Appendix A NetWare 6 Certification
In a world in which people, businesses, organizations, governments, and nations are being connected and sharing information at a dizzying rate, Novell’s primary goal is to be the framework that connects people with oneNet service worldwide.
To help fulfill this goal, Novell has been providing quality education programs for more than 15 years. By itself, the Novell Training department isn’t nearly large enough to provide high-quality training to the vast number of people who require it. Therefore, Novell has developed training partnerships throughout the world that provide authorized training. In addition, Novell has created certification programs to help ensure that the standard for networking skills is maintained at a high level.
Today, Novell has more than 100 authorized education partners worldwide, including colleges, universities, professional training centers, e-Learning companies, and so on. This appendix describes Novell’s five major NetWare 6 certifications: CNA, CNE, Master CNE, CLE, and CDE. It also provides some practical tips, such as alternatives to formal classes, finding out how to take the test, and where to go from here.
Each year, Novell certifies thousands of IT professionals all over the world. In fact, Novell pioneered the IT certification market more than 15 years ago with its groundbreaking CNE certification. Novell has made another pioneering move with the introduction of the new NetWare 6 certification program.
Novell has created a radical new program architecture for its four key certifications: CNA (Certified Novell Administrator), CNE (Certified Novell Engineer), Master CNE, CLE (Certified Linux Engineer), and CDE (Certified Directory Engineer). This new architecture is the result of 40,000 JTA (job task analysis) surveys. So, what did Novell learn? Three things:
IT certifications should be role based.
IT certifications should measure skills competency.
IT certification requirements should be simple!
What follows is a detailed look at Novell’s new NetWare 6 certification architecture. If you want to learn more about the various types of certifications available, you should check out www.novell.com/training/certinfo/.
Novell’s new industry-based certifications kick-off with nine days worth of material in a course titled “Foundations of Novell Networking.” Each day covers one of the following nine core fields of IT knowledge: security, LAN/WAN, client/server, storage/backup, eDirectory, email, printing, Web services, and Internet infrastructure. Fortunately, the NetWare 6 CNA course is only five days long, with an additional four days of material on the web. What a start! Fortunately you have my earlier book, CNA Study Guide for NetWare 6, to help you reach your goal!
If you’re new to the Novell certification process, you might find that the NetWare 6 CNA certification is the right one for you. This certification track consists of one course and one exam. Table A.1 lists the latest course and associated exam number.
After you’ve become a CNA, you can go for prime time! The new NetWare 6 CNE certification consists of five required courses. The most notable change in architecture is the elimination of two Novell mainstays: Service & Support and Networking Technologies. All this knowledge has been integrated into the other CNA/CNE courses. Fortunately you have this book, CNE Study Guide for NetWare 6, to help you reach your goal!
Becoming a CNE could be the single most important career move you make. Consider these facts from IDC Corporation:
CNEs are more productive and enjoy a higher level of job satisfaction than noncertified engineers.
CNEs improve overall network efficiency in multiple OS network environments.
CNEs ensure increased server uptime for higher network availability.
CNEs help reduce the operating costs and complexity associated with managing cross-platform environments.
Companies know these facts and prefer to hire CNEs.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive certification, you might find that the NetWare 6 CNE certification is the right one for you. This certification track consists of five courses and five required exams. (You’ll notice that one of the required courses, Course 3001, is also a requirement for the CNA certification.) All five courses are preselected for you. Table A.2 lists the latest courses and exam numbers.
While you’re working toward your certification, it’s important that you always have access to an up-to-date version of the certification track relating to the certification you’re interested in. If you plan to obtain a NetWare 6 CNA certification, check out the CNA Certification Track at www.novell.com/training/certinfo/cna/. If you’re interested in the NetWare 6 CNE certification, check out the various CNE Certification Tracks at www.novell.com/training/certinfo/cne/.
If you want to go for the brass ring of Novell certification, you’ll have to be a talented project manager. Project manager? Yes, Novell has discovered that true IT nerd-dom requires the talents earned by CompTIA’s IT Project+ certification. In addition, you’ll have to pass two of five new advanced courses: ZENworks for Desktops 4, BorderManager Edition 3.5, GroupWise 6 Administration, Integrating Novell eDirectory and Active Directory, and eDirectory Tools and Diagnostics.
