12/13/2000 -- Compaq announced earlier this month that it is lifting its yearly renewal application requirement for ASE certification. ASEs must still complete Compaq-required continuing certification requirements (e.g., training).

According to Compaq's Web site, no certifications have been pulled due to a lack of a renewal application. However, an ASE designation may be recinded if the training requirements are not met.

Those who became an ASE prior to January 2000 may possess an ID card showing an expiration date. If desired, ASEs can request updated cards by writing to the certification program ().

For more information, visit http://onlinecgi02.compaq.com/ase/whatsnews.html. -B.N.