Terms you'll need to understand:
Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)
Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)
Master CNE (MCNE)
Certified Directory Engineer (CDE)
Novell Authorized Instructor (NAI)
Certified Novell Instructor (CNI)/Master CNI (MCNI)
Specialist Certificates program
NetWare product family: NetWare 6, NetWare 5, NetWare 4/intraNetWare
GroupWise 5
Techniques you'll need to master:
Locating training and certification information on the Novell Web site
Obtaining descriptions of and objectives for specific Novell exams
Locating practice tests to help prepare for specific Novell exams
Although it might not have the most complex or voluminous set of offerings of all the vendors you'll encounter in this book, Novell has been in the training and certification game long enough to be considered a pioneer. Novell's certification program predates Microsoft's by at least three years, and the number of certified professionals—currently estimated at more than 700,000 and growing—is the second largest of any certification program. This chapter examines Novell's various certification options.
Let's review the numerous abbreviations that relate to Novell's certification credentials. After that, you'll have a chance to investigate each certification in some detail—including the elements that lead to each one. Along the way, you'll be presented with a series of tables that show how the pieces fit together. Then, you'll learn how to sign up for tests, track certification progress, and prepare for each test.
These abbreviations are related to Novell certifications:
CNA (Certified Novell Administrator)—. This certification is for candidates who demonstrate skills in any of a number of areas of expertise. This certification requires passing one test in any of four tracks (three of which are specific to NetWare versions, and one of which is specific to GroupWise versions). This is Novell's entry-level certification.
CNE (Certified Novell Engineer)—. This certification is for candidates who demonstrate skills in installing and managing NetWare networks. This certification is obtained by passing six exams, including five required core exams and a single elective. This is Novell's most sought-after certification.
MCNE (Master CNE)—. Candidates for MCNE certification must first prove their basic expertise by obtaining NetWare 6 CNE certification and CompTIA's IT Project+ certification. To obtain MCNE certification, they must then pass four tests (one core exam and three electives). This is Novell's most elite certification.
CDE (Certified Directory Engineer)—. Achieving a senior-level certification such as MCSE, CCNP, CCIE, or IBM Certified Specialist is a prerequisite to this credential. CDE certification requires completion of two core exams in addition to a hands-on live lab exam (similar to the CCIE lab exam). CDEs must recertify annually by retaking the live lab exam (and other exams, as announced).
NAI (Novell Authorized Instructor)—. Candidates for NAI certification must pass at least one exam and complete CNI certification within one year of applying for NAI status. However, individuals employed at Novell Academic Education Partners (NAEPs) or at Novell Authorized Education Centers (NAECs) can remain NAIs indefinitely. To teach any topic, an NAI must pass the related instructor-level exam.
CNI (Certified Novell Instructor)/MCNI (Master CNI)—. Candidates for CNI certification must meet both an instructional requirement and training and examination requirements for whatever courses they want to teach, and they must obtain CompTIA's CTT+ certification. Basic requirements are simple, but per-course requirements must also be weighed whenever the candidate considers what courses he or she might want to teach. The MCNI credential requires two years of documented classroom experience as a CNI, completion of Novell's MCNE certification requirements, and completion of an annual update requirement.
In addition, Novell offers Specialist certificates to candidates who complete a single training course and pass a related exam that targets a specific Novell solution, product, or platform. These exams can be used toward earning CNE, MCNE, or CDE certifications.
All the information in the preceding list, plus some additional details about the exams, is summed up in Table 9.1.
Table 9.1. Novell Certifications[*]
Certification | Required Exams | Elective Exams | Questions | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CNA | 1 | 0 | 15–80 | $125 | 30–105 minutes |
CNE | 5 | 1 | 15–80 | $125 | 30–105 minutes |
MCNE | 1 | 3 | 15–80 | $125 | 30–105 minutes |
CDE | 3 | 0 | Varies | $125 and $395 | 30–90 minutes/150 minutes |
NAI | 1 | 1 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
CNI | CNE + 1 | 0 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
MCNI | CNI/MCNE | 0 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
[*] The number of questions, the cost, and the time period are for each exam for the certification, not for all exams for the certification. | |||||
Novell uses two different types of tests in its certification exams: form-based tests and adaptive tests. A form-based test uses traditional, multiple-choice questions, graphical exhibits, and simulations. It follows a regular, predictable sequence of questions, drawn at random, by category, from a database of potential questions. Each test taker sees the same number of questions and gets an equal amount of time to finish. An adaptive test recognizes when the test takers answer a question incorrectly and reacts by asking a simpler question on the same topic, asking gradually more difficult questions on that topic until a test taker's expertise in the category is established. Adaptive tests can end in as little as 30 minutes or can take longer than an hour to complete.
