8/6/2003 -- In conjunction with the launch of a new WebSphere certification -- IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Development Studio Client for iSeries V5.0 -- IBM is offering the title's exam free to 100 candidates.

The new certification, now live, is designed for "intermediate level solution developers who are using the WebFacing tool with WebSphere Development Studio Client for iSeries V5.0 and WebSphere Application Server Express for iSeries V5.0," the company said.

The corresponding exam, #620, is now available worldwide at Pearson Vue, Prometric and