Table A.3 lists the latest courses and exam numbers for Master CNE certification.
Novell’s new Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) certification is designed to ensure that customers and partners obtain high quality technical expertise to support Novell’s Linux-based solutions. The Novell CLE requires a core understanding of Linux, and Novell strongly recommends candidates obtain the level of knowledge required for the widely recognized Linux Professional Institute Certification Level I (LPIC-1).
In addition, Novell offers an intensive five-day course on Novell Nterprise Linux Services, which delivers file, print, messaging, directory, and management services on Linux. The course provides training on installing, configuring, and troubleshooting those services. Finally, to become a CLE, you must pass a grueling, hands-on performance exam called the Practicum. It’s like winning the IT certification lottery.
The Novell Practicum test for the Novell Certified Linux Engineer (Novell CLE) requires you to prove your Novell Nterprise Linux Services knowledge in a real-life setting. Your knowledge of both Linux and Novell Nterprise Linux Services will be tested. The Practicum is basically a remote connection to a live server bank with Linux installed. Using the remote access session, you’re given a scenario with tasks to complete. Those tasks include configuring Novell Services on Linux, performing basic Linux tasks, and might even get into some troubleshooting. You must perform the tasks just as you would in a real environment. You’re evaluated automatically on each of the servers and you receive a pass or fail exam result. The length of the exam is estimated to be about two hours. There is no written test anticipated at this time.
Table A.4 lists the Linux prerequisite, single course, and Practicum exam number required for the CLE certification.
The pinnacle of Novell certification is the Certified Directory Engineer (CDE). After all, there are fewer than 2,000 of them in the world. The CDE is an elite program that provides training and performance-based certification for experienced IT professionals on industry leading Directory-enabled solutions. Through the CDE program, networking engineers can gain a high level of knowledge and valuable practical experience in design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of these Directory-enabled solutions. To become a CDE, you must pass a unique, although equally challenging, hands-on Practicum.
Table A.5 lists the two courses and Practicum exam required for the CDE certification.
Like other networking technology, Novell products are constantly being updated and enhanced. Because of this, you’ll eventually find that the Novell product related to your certification has become obsolete. When this happens, you’ll typically have approximately 12 to 18 months to recertify by taking an exam on the new product. If you fail to do so, your existing certification might be invalidated. To get more information on current Continuing Certification Requirements (CCRs), visit the Novell CCR Web site at www.novell.com/training/certinfo/cneccr.html.
You can obtain most Novell certifications by simply signing a Novell Education Certification Agreement and passing the required exam(s). Neither the CNA nor CNE certifications require that you attend formal training classes.
There are many ways to prepare for an exam, including formal Novell-authorized classroom training, CNA/CNE Study Guides from Novell Press, Novell Student Kits, online training, computer-based training, videos, and practice exams. No matter which method(s) you choose, it’s critical that you gain a thorough understanding of the technical concepts, as well as a firm grasp of the hands-on material.
As you prepare for the CNA and CNE exams, be sure that you tailor your study habits toward the testing objectives. The exam questions are based on the testing objectives listed and cross-referenced in Appendix B of this book. Also, be sure that you know the course material well. You’ll find that some exam questions rely on memorization of facts, whereas others require you to actually apply the knowledge that you’ve acquired.
Here are a few more study hints that should help you to prepare for the CNA and CNE exams:
Remember that exam questions might be presented in a variety of different formats, including single-answer multiple choice, multiple-answer multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, hotspot, and drag-and-drop. You might also get a number of simulation (performance-based) questions and exhibit-related questions. In simulation situations, you could be asked to perform a number of sequential tasks. Unfortunately, you might find that the simulator isn’t programmed to allow your favorite method of performing a certain task—so it’s always wise to be familiar with alternative methods. Be prepared!
After you’ve read this entire study guide, go back and take a second look at the Real World and Tip icon references. If you don’t have a high degree of confidence, read the book again and spend additional time practicing the hands-on lab exercises.
Interestingly, you might occasionally find exam questions that don’t appear to be in the official Novell course material. This is unfortunate, but cannot be avoided. If this occurs, your best bet is to use your overall knowledge of the subject to architect the correct answer(s).