Because the length of an adaptive test is related to the test taker's familiarity with the subject matter, it's more important to prepare thoroughly for an adaptive test than for a form-based test. Adaptive tests' behavior also makes it impossible to predict exactly how many questions you'll see on any particular adaptive test or how long a test will take. That's why Table 9.1 shows broad variation in the number of questions and time required for the various exams listed. For details on the type and number of questions for any Novell test, visit www.novell.com/education/testinfo/testdata.html.
In live lab exams, called practicum exams, certification candidates interact with a simulated networking environment and make requisite design and implementation changes and handle troubleshooting setup problems. These exams are designed to test knowledge and skills associated with operating actual networks. The CDE is the only Novell credential that currently requires a practicum.
The sections that follow examine each of Novell's certifications in more detail and explain a little more about the related exams that you must pass. If you visit the URLs mentioned for each credential, in most cases you'll be able to jump straight to the details related to the required exams (and electives, where applicable).
Although Web locations change over time, they're worth chasing down because Novell's Web site is the final authority on certification information and requirements.
When it comes to options, CNAs have an awful lot to choose from. Because CNAs provide onsite network and systems administration in a variety of working conditions, this variety makes sense. In general, CNAs are usually responsible for everyday administration and oversight of some installed Novell networking product, be it NetWare 6, NetWare 5, intraNetWare or NetWare 4, or GroupWise 5. These specific product responsibilities also match the tracks that prospective CNAs must follow to attain CNA certification.
Note
You might notice throughout this chapter that we use NetWare 4 to refer to the intraNetWare track. This is because Novell uses both names for the same product—that is, intraNetWare and NetWare 4.11 or 4.2—but the network operating system software is most often called NetWare 4 or 4.x, to cover all versions.
Table 9.2 covers the requirements for each CNA category. Note that Novell recommends that prospective CNAs meet certain knowledge prerequisites: NetWare CNAs of all stripes should know basic PC and networking concepts and terminology and be familiar with DOS and Windows; GroupWise CNAs should know basic NetWare administration and NetWare Directory Services (NDS).
Table 9.2. CNA Tracks and Associated Exams
Exam ID | Track | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
50-677 | NetWare 6 | NetWare 6 Administration | Covers basic NetWare 6 planning, installation, configuration, and administration. |
50-639[*] OR 50-653 OR 50-652[**] | NetWare 5 NetWare 5 NetWare 5 | NetWare 5 Administration NetWare 5.1 Administration 2.0 NetWare 4.11 to NetWare 5.1 Update | Covers basic NetWare 5.x planning, installation, configuration, and administration. Covers basic NetWare 5.x planning, installation, configuration, and administration. Prepares NetWare Administrators certified in 4.11 to upgrade to 5 and to integrate across versions. |
50-613 | intraNetWare/NetWare 4 | intraNetWare: NetWare 4.11 Administration | Covers basic NetWare 4.11/intraNetWare planning, installation, configuration, and administration. |
50-633 | GroupWise 5 | GroupWise 5.5 System Administration | Covers GroupWise 5.5 features, functions, and architecture; planning; installation; administration; user management; libraries; documents; and more. |
[*] This exam is scheduled to retire; date not yet announced. [**] Applies only to individuals already certified as CNEs. | |||
For a more detailed description of these requirements, visit the CNA home page, at www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cna. For a detailed road map of courses, tests, and certifications into which the various CNA tracks feed (and Novell is very good about pointing out how these various tracks can lead to more advanced Novell certifications), download the CNA Progress Chart from www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cna/cnaprog.pdf.
