I know we mentioned this last month but RIM has just officially announced their plans for their certification program. Nothing new and revolutionary other than the fact that RIM has now solidified release dates and testing centers for the certifications. I tried to Bold that information. Read the full press release if you work with BlackBerrys otherwise feel free to ignore. 
RIM Launches New BlackBerry Certification Program
Extends reliable, comprehensive certification testing to IT professionals around the world in support of the industry leading BlackBerry platform
WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – May 1, 2008) – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced a new BlackBerry(R) Certification Program that will extend a reliable, comprehensive certification testing service in support of the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform. The new BlackBerry Certification Program is intended to provide an empirical means of measuring and validating the real world skills and knowledge used in planning, administering and supporting BlackBerry product deployments. The program, which is designed for IT professionals and consultants as well as wireless carriers and other BlackBerry partners, will be available in 135 countries.
“BlackBerry products and services are available from over 300 carriers in 135 countries around the world and there is substantial demand for qualified IT professionals that are certified to support BlackBerry solutions,” said Peter Broughall, VP of Customer Support Operations at Research In Motion. “Staff certified under the new BlackBerry Certification Program can use their skills in planning and managing deployments to help organizations maximize their investment in the BlackBerry platform.”
The BlackBerry Certification Program is intended to provide a broad range of certification options that align with specific roles. Certifications in the program will be offered in three areas: technical certifications for IT professionals and consultants seeking to establish their credentials for the effective implementation, administration and support of BlackBerry solutions; certifications for professionals in the IT industry seeking to prove their advanced knowledge in the use of BlackBerry solutions; and certifications for corporate developers to validate their skills in the development of mobile applications for the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.
Certifications planned for availability in 2008 include:
– BlackBerry(R) Certified System Administrator – for technical professionals who install, configure and manage the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution – available May 13
– BlackBerry(R) Certified Server Support Specialist – for technical specialists supporting BlackBerry Enterprise Server and its associated components – available Fall 2008
– BlackBerry(R) Certified Support Specialist – for specialists who support BlackBerry smartphone users in a BlackBerry(R) Internet Service or BlackBerry Enterprise Server environment – available Fall 2008
– BlackBerry(R) Certified Solution Designer – for technical professionals who provide pre- and post-sales technical consulting services to organizations that have deployed the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution – available Fall 2008
Additional certifications for individuals planned to be available in 2009 include BlackBerry(R) Certified Enterprise Application Developer, BlackBerry(R) Certified Trainer, BlackBerry(R) Sales Expert and BlackBerry(R) Expert User. Organizational certifications planned for 2009 include BlackBerry(R) Certified Reseller and BlackBerry(R) Certified Training Center.RIM is working in collaboration with two recognized leaders in certification testing. Alpine Testing Solutions, which provides innovative, superior-quality testing solutions with an emphasis on customer needs, service and satisfaction, is developing and designing the certification exams. Prometric, a recognized global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services, is providing a comprehensive suite of services, including test development, test delivery and data management capabilities to enable the BlackBerry Certification Program to be offered as a highly controlled, proctored testing service at over 4700 test centers in 135 countries.
IT professionals interested in BlackBerry certification programs will be able to schedule exams as they become available, choosing a testing center location and time that is convenient for them, by visiting: www.prometric.com/blackberry. Exams are computer-based, providing prompt results upon submission.
BlackBerry Certified System Administrator will be the first certification designation available. Testing for this designation will premiere on May 13 at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) 2008 in Orlando, FL, where a limited number of conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the first rounds of testing. Certification testing at WES 2008 is now open for registration at www.attendwes.com/certification.
For updates on certification testing availability or more information about the BlackBerry Certification Program, visit www.blackberry.com/certification.
