4/19/2001 -- Last week, Cisco launched the first exam for its new Cisco Internet Solutions Specialist (CISS) designation, which certifies skills in developing e-business solutions, and designing and delivering the underlying network architectures.

The Architecture Essentials exam (9E0-800) covers topics such as basic Internet networking architecture, service-level agreements, security and design. Objectives can be found on the Cisco Web site (click here).

The other two exams required for this certification -- Applications Essentials (9E0-801) and Solutions (9E0-802) -- are scheduled to go live in June.

There is no prerequisite to become a CISS, although Cisco strongly recommends a background in networking, including knowledge of networks and client/server applications.

Cisco plans to support all of the new exams with training and self-study options.

For more on Cisco's certification program, click here. -B.N.