Individuals who obtain CNE certification are assumed to be qualified to plan, install, configure, and manage the systems and services that fall within the track they are pursuing—namely, NetWare 5 or 6. Only the version of NetWare that a CNE specializes in may vary; otherwise, the testing regimen is the same. Table 9.3 lists the required exams for those seeking certification in NetWare version 5 or 6. Table 9.4 lists the elective exams.
Applicants must take and pass five required exams for NetWare 5 or 6 and one elective to obtain CNE certification. Each entry gives information for track requirements. Novell recommends that candidates following the track for a higher-numbered version of software (such as NetWare 6) take the highest-numbered exam in a category in which there are multiple options.
Table 9.3. Exams Required for NetWare CNE Certifications
Exam ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
NetWare 6 Exams | ||
50-677 | Foundations of Novell Networking | Covers implementation of NetWare 6 and using management tools. |
50-681 | Novell Network Management: NetWare 6 | (Course and exam in development.) |
TBD | Advanced Novell Network Management: NetWare 6 | (Course and exam in development.) |
50-664 | Novell eDirectory Design & Implementation | Covers designing and implementing an NDS. |
50-662 | Desktop Management with ZENworks for Desktops 3 | Covers installation and customization of ZENworks, plus imaging, policy management, remote management, and maintenance. |
NetWare 5 Exams | ||
50-632 | Networking Technologies | Covers networking concepts and terminology, plus networking installation, operations, and troubleshooting for current networking technologies, topologies, and media. The CompTIA Network+ or MCSE certification can replace Novell's Networking Technologies exam. (To download a waiver form, visit www.novell.com/education/waiver/waiverform.pdf.) |
50-635 OR 50-658 | Service and Support Service and Support v2.0 | Measures skills necessary to support network installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance issues. Many experts regard this as among the most difficult of all Novell exams. Measures skills necessary to support network installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance issues. Many experts regard this as among the most difficult of all Novell exams. |
50-639[*] OR 50-653 | NetWare 5 Administration NetWare 5.1 Administration v2.0 | Covers basic NetWare 5 and 5.1 planning, installation, configuration, and administration. Covers basic NetWare 5 and 5.1 planning, installation, configuration, and administration. |
50-640 OR 50-654 | NetWare 5 Advanced Administration NetWare 5.1 Advanced Administration | Covers advanced NetWare topics, including automated installation, complex configurations, enterprise design and deployment issues, remote administration, and heterogeneous networking situations. Covers advanced NetWare topics, including automated installation, complex configurations, enterprise design and deployment issues, remote administration, and heterogeneous networking situations. |
50-634 OR 50-659 OR 50-664 | NDS Design and Implementation NDS Design & Implementation 2.0 Novell eDirectory Design & Implementation | Covers NDS directory planning, design, deployment, and management, plus use of complex directory trees and directory-enabled applications. Covers NDS directory planning, design, deployment, and management, plus use of complex directory trees and directory-enabled applications. Covers eDirectory planning, design, deployment, and management, plus use of complex directory trees and directory-enabled applications. |
[*] This exam is scheduled to retire; date not yet announced. | ||
For brevity's sake, we provide no descriptions of the elective exams in Table 9.4. Visit the Novell site at www.novell.com/education/testinfo/objectives/crsindex.html for more detailed information. Except where noted, electives apply to all CNE tracks.
Table 9.4. CNE Electives
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
50-662 | Desktop Management with ZENworks for Desktops 3 |
50-656 | Desktop Management with ZENworks |
50-650 | Internet Security Management with BorderManager: Enterprise Edition 3.5 |
50-660 | Network Management Using ManageWise 2.7 |
50-649 | TCP/IP for Networking Professionals |
50-669 | Integrating Novell eDirectory and Windows NT |
50-633 | GroupWise 5.5 System Administration (not applicable for GroupWise 5 track) |
50-665 | GroupWise 6 Administration |
50-644 | Integrating NetWare and Windows NT |
50-663 | Integrating Novell eDirectory and Active Directory |
Note
CNEs certified for intraNetWare can upgrade to NetWare 6 by passing exam 50-678: NetWare 4 to NetWare 6 CNE Upgrade Prerequisite. NetWare 5 CNEs can upgrade to NetWare 6 by passing exam 50-676: Upgrading to NetWare 6.
