5 are only two requirements short of earning this credential.

The CCAA allows IT professionals to validate technical skills required for the implementation of advanced XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2008 features and perform additional functions including monitoring, optimizing and troubleshooting*.

To advance your CCA for XenApp 5 to a CCAA, follow the steps below:

Step 1 - Complete training course: CXA-300-1I Advanced Administration for Citrix XenApp 5.0 for Windows Server 2008

Step 2 - Pass certification Exam: A08 Advanced Administration for Citrix XenApp 5.0 for Windows Server 2008

If you have any questions, please visit www.citrixeducation.com or contact training@citrix.com.

*Note: Content in the CCAA for XenApp 5 certification training and exam is based on the Windows Server 2008 version of the product. Therefore, previous experience in and/or knowledge of Windows Server 2008 is highly recommended.

New courseware has been released from Citrix Education - Get up to speed on Citrix XenApp 5.0, XenDesktop 3, NetScaler 9 and more! Click on the course/certification title below for more information on these hot releases.

Instructor-led Courses

• CXA-100-1I Providing Help Desk Support for Citrix XenApp
  Prepare to troubleshoot common XenApp issues and identify whether complex issues are related to the XenApp product, the network or directory services.
• CXD-200-1I Implementing Citrix XenDesktop 3
  Learn to install, configure and manage Citrix XenDesktop 3.
• CMB-201-1I Implementing Citrix XenApp Platinum Edition Components
  Learn to properly design, implement, and support Citrix XenApp Platinum Edition components, including EdgeSight 5.0, Access Gateway 9.0 Enterprise Edition, Password Manager 4.5 and WANScaler 4.3. For experienced IT professionals.
  

Self-paced Online Courses

• CNS-200-1W Basic Administration for Citrix NetScaler 9.0
  Gain an understanding of NetScaler features such as load balancing, SSL offload, classic and advanced expressions, compression, auditing and logging and monitoring.
• CPV-200-1W Implementing Citrix Provisioning Server 5.0
  Learn to install, configure and administer Citrix Provisioning Server 5.0 farms.
  

Certification

• Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix NetScaler 9
  Validate expertise in the implementation and administration of NetScaler 9.
  

За прошлую неделю меня несколько раз спрашивали о сертификации Citrix, о том, какие сертификационные статусы сейчас существуют, какие экзамены необходимо сдавать, что рекомендуется для подготовки к экзамену.

Ответив на несколько таких запросов, я решил собрать здесь всю информацию, необходимую для ответа на такие вопросы.

В конце этого года компания решила изменить существовавшую систему сертификации, немного дополнив и расширив её.

Существует 2 трека - техническая сертификация и сертификация для продавцов решений. В каждом из этих треков есть различные статусы, о которых я расскажу ниже.

Начну с того, что самую свежую информацию по курсам, экзаменам и сертификации всегда можно получить на сайте - http://www.citrixtraining.com/

Сертификации для продавцов решений, предназначены для Партнёров и являются одним из необходимых условий для получения Партнёрского статуса. Называются эти статусы Citrix Certified Sales Professional (CCSP) с добавлением специализации.

Сейчас действует редакция 2008 года и существуют следующие специализации:

• CCSP 2008 for Windows Application Delivery - ориентирована на продукт Citrix XenApp
• CCSP 2008 for Web Application Delivery - ориентирована на аппаратный комплекс Citrix NetScaler
• CCSP 2008 for Desktop Delivery - ориентирована на Citrix XenDesktop
• CCSP 2008 for Dynamic Datacenters - ориентирована на Citrix XenServer

Для получения этих статусов необходимо зарегистрироваться на сайте https://citrix.learning.accenture.com/citrix/lang-default/SYS_login.asp и после регистрации Вы сможете через Интернет прослушать он-лайн курсы, по окончании которых необходимо ответить на 15-20 вопросов по прослушанному материалу. Для получения каждого из статусов обычно Вам необходимо прослушать 3 электронных курса и конечно же правильно ответить на вопросы.

В случае, если Вы выполните требования для всех 4 статусов CCSP, то автоматически получите 5-ый - CCSP for Application Delivery.

