> Ya haven't slept with anyone until youv'e slept with a computer (IMHO)

Frankly, I'd like to see the top level of certification (at least) for system
manager include some of that sort of sleeping.  The course would include an
understanding of what is going on as much as possible and a series of tests
where a "production machine" was down in a known-to-the-instructor fashion and
the candidate had x amount of time to get it back to going.  I'd want also for
the candidate to have some experience in security and at least be able to spit
back the right answers for certain ethics questions.  This certification should
also include more-than-basic system performance training and testing.

For system performance expert certification I would expect the tests to include
identifying the performance problem (both with and without 3rd party tools) and
either recommending or implementing the necessary fix.  Those folks would have
to know IMAGE performance, including a lot of IMAGE internals, MPE internals
and the use of the tools available.  These folks should understand about
database design and be able to serve as DBA.

For top programmer/analyst certification, I would expect, once again, IMAGE
internals, also language choice--an MPE programmer had better be able to choose
the right language, at least at our shop and give an explanation of why that
one is the right one.  I would want to know that the candidate had implemented
a system from discussion with the users, both in a stand-alone and a team
environment (thought the team aspect may have to be relaxed due to time and
fairness issues).  This certification should also include at least basic-level
system performance (this is in the how-you-write-good-code catagory) and
system management (for those who will end up in small shops).

I don't expect the certifications to be either easy to get or primarily
memory-based.  I would want these tests to be open-reference (with the possible
exception of HPRC access) intense true-to-life situations.  I'd like to be
able to hire a certified system manager, give him a basic run-down of what we
have (whether we're a 24-hour shop or a no-budget shop) and the system
passwords and know that if something went bump, we'd be back to smooth sailing
ASAP.

As far as the cost of certification, I'd want that to be as low as possible so
that we who aren't rolling in cash could have a chance at it.  The intensity,
not the price should keep most folks out.  I'd like the certification to mean
a lot.

Ted
--
Ted Ashton ([log in to unmask]), Info Serv, Southern Adventist University
          ==========================================================
The simplest schoolboy is now familiar with facts for which Archimedes would
have sacrificed his life.
                        -- Renan, Ernest