2/9/2005 -- Don Jones, Windows consultant and developer who created and maintains the Windows scripting site ScriptingAnswers.com, plans to introduce a new certification program that Windows systems administrators can use to offer tangible proof of their automation and scripting expertise.

[Editor's Disclosure: Don Jones is a regular contributor to CertCities.com, MCPMag.com and other publications owned by our parent company, 101communications.]

Two credentials, Certified Administrative Script Specialist (CASS) and Certified Administrative Script Development (CASD), are expected to debut some time in March.

The lower-level track, Certified Administrative Script Specialist, will consist of a single verbal exam on core VBScript writing that can last for about two hours. This exam will be administered by a certified exam proctor by phone.

Achieving the CASS allows the candidate to proceed to the next level, Certified Administrative Script Development, which will require passing two more exams. The first of these two is a battery of script development assignments, which are parceled out over five days via e-mail. Each assignment is given at the beginning of the day; the CASD candidate then submits a final working script by the end of the day.

The final exam is an elective exam in multiple-choice format, which tests the candidates knowledge and skills using a scripting editor. Jones says that currently only WMI and VBscript are the only scripting editors being tested for in the electives, but other scripting editors will be added in the future. The exam will be delivered online.

All of the exams will cost $125 (U.S.).

An FAQ on the scripting certification is available here. You can also hear more about this certification program by listening to an interview with Jones that will be posted on MCPMag.com's MCP Radio site this Friday. - Mike Domingo, courtesy of MCPmag.com