Раньше существовало три вида сертификатов CCA, CCEA и CCIA (Citrix Certified Administrator, Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator и Citrix Certified Integration Architect). В этом году компания добавила в этот список ещё два вида сертификатов - CCAA и CCEE (Citrix Certified Advanced Administrator и Citrix Certified Enterprise Engineer).

Теперь деление по сериям осуществляется таким образом:

• Серия для Администраторов - CCA и CCAA
• Серия для Инженеров - CCEA и CCEE
• Серия для Архитекторов - CCIA

Серию для администраторов можно подразделить на треки:

• Application Virtualization (Виртуализация Приложений) - CCA для XenApp 5 for Windows 2008, CCA для XenApp for Windows 2003, CCA для XenApp (Presentation Server 4), CCA для EdgeSight 4, CCA для Password Manager 4. Для получения этих сертификаций CCA достаточно сдать 1 экзамен в тестовом центре. Также в этот трек попадают сертификаты CCA Platinum для XenApp 5. Это следующий шаг, поэтому сначала необходимо получить CCA для XenApp 5 for Windows 2008 и потом сдать на выбор два экзамена по компонентам, которые входят в редакцию Platinum. Более продвинутой сертификацией администратора является CCAA for XenApp 5. Эта сертификация требует сдачи 2-х экзаменов и внимание - обязательного прослушивания курса CXA-300-1I.
• Desktop Virtualization (Виртуализация десктопов) - здесь выбор поменьше , только CCA for XenDesktop 2.0 Enterprise Edition и CCA Platinum for XenDesktop 2. Для получения первого нужно сдать 1 экзамен, а для получения второго, ещё дополнительно два экзамена по выбору на компоненты входящие в редакцию Platinum. Сертификация CCAA здесь ещё в стадии разработки.
• Server Virtualization (Виртуализация серверов) - здесь выбор также не очень велик. CCA для XenServer версий 4 и 5, и ещё 2 CCA для Provisioning Server 4 или 5. Сдаётся по одному экзамену. CCAA - ещё в стадии разработки, но уже есть CCA Platinum для XenServer 4 или 5. Для получения этого сертификата необходимо сдать экзамен по XenServer соответствующей версии и экзамен по Provisioning Server 4 или 5 версий.
• Application Networking (Сетевые продукты Citrix Systems) - здесь большой выбор на любой вкус. Сразу отмечу, что CCAA также находится в стадии разработки, а вот CCA можно получить по: NetScaler 8, Access Gateway 4 Advanced Edition, Access Gateway 8 Enterprise Edition, WanScaler 4 и Application Firewall 8. Существует CCA Platinum для NetScaler 8. И опять надо получить сначала CCA для NetScaler и потом сдать ещё два экзамена. (Фактически нужно получить 3 CCA из этой области)

С инженерской серией всё просто: CCEE будет объявлен в первом полугодии 2009 и сейчас существует только CCEA для XenApp (Presentation Server 4). Но для его получения придётся серьезно потрудится.

1. Первый шаг это прослушать в он-лайн курс CTX-1455CW (https://citrix.learning.accenture.com/citrix/link.asp?page=course_desc&ID=258) (требуется регистрация)
2. Затем сдаётся экзамен по администрированию Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 (1Y0-259) или 4.0 (1Y0-256)
3. Дальше предлагается сдать экзамен по администрированию Citrix Password Manager 4.5 (1Y0-327)
4. Потом сдаём на выбор один экзамен про Citrix Access Gateway (1Y0-A04 Access Gateway 8.1 EE:Administration) или (1Y0-308 Access Gateway 4.5 AE:Administration) или (1Y0-306 Access Gateway 4.2 with Advanced Access Control:Administration)
5. Предпоследним пунктом будет сдача экзамена по поддержке для Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 (1Y0-264) или 4.0 (1Y0-258)
6. Ну и наконец самый "злобный" экзамен (и самый дорогостоящий у Citrix - 300 $) - Citrix Access Suite 4.0 Build/Test (1Y0-456)

Архитекторская серия ограничивается только треком CCIA. Для его получения необходимо выполнить следующие требования:

1. Первый шаг - это прослушать в он-лайне курс CTX-1455CW (https://citrix.learning.accenture.com/citrix/link.asp?page=course_desc&ID=258) (требуется регистрация)
2. Затем сдаётся экзамен по администрированию Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 (1Y0-259) или 4.0 (1Y0-256)
3. Дальше предлагается сдать экзамен по администрированию Citrix Password Manager 4.5 (1Y0-327)
4. Потом сдаём на выбор один экзамен про Citrix Access Gateway (1Y0-A04 Access Gateway 8.1 EE:Administration) или (1Y0-308 Access Gateway 4.5 AE:Administration) или (1Y0-306 Access Gateway 4.2 with Advanced Access Control:Administration)
5. Следующим пунктом будет сдача экзамена - Citrix Access Suite 4.0 Build/Test (1Y0-456).
6. Предпоследним пунктом будет сдача экзамена по Анализу 1Y0-613 Citrix Access Suite 4.0:Analysis
7. Ну и наконец-то, финальный аккорд - сдача экзамена по дизайну 1Y0-614 Citrix Access Suite 4.0:Design

Порядок сдачи здесь приведён условно, т.е. можно сначала сдать дизайн и анализ и только потом пройти он-лайн тест. Хотя на мой взгляд лучше идти так, как предлагает компания Citrix.

Для подготовки к сдаче экзаменов можно воспользоваться следующими ресурсами:

1. Авторизованные курсы компании Citrix в авторизованных учебных центрах. Таких центров у компании Citrix на территории России - 3. Компания Softline (http://edu.softline.ru/), LANIT (http://www.academy.ru/) и Авалон (http://www.avalon.ru/). Этот способ быстр и удобен, но имеет недостаток - стоимость.
2. Книги по технологиям Citrix. Они есть, но их мало даже на английском языке. Переводных ещё меньше и только по старым версиям. Использовать их как единственный ресурс для подготовки к экзамену, категорически не рекомендую.
3. Документация по продуктам Citrix. Она доступна всем желающим на официальном сайте http://support.citrix.com/. Этот ресурс, и те документы которые Вы там найдёте будут серьёзной базой для подготовки к экзаменам. Например, там можно найти то, о чём многие "мечтали", но боялись спросить. Руководство Администратора Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 на русском языке. (http://support.citrix.com/article/CTX113882
4. Для закрепления теоретических навыков, требуется практическая работа с продуктом. Рассчитывать на то, что на работе или у знакомых можно будет "поковырять" рабочую ферму не стоит. Лучше пойти другим путём. Скачать с сайта компании Citrix набор виртуальных машин под MS Virtual PC 2007 или MS Virtual Server 2005. Внимание: объём около 9Гб. (http://www.citrix.com/tryxenapp</a>).
5. С сайта http://www.citrix.com/ можно скачать Citrix XenApp 5.0 Developer Edition. На этом продукте можно потренироваться в установке, настройке и администрировании.

Вместе с изменением сертификационных треков, также произошло изменение названий курсов. Теперь, глядя на название, можно легко понять для кого он предназначен и по какому продукту проводится.

Новые названия курсов будут выглядеть так:

Префикс-Номер-Версия/Тип или на примере - CXA-200-1I.

Префикс - соответствует сокращению от названия продукта, например:

• Citrix XenApp - CXA
• Citrix XenDesktop - CXD
• Citrix NetScaler - CNS

Исключения: WKS - Workshop и CMB - Комбинированные предложения.

Номер, описывает целевую аудиторию и сложность курса:

• От 001 до 099 - Курс, направленный на методологию продаж, авторизацию персонала по продажам, проведение Whiteboards.
• От 100 до 199 - Обзор архитектуры продукта (ключевое слово - обзор), техническая авторизация.
• От 200 до 299 - Администрирование.
• От 300 до 399 - Поддержка, поиск и устранение неисправностей, оптимизация, мониторинг.
• От 400 до 499 - Анализ, дизайн, курсы основанные на определённых решениях.
• От 500 до 599 - Анализ и дизайн, требующий глубокого понимания всей инфраструктуры решений Citrix.

С версией наверное всё понятно и без объяснений, а тип означает, как проходит курс - I - проводится инструктором, W - слушается через Интернет.

Существует отдельная сертификация для тренеров. У Citrix она называется Citrix Certified Instructor (CCI).