For more information about the CNE certification, visit Novell's CNE home page, at www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cne. Pay special attention to the CNE Progress Chart, which can be downloaded from www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cne/cneprog.pdf.
Novell calls the individuals who attain the MCNE credential “the industry's leading integration specialists.” All MCNE candidates must obtain NetWare 6 CNE certification, CompTIA's IT Project+ certification (see Chapter 4, “CompTIA Certification Programs,” for details), and then pass four exams. This certification has exalted status among certificants, employers, and industry leaders.
MCNE exams are broken into two categories:
Core—. All MCNEs must take one core exam on TCP/IP networking. This ensures that all candidates have a solid background in complex, heterogeneous network environments.
Elective—. All MCNEs must take three elective exams to ensure that specialists are well rounded in important Novell or networking technologies.
All relevant tests for MCNE certification appear in Table 9.5.
Table 9.5. Exams Required for MCNE Certification
For further details on the requirements for the MCNE program, visit the MCNE home page, at www.novell.com/education/certinfo/mcne. The MCNE Progress Chart (www.novell.com/education/certinfo/mcne/mcneprog.pdf) helps spell out all the requirements and other details.
Novell's newest certification program, CDE, is meant to supply the IT industry with a group of elite, directory-knowledgeable networking professionals. People who obtain this certification can use NDS and related directory technologies in managing applications, operating systems, and enterprise-level installations. CDEs can apply directory solutions to meet real-world business needs.
Applicants pursuing CDE certification have to first complete a premier IT certification, such as MCSE, CCNP, CCIE, or IBM Certified Specialist. In addition, they must complete two core exams and take a live, hands-on practicum exam that stresses real-world design, implementation, and problem-solving skills. This exam lasts 150 minutes and costs $395. Table 9.6 summarizes the CDE certification required exams.
Table 9.6. Exams Required for CDE Certification
Exam ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
50-648 | Advanced NDS Tools and Diagnostics version 1 | Covers NDS Health Check, server logging, troubleshooting tools, replicas, directory tree management, and NDS 8 migrations and upgrades. |
50-661 | Directory Technologies version 1 | Covers NDS to design, create, install, configure, and troubleshoot directory- based and directory- enabled applications and working with advanced directory services, tools, and technologies. |
50-651[*] | Practicum | Covers networking design, implementation, and problem-solving skills in a hands-on laboratory environment. |
[*] Unlike other Novell exams, the Novell Practicum required to obtain CDE certification is available only through VUE testing centers (www.vue.com) rather than from both Prometric (www.2test.com) and VUE. | ||
Consult the CDE home page, at www.novell.com/education/cde, for updates on the CDE program. The CDE Progress Chart (www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cde/cdeprog.pdf) lists all the requirements and other details.
To permit individuals who are pursuing CNI certification to teach before they complete that credential, and to make it easier for NAECs and NAEPs to hire instructors, Novell has created the NAI credential. NAIs are allowed one year from the date at which they apply for that status to obtain CNI certification, unless they work for an official Novell training outlet—that is, an NAEP or NAEC. In that case, individuals may retain NAI status indefinitely.
In addition, a NAI candidate must have at least one year of work experience in a computer networking position and one year of experience in teaching adult learners in a formal classroom environment.
An application form for this certification is available as part of the CNI Guide document, at www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cni/cniguide.pdf.
Novell's instructor certification, CNI, is widely regarded as a premier certification in the IT industry. Novell instructors must first obtain NetWare 5 or 6 CNE certification before they can enter the CNI program. Then, they must meet stringent instructional and subject matter requirements to qualify to teach specific Novell courses (and to prepare students for the exams that go with these courses).
A candidate can satisfy the instructional requirements for CNI certification only by meeting the following requirements:
A CNI candidate must be employed at an NAEC or NAEP or declare himself or herself a freelance instructor by designating employment status as “contract instructor.” A CNI candidate must belong to one and only one of these employment categories.
