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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'>With the ArcGIS 10 release, ESRI intends to offer a technical
certification program designed around the use of their products. This is
similar in idea and scope to Microsoft’s, Cisco and other vendor certification
processes. Those that become certified will have demonstrated a level knowledge
in the use and functions of ESRI technology. This level of knowledge will be
demonstrated by a test again much like Microsoft or Cisco Certifications. Unlike
the Learning Pathways established by ESRI, these new certifications will not
require specific classes before you can take the exam. If you can pass the exam
you can be certified.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'>ESRI has not settled on the exact specification for their new
certifications but it should be something along these lines. </span>There are
three categories for certification: Desktop, Developer and Enterprise. Desktop
will focus on the use of ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo along with various extension
along with basic GIS knowledge and skills. The Developer level will focus
on programming within the ArcGIS framework including ArcObjects, system design
and architecture, web applications, and the mobile SDK. Enterprise
will be the most comprehensive including some of the other two along with
integration and administration.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt'>In addition to the three
Categories, there will be three levels: Associate, Professional and Expert. (ESRI
seems to really like this multi-level and multi-tiered approach to things.) The
associate level is for beginning users. Those that have been using ESRI
technology for 2 to 3 years. Professional Level is for those that have
been using the technology for at least 4 to 5 years. Expert has not been
defined yet but one would imagine it would require knowledge and skills beyond
those of the professional level. It might also include some level of
specialization beyond just the Categories, however that is just a guess on my
part.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt'>There will be a fee involved in
taking the test and becoming certified. ESRI has not released what those fees
will be but I would guess they would similar with other vendor certifications which
range for $100 and up. I believe the test will be available at commercial
testing centers like those for other certifications and not just at ESRI
offices. As I understand it, the first tests for Desktop should be available sometime
during the 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter this year. The others will roll out later. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'>These Certifications are not designed to replace or supersede the
GISP. They are to be complementary to the GISP certification. ESRI’s new certifications
will only test on a user’s ability to work with their technology. It is not
as thorough a process as the GISP certification which has multiple requirements
including minimum experience, education and professional contribution levels.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'>Expect to hear more about this at the International User
Conference and possibly the SERUG conference later this year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tripp
Corbin, MCP, CFM, GISP<br>
Vice President, GIS/IT<br>
<i>ESRI Authorized Instructor</i><br>
<b><a href="http://www.keckwood.com/"><span style='color:blue'>Keck & Wood,
Inc.</span></a></b><br>
(678) 417-4013<br>
(678) 417-4055 fax<br>
<br>
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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