У неё есть тоже разделение по продуктам, поэтому для примера, я приведу требования для получения статуса CCI for XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2008. Для получения этого статуса нужно:

1. Выполнить требования для технической сертификации Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator for XenApp или Citrix Certified Integration Architect for XenApp.
2. Продемонстрировать знание технологий Майкрософт, сдав экзамен 70-643 и получив статус Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure, Configuration.
3. Сдать профилирующий экзамен (т.е. определяющий направление сертификации в треке) не менее чем на 80% (обычно проходной балл - около 70%).
4. Прослушать курс "Train the Trainer"
5. Принять соглашение CCI 2008 Subscription Program Agreement на сайте http://www.citrixcertmanager.com/.
6. Заполнить и принять форму CCI 2008 Subscription Program Application Form

Всё . После выполнения всех этих пунктов Вы получаете "почётное" звание Citrix Certified Instructor.

Наверное, больше рассказать про сертификацию в общих чертах было бы сложно. Пишите, отвечу и при необходимости - дополню.

Date: February 24, 2009
Time: 12:00 PM -- 1:00 PM EST (9:00 AM -- 10:00 AM PST)

Date: February 26, 2009
Time: 8:00 PM -- 9:00 PM EST (5:00 PM -- 6:00 PM PST)

Citrix Education invites you to attend a webinar on the application networking capabilities of Citrix NetScaler 9.0.
The webinar will include the following topics:

• Lower total cost of ownership
• Application acceleration
• Application security
• Application availability
• Simple manageability
  

In addition, the webinar will highlight the Citrix Education offerings that are available to train and certify IT professionals to install, administer and support NetScaler 9.0.

Who Should Attend?
IT professionals responsible for application networking initiatives. Some familiarity with Citrix NetScaler is recommended.

Highlights Include:

• NetScaler technical overview
• New NetScaler 9.0 features
• Overview of the instructor-led administration course: CNS-200-1I Basic Administration for Citrix NetScaler 9.0
• Benefits of obtaining the Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix NetScaler 9.0 technical certification
  

Register Now:  February 24   February 26

A recording of the webinar will be available on the CNS-200-1I course page following the live broadcast.

Citrix Education just announced the rollout of its redesigned certification program. The new certification structure, developed in collaboration with Citrix customers, offers candidates more choices such as certification tracks by role and specialization, as well as streamlined update paths that make it easier for IT professionals to stay current. The certification changes support IT professionals' need to demonstrate specialized knowledge in key server, desktop and application virtualization technologies.

The next generation of Citrix certifications deliver:

1. Certification by job level
Three levels of IT professional certification are offered, which allow candidates to match their certification path to their job role:

• Administrator Series - Consists of the Citrix Certified Administrator™ (CCA), which has been expanded to include tracks supporting Platinum product editions. Also offered is the new Citrix Certified Advanced Administrator™ (CCAA) certification, which takes the CCA one step further with in-depth product specialization.
• Engineer Series - Consists of the new Citrix Certified Enterprise Engineer™ (CCEE), which offers seasoned IT professionals the opportunity to validate their ability to combine the coordination of operational planning efforts with 'tactical design' expertise and integration know-how.
• Architect Series - Consists of a re-vamped Citrix Certified Integration Architect™ (CCIA) certification, which allows IT professionals to hone real world skills with a range of technologies to design strategic approaches to application and workload delivery.

2. Certification by solution
Various paths, including Application Virtualization, Desktop Virtualization, Server Virtualization and Application Networking, are available, so that IT professionals can align their certifications to the technology solutions most relevant to their job role.

3. Certification by product specialization
IT professionals can achieve specific designations for the latest Citrix products, such as Citrix XenApp™, Citrix® NetScaler®, Citrix XenDesktop™, Citrix XenServer™, and others, to prove their competency and skills on the latest enterprise products.

4. Simplified certification update paths
With the release of the next generation certification programs, update paths to the newest CCEE and CCIA certifications will be available for current advanced certification holders. These update paths will significantly reduce requirements by focusing on the domains, features and technologies that are most required to advance to the next generation CCEE and CCIA certifications.

For more information on the next generation certification structure, visit www.citrixeducation.com > Certifications.

Offer available through 10/19/08

The Citrix XenApp 5 beta exam, A05 Implementing Citrix XenApp 5.0 for Windows Server 2008, is currently offered at NO COST to all candidates through 10/19/08. Candidates have the opportunity to show their expertise and get ahead of the crowd on the next XenApp certification.