A CNI candidate must earn CNE certification in NetWare 5 or 6.
A CNI candidate must attend a base-level certification target course for NetWare 5 (Novell courses 560: NetWare 5 Administration, 3000: Upgrading to NetWare 6, or 3001: Foundations of Novell Networking).
A CNI candidate must pass the target course test at the CNI level.
A CNI candidate must submit evidence of CompTIA's Certified Technical Trainer+ (CTT+) credential to meet in-class presentation and training skills requirements.
A CNI candidate must submit a complete CNI application and a signed CNI certification agreement.
When candidates earn CNI certification, they are not limited to the types of courses they can instruct. Because the ability to teach any given Novell course depends on attending that course and passing the associated instructor-level exam—designed to be more demanding and detail oriented than the normal certification exam for the same course—passing the instructor exam, along with CNI or MCNI credentials, suffices to obtain authorization from Novell to teach any of its official course materials.
Novell offers a Master CNI (MCNI) credential that requires two years of documented classroom experience as a CNI, completion of all requirements for Novell's MCNE certification, and completion of an annual update requirement. MCNI is one of the most elite IT certifications available in today's marketplace.
To register for a CNI or MCNI exam, contact the Novell Education support line at 800-233-3382 and choose option 7. Visit Novell's CNI Web page, at www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cni, for more information about the CNI and MCNI programs. You can download the Certified Instructor Programs Guide from www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cni/cniguide.pdf.
Novell created its Specialist Certificates program to permit organizations or consultants to document knowledge and skills with specific Novell products, platforms, and solutions. To obtain a Specialist certificate, a candidate must complete only a single training course and a related exam that targets a specific Novell solution, product, or platform. The Specialist Certificates exams are outlined in Table 9.7.
Table 9.7. Specialist Certificates Exams
Exam ID | Title |
|---|---|
50-665 | GroupWise 6 Administration |
50-650 | Internet Security Management with BorderManager |
50-649 | TCP/IP for Networking Professionals |
50-662 | Desktop Management with ZENworks for Desktops 3 |
50-669 | Integrating Novell eDirectory with Windows NT |
50-663 | Integrating Novell eDirectory and Active Directory |
50-668 | Directory and Database Integration Using DirXML |
A Specialist certificates candidate must take the appropriate exam within six weeks of completing the associated course. These exams can be used toward earning CNE, MCNE, or CDE certifications.
Consult the Specialist Certificates home page, at www.novell.com/education/certinfo/specialist.html, for updates on this program. The Specialist Certificates Progress Chart is available at www.novell.com/education/certinfo/specialistprog.pdf.
By now you've read about a sizable number of Novell tests. You're probably wondering what's involved in signing up for or taking such tests.
You can sign up with one of two testing companies that handle testing for Novell certification:
Prometric—. You can sign up through the company's Web site, at www.2test.com, or register by phone at 800-RED-EXAM (in North America) or 952-820-5706.
VUE—. You can sign up at www.vue.com/novell or register by phone at 800-TEST-CNE (in North America) or 952-681-3970.
To sign up for a test, you must have a valid credit card or contact either Prometric or VUE for mailing instructions to send the company a check or money order. You can register for a test only after payment is verified or your check has cleared.
To schedule an exam, you must call or visit the Web page at least one day in advance. To schedule a test, you need to have the following information:
Your name, organization, mailing address, and email address.
Your Novell Education Testing ID and PIN. In the United States, the ID is your Social Security number; citizens of other nations should call ahead to find out what type of identification is needed. The PIN is a number you select when you first sign up to take a Novell certification exam with either Prometric or VUE. You should be sure to write it down somewhere and have it ready when you sign up.
The name and number of the exam you want to take.
A method of payment.
After you sign up for a test, you are told when and where the test is scheduled. You should try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You must supply two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID.
To cancel or reschedule an exam, you must call at least 12 hours before the scheduled test time or before the close of business on the preceding working day, or you might be charged, even if you don't show up for the test.
All Novell exams are closed book. In fact, you can't take anything with you into the testing area. You are given a blank sheet of paper and a pen. Most testing centers do not allow you to write notes before the exam begins. You get some time to compose yourself and to take a sample orientation test before you begin the real thing. We suggest that you take the orientation exam before taking your first real Novell exam. The orientation exam is more or less the same as a real exam in terms of layout, behavior, and controls.
As soon as you complete a Novell exam, the software tells you whether you've passed or failed. Even if you fail, we suggest that you ask for—and keep—the detailed score report that the test administrator can print for you. This report tells you which areas you need to work on. If you fail an exam, you have to contact Prometric or VUE to schedule (and pay for) another test.
As soon as you pass any of the CNA exams, you attain CAN status. Novell maintains a Personal Certification Requirements History (PCRH), which indicates the exams you've taken and those you've passed. You can check your PCRH through the secure Novell Power PIN login page, at http://certification.novell.com/pinlogin.htm. Novell needs up to seven business days after an exam to update your PCRH.
In addition to providing access to certification information and test records, Novell operates secure Web sites for CNAs, CNEs, CDEs, and CNIs. These sites provide access to all types of information aimed at certified users, including special news, software utilities, operating system updates and tools, and opportunities to sign up for beta tests and beta software. These sites provide much more than simply access to your certification progress reports. After you complete any Novell certification exam that qualifies you for potential certification, you are furnished with details on how to access these sites—which require your Testing ID and PIN to gain access. (Thus, an aspiring CNE who finishes a test can get access to the site, as can already certified CNEs.)
You can also contact Novell's education operation at 800-233-EDUC (in North America) or 801-429-7000 (and ask for Novell education) or send an email to [email protected].
At a minimum, you should use the following materials to prepare for a Novell exam:
For most exams, Novell offers one or more instructor-led training classes. Novell recommends that you attend such training at an NAEC or NAEP. However, other study options are available, including self-study kits, computer-based training, Web-based training, and computer trade books. Novell recommends that you discuss these options with a training center professional.
Novell publishes both course and test objectives, and you should become familiar with these items before you take any test. Course objectives are available through Novell's education product listings, which are categorized by product at www.novell.com/education/train_product/index.html; test objectives are available at www.novell.com/education/testinfo/objectives/crsindex.html.
In addition, you might find any or all of the following materials useful in your search for Novell expertise:
Study guides—. Numerous publishers offer CNE and CNA study guides of some type. A search at your favorite online bookstore can help in locating them.
Other publications—. You can find plenty of publications and resources if you take the time to look around on the Web or in a local bookstore; there's no shortage of materials available about Novell.
Novell Application Notes, Novell Support Connection CD (formerly NSEPro)—. Novell Application Notes, Novell Support Connection CD, is a monthly CD subscription that includes all types of technical documentation and training materials about Novell products and technologies, plus summaries of technical support issues and software patches and fixes. A single-user license is $495 per year, and a site license costs $995 per year. However, a CNE can purchase a single-user subscription directly from Novell for $295 per year. To subscribe to the Novell Application Notes, Novell Support Connection CD, contact an authorized Novell reseller; call 800-828-3362 (in North America) for a reseller in your area or 800-377-4136 (in North America) or 303-297-2725 to order from Novell directly or to receive a CNE discount.
These materials represent a stellar collection of resources for Novell exam topics and software.
For convenience, we include the most important URLs mentioned so far in this chapter, along with pointers to a few other resources worth investigating:
www.novell.com/education/certinfo—.
www.novell.com/education/testinfo—.
www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cna/cnaprog.pdf—.
www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cne/cneprog.pdf—.
www.novell.com/education/certinfo/mcne/mcneprog.pdf—.
www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cde/cdeprog.pdf—.
www.novell.com/education/certinfo/cni/cniguide.pdf—.
http://certification.novell.com/pinlogin.htm—.
comp.os.netware.connectivity—. This is the key technical Usenet newsgroup on Novell technologies and NetWare topics.comp.os.netware.security—. This group covers NetWare security topics.comp.os.netware.announce—. This group covers Novell and third-party NetWare-related announcements.comp.os.netware.misc—. This group covers other NetWare topics that don't fit under the other NetWare newsgroups.