7/12/2010 -- LPI, the Linux Professional Institute, announced that it has now issued over 250,000 exams worldwide and there are 85,000 certified individuals. While there are three levels of certification (LPIC-1, LPIC-2 and LPIC-3), these have been phased in over the years and each consists of multiple exams.

The LPI certifications are vendor-neutral and available through both Prometric and Pearson VUE testing centers. More information on this milestone can be found here.

Comptia Exams Now 'CE'

In a never-ending tale of tweaks to the program since January 1, CompTIA has announced that the "CE" designation will now be added to A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications. This designation will signify that the certifications -- previously good for life -- expire three years after being earned. This change will take effect January 1 of 2011 and will require those certified after that date to continue to earn Continuing Education credits to keep their certification beyond the initial three years.

More information on the policy, as it now stands, can be found here.

Microsoft Technology Associate Now Available

On July 7, Microsoft announced that the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is now available. Intended as an entry-level certification, MTA is a first step toward a higher certification -- whether as a developer, database admin or IT professional. Currently, seven exams have been announced, each leading to the MTA credential:

• 98-361:Sofware Development Fundamentals
• 98-362:Windows Development Fundamentals
• 98-363:Web Development Fundamentals
• 98-364:Database Administration Fundamentals
• 98-365:Windows Server Administration Fundamentals
• 98-366: Networking Fundamentals
• 98-367:Security Fundamentals

The certification will be available through Certiport -- the company previously overseeing the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams. More information on MTA can be found here.

Certification Book of the Week: Route Foundation Learning Guide

I thought I traveled back in time when I saw the heft of the latest book from Cisco Press. Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE) Foundation Learning Guide makes you recall the day when all books written for exam preparation had spines that you could read without bifocals. Coming in at just under 1,000 pages, it thoroughly covers the material for the 642-902 exam and will make you feel comfortable that you've adequately prepped.

Being comfortable is imperative with all exams, but with this one in particular since it is a lynchpin to so many Cisco certifications (it can be used for CCNP, CCDP and CCIP). Diane Teare has a writing style that is easy to follow and her experience with the material (and in a classroom) shines through. As you read, you will find yourself wishing that she wrote more books for your other exam studies.

The content itself is divided into eight chapters:

• Routing Services
• Configuring the Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
• Configuring the Open Shortest Path First Protocol
• Manipulating Routing Updates
• Implementing Path Control
• Implementing a Border Gateway Protocol Solution of ISP Connectivity
• Implementing Routing Facilities for Brach Offices and Mobile Workers
• Implementing IPv6 in an Enterprise Network

Each chapter has the requisite summary and review questions at the end; there are a total of 279 questions throughout the book. It may sound odd, but I found it refreshing that there isn't an accompanying CD; I'd rather they skip it and keep the cost down.

Tech Book of the Week: The Shallows

One of my favorite technology writers is Nicholas Carr and I've been a fan since Does IT Matter? several years ago. His latest book , The Shallows, caught my attention thanks in large part to the byline which details the thesis perfectly: "What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains."

While I found myself on occasion (all of chapters two through six) wishing the book would focus on the Internet and less on history, the foundational information was necessary in order to drive home the point Carr is making. Simply put, the Internet is a tool and the more we use it, the more our brains rewire to it. While this has many benefits, it also brings with it a change in the way we think, the way we read, and the depth to which we are able to delve.

If you're looking for a good book to round out your summer reading list, you won't do better than Nicholas Carr's newest outing.