Because this exam is in beta, exam takers will have the chance to provide feedback and shape the final version. Candidates who pass the beta exam will earn the new Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix XenApp 5 on Windows Server 2008 at no cost.

Find XenApp training

*The last da to take the beta exam is 10/19/08. To register for the exam, visit http://www.vue.com/

The views expressed here are mine alone and have not been authorized by, and do not necessarily reflect the views of, Citrix.

As the Manager of Exam Development in Citrix Education, I have also focused more on exam security. Beginning last year, I focused more than ever on security measures by working with industry peers, security consultants, and exam delivery providers (Prometric and VUE) to tackle the growing problem of cheating. I have to admit that when I first began this process it felt like an unrealistic goal to tackle.

The ever growing presence of brain dumps (those web sites that sell stolen exam content) is not easy to ignore. But to make matters worse, the attitudes of some towards the use of brain dumps and other forms of cheating just makes it that more difficult. In the last year I have had more opportunities than ever to meet and get to know Citrix certificants. What they have repeatedly stressed to me is how they want Citrix Education to do something about brain dumps; that they don't want just any Joe Administrator to get Citrix Certified; that they are sick and tired of meeting "paper certified" individuals who have no experience.

So how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time......

In 2007, Citrix Education started slowly by adopting a security plan. That security plan, addressed four areas:

Detection of test theft and fraud
Education of candidates to appropriate behavior
Development of comprehensive policies
Enforcement of policies

Citrix Education conducts web patrolling efforts 24 hours a day world wide to identify brain dumps as well as violators of our exam policies. Once a site is detected, staff members and security professionals purchase, analyze, and verify that advertised content or information is indeed the intellectual property of Citrix. Based on the information gathered, I have been able to serve legal take down notices to websites and cease and desist letters. In addition to brain dumps and auction sites, I have also discovered candidates "discussing" exam content and "sharing" answers...you know in the interest of "knowledge being FREE".

Candidates sharing exam content, is by the way, in direct violation to the NDA that all exam takers must accept before taking an exam. When initially kicking off the security initiative, I realized that many did NOT read this NDA before taking the exam. Kind of like a EULA, exam candidates see that NDA and simply scroll to the radio button marked "Yes, I agree." without ever considering what they have agreed to.....

So Citrix Education adopted a Candidate Conduct Policy that had been widely used by our IT Peers . This policy http://www.citrixtraining.com/content/index.cfm/cgroup_id:48 basically outlines everything that candidates have done in the past that is classified as illegal behavior. Additional Citrix Education policies include a retake, beta exam, and special needs testing policies: http://www.citrixtraining.com/content/index.cfm/cgroup_id:38.&nbsp; A violation of any policy can result in a list of remedies including bans up to a year.

The newest addition to exam policies is that of classifying results as indeterminate. Basically based on data forensics, our security consultants identify suspicious results and depending on the strength of the data, say a 1 in 10,000,000,000 chance of a specific result occurring, I can definitely with confidence conclude that a result is not sound and will invalidate those results. Once invalidated, a result will not count toward certification.

After putting these policies and procedures in place it's been really interesting what I have found:

Once people know someone is looking, they repent and cease with their misconduct.
Education of candidates is key; in fact candidates often state that they did NOT know that they were in violation of the NDA or any other policy.
Even those with the most grave violations, seem to value the cert when they are in danger of losing it.

I hope our efforts will help Citrix Education begin to make a dent in the challenge of exam security. But I realize that a huge part of the problem is in the attitudes and lack of a universal understanding of what constitutes test theft and fraud. So my mission is simple,

To educate Citrix Certification Candidates and Certificants on what constitutes cheating and how it impacts the value of the credential in an effort to maintain the integrity and validity of our certification programs.

What I really hope to get out of this besides the above is a better understanding of our certified community. And as Citrix Education takes bite after bite of the elephant known as cheating....I can only hope that candidates and certificants worldwide will see the return to the value of certification....

The million dollar question is with all the buzz by Citrix and others on increased security initiatives, how will the cheaters respond?

Sierra Hampton is the Manager of Exam Development and has worked at Citrix for 7 years.