Okay, you’ve finished the course, you’ve studied this book, and you’ve spent hours in the lab practicing hands-on tasks. Now, you’re ready to show your stuff and prove that you have the baseline knowledge required to take on network administrator duties in the real world. You’re ready to take the exam and become a NetWare 6 CNA (or alternately, take your first step toward becoming a CNE).
Following is a step-by-step roadmap for Novell certification success.
In the United States and Canada, Novell exams are administered by one of two professional testing organizations: Thomson Prometric or Pearson Virtual University Enterprises (VUE). If you take a Novell-authorized course, your instructor can probably give you information about where to take the exam locally. Otherwise, to find a location that administers this exam, simply call one of the following numbers:
Novell Training, at 1-800-233-EDUC (toll-free in Canada and the United States) or 1-801-861-3382.
Prometric, at 1-800-RED-TEST or 1-800-RED-EXAM (both toll-free in Canada and the United States).
Virtual University Enterprises (VUE), at 1-800-TEST-CNE (toll-free in Canada and the United States). Outside the United States and Canada, contact your local Novell office, a local Prometric office, or a VUE office. Alternately, you can register for an exam via the Web at
Prometric: www.2test.com/index.jsp
VUE: www.vue.com/novell/
When you call the testing organization, you’ll be asked to provide the following information: your testing ID (which is your Social Security number if you’re in the United States), name, organization, address, telephone number, exam title, exam number, and method of payment (credit card is recommended).
The standard fee for the exam is $125. When you register for the exam, write down the name of the testing center, the address, the phone number, the driving directions to the testing center, the exam date and time, as well as the final date and time you can call to reschedule or cancel the exam without penalty. Also, confirm that the exam number you’ve requested is the correct one. You should also confirm the exam format (form or adaptive), the time limit, and the total number of questions.
The NetWare 6 CNA exam, like all Novell exams, is computer based. In other words, you take the exam by answering questions on a computer. However, unlike more traditional exams, the NetWare 6 CNA exam is also performance based. This means that instead of just asking you to regurgitate facts, the exam also requires you to apply your knowledge to solve problems. For example, the exam might include scenarios describing network problems or tasks (such as adding a user with specific properties). In those cases, you’ll have to use simulations of NetWare 6 utilities to complete the tasks or solve the problems.
The exam is closed book and is graded on a pass/fail basis. You aren’t allowed to take any notes into or out of the exam room, although the testing center should provide you with two pieces of paper and a pencil (or the equivalent) for temporary notes.
The exam’s format, the number of questions it contains, and the time limit vary depending on when you take the exam. Novell changes these parameters from time to time. If you take the exam early in a product’s life cycle, you’ll probably be given a form exam. Form exams offer a fixed number of questions (and simulations) in a specific time period, such as 77 questions (including simulations) in 90 minutes.
Adaptive exams, on the other hand, offer questions of varying difficulty based on your last answer. In other words, the exam begins with a fairly easy question. If you answer it correctly, the next question is slightly more difficult. If you answer that one correctly, the next question is even more difficult.
If you answer a question incorrectly, on the other hand, the next question is slightly easier. If you miss that one, too, the next question will be easier yet, until you get one right or reach the maximum number of questions allowed.
Adaptive exams allow less time than form exams because they include fewer questions—typically 15 to 25 questions in 30 or 45 minutes. The number of questions you’ll be asked varies depending on your level of knowledge. If you answer all the questions correctly, you’ll be presented with the minimum number of questions. If you answer any questions incorrectly, you’ll be asked one or more additional questions—up to the maximum allowed. Adaptive exams aren’t as popular these days as they were in the past.
After you’ve completed your in-depth studies, it’s time to take the test. Here are some hints you might find helpful while taking a Novell certification exam:
Show up early and bring two appropriate forms of ID (one must have a picture and one must have a signature). Leave everything else in your car trunk or at home. (You aren’t allowed to bring study materials into the exam room.)
When you sit down at the computer, take a deep breath and try to relax. Try not to hyperventilate. (It will only make you dizzy.) The good news is that you’ll probably find that taking exams tends to become a bit less nerve-wracking after you’ve taken several of them.
