7/12/2006 -- IBM recently announced on its Web site that it plans to revamp its line of System X certifications to "address the changing needs of candidates."

While not yet releasing details of the new structure, the company did preview its plans with the following statement:

"A simpler test development and certification strategy will be offered in 3Q 2006 that will discontinue the CATE-level certification and introduce BladeCenter and High Performance-centric certifications as focused testing disciplines coupled with a prerequisite or offered separately with a Certified Specialist credential. This should open up the certification program to more candidates globally. Those with a CATE, or those pursuing or attaining a CATE within the next 18 months, can retain this credential with yearly recertification."

Similar changes have not been announced for its other System titles.

CertCities.com will bring you more on this story as information becomes available. -Becky Nagel