9/26/2007 -- Last week, I suggested that when it comes to introductory-level certifications, there's no reason why the exams can't be open-resource and more like a real-world environment, where you can grab a reference text off a shelf, bring up a knowledge base, check a forum and so on.

Taking that idea further, the question now becomes whether you really need to take entry-level exams at Prometric and VUE testing centers at all. Living in a global and connected world, isn't it possible for a candidate to take an exam from their home or office just as easily as from a testing center where the equipment is likely too old to still be of value?

Of course, this shortchanges the real (and possibly only) value of the testing centers: checking your photo ID to make sure it's really you taking the exam, and not a genius-for-hire. I'm saddened by testing centers that make you drive to a foreign environment during hours that are convenient only for them, just so a receptionist -- who wouldn't know what a driver's license two states away really looks like -- can write your name and information in a log book. When it comes to online authentication, there must be a way to do it remotely.

We authenticate users for online banking, file access, e-commerce and a plethora of other situations. Sure, some fraud occurs with those implementations, but anyone who's ever met a paper-MCSE can tell you that there's a level of fraud inherent in the system we have now, as well. I'm willing to tolerate the possibility of some deception in the interest of the greater good.

Also, keep in mind that with introductory- or entry-level exams, the questions are typically knowledge-level only and aren't meant to certify someone as an expert in the field (for those, I still endorse hands-on testing in lab environments).

Exchange Server 2007 Exam Now Available in Several Languages
In July, Microsoft exam 70-238 (PRO: Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007) went live. The preparation guide was updated in the end of August, and the exam is now also available in French, German and Spanish.

Focusing on planning (Planning Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Upgrades and Migration, Planning for High Availability Implementation, Planning the Exchange Topology Deployment, Planning Messaging Security and Compliance Integration, and Planning for Messaging Environment Maintenance), this exam is required for the Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Messaging Administrator certification.

More information about the Exchange Server 2007 exam can be found here.

Book of the Week: 'Raising Capital: Get the Money You Need To Grow Your Business'
Saying that funding is everybody's business is both a cliché and an understatement. Funding affects everything and businesses must have it in order to grow and survive. In Raising Capital: Get the Money You Need To Grow Your Business, Andrew J. Sherman provides a guide that's relevant to every entrepreneur and growing company. The 14 chapters are divided into four parts: Getting Ready To Raise Capital, Early-Stage Financing, Growth Financing and Alternatives to Traditional Financing

Reading this book, you'll get all the information you would from a senior-level college course on funding -- and save a fortune on tuition, in the meantime.