11/28/2000 -- Earlier this month, the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced February 14, 2001 as the official launch date of its new Server+ exam.

According to the CompTIA Web site, Server+ tests the skills of "server hardware specialists" who deal with advanced server technologies such as RAID, SCSI, multiple CPUs, SANs and more.

CompTIA recommends that candidates for Server+ have the following background:

• 18 to 24 months experience in the server technologies industry.
• Hands-on experience installing, configuring, diagnosing and troubleshooting server hardware and NOS issues.
• At least one other IT certification such as CompTIA A+, Compaq ACT, Novell CNA, Microsoft MCP, HP STAR, SCO or Banyan.
• Ability to communicate and document effectively.

If you can't wait until Feb. 14 to take the exam, a beta version of Server+ is being offered through both Vue and Prometric testing centers until December 11. The cost of the beta is $50. Those who pass the exam during the beta period will be recognized by CompTIA as Server+ certified.

Server+ is the latest in a line of vendor-neutral certifications offered by CompTIA, including A+, Network+ and i-Net+. The organization is also expected to announce the launch of a new Linux certification, Linux+, in mid-2001.

For more information on Server+, visit http://www.comptia.com/certification/serverplus/index.htm. -B.N.

UPDATE (12/04/00): CompTIA has also extended the beta period for its new Server+ certification exam. Originally, this beta was to close on Nov. 29. It has now been extended to Dec. 11th. For more on Server+, please visit http://www.comptia.com/certification/serverplus/index.htm.

Wondering how CompTIA developed Server+? Our columnist, Michael Boyett, served as a Subject Matter Expert for this exam. Read about his experience by clicking here.