If this is your first certification exam, you might want to take the (sample) orientation exam before you take the real one, to get a general feel for how the exam process works. (On the sample exam, don’t worry about getting the answers right—just concentrate on understanding the exam process itself.)
Before you begin the actual exam, reconfirm the time limit, total number of questions, and whether questions must be answered sequentially or if you can skip around and go back to previous questions. Also, make sure that the information on the opening screen is correct (such as your name, your testing ID, the exam title, and the exam number). If any of the information is incorrect—do not begin the exam! (Instead, discuss the matter with the exam administrator.)
Keep track of the time. However, don’t be concerned if a particularly complex question takes 5 minutes, because you will probably be able to answer other questions in 30 seconds or less. Don’t panic if most of the early questions seem to be long and complex. If so, the later questions will likely be shorter and simpler.
You’ll be given something to write on during the exam (such as a pencil and paper, dry-erase board and marker, laminated paper and grease pencil, and so on). Although you won’t be able to leave the building with it, you might find that it comes in quite handy during the exam. As soon as you begin the exam, you might want to take a moment and write down those things you’ve memorized that you don’t want to forget. Also, during the exam, you might want to write down anything important you see in an exam question that you think might help you later on.
Read each question carefully. Don’t glance at key words in a question and assume that you understand the question. (This is a very common mistake.) For example, some questions might ask you to indicate which statements are not correct.
Remember that exam questions might be presented in a variety of different formats, including single-answer multiple choice, multiple-answer multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, hotspot, and drag-and-drop. You might also get a number of simulation (performance-based) questions and exhibit-related questions. In simulation situations, you could be asked to perform several sequential tasks.
In most form exams, you’re not allowed to skip ahead or go back, so be sure of your answer before you move on. If you simply do not know the correct answer, start by eliminating the answers that appear to be the most unlikely. Then review each remaining answer to see whether you can find anything subtle that would make it incorrect. Do not simply pick the answer that leaps out as the obvious correct answer—it might be a trick!
In questions that require multiple answers, be sure that you select the correct number of choices. In any situation in which multiple screens are involved (such as simulations and those that include exhibits), use Alt+Tab to toggle between the screens and/or tile the windows to see more information onscreen at one time.
Be careful about typographical errors.
Don’t waste mouse clicks on simulator questions. Plan ahead.
These exams were developed by Novell Training. Therefore, it’s generally best to give the answer found in the courseware, rather than, for example, relying on information found in some obscure Technical Information Document (TID) you found on the Web.
When you finish the exam, be sure that you obtain the exam results printout from the exam administrator. It will list information such as the passing exam score required, your score, whether you passed, and any topics that you missed questions on. It will not, however, tell you which questions you missed.
If you fail the exam, take heart. You can take it again. In fact, you can take it again as many times as you need to pass the exam (or until your checkbook runs dry, whichever comes first). Be aware that there might be a mandatory waiting period imposed between each exam attempt. (Check with the testing center that you registered with for further details.) Because of the way the exam is designed, questions are drawn from a large database. Therefore, you might not get the same exam questions twice, no matter how often you take the exam.
To receive your official certification status, you must sign a Novell Training Services Certification Agreement and complete any exam requirements. The certification agreement contains the usual legal jargon you might expect with such certification. Among other things, the certification agreement grants you permission to use the trademarked name CNE on your resumé or other advertising, as long as you use the name in connection with providing network administration services on a NetWare 6 network. It also reminds you that if the network administration services you offer don’t live up to Novell’s high standards of quality, Novell can require you to meet those standards within “a commercially reasonable time.”
If you’d like to check your new or existing certification status, you can do so at cnenet.novell.com/. At this site, you can
Update your personal information, such as name, address, phone, fax, email address, and so on
View a list of certifications that you’ve already been awarded
Verify the exams that you’ve already completed
This site requires a username and password, so you’ll need to contact Novell CNA (or CNE) Administration if you don’t know your username and password.
You can always get more information about Novell products and services by surfing over to any of the Web sites described in Table A.6. Remember that Novell changes its Web sites frequently; therefore, URLs might change over time. If this happens, simply browse to the Novell home page and perform a search for the topic you’re interested in. Remember that we’re here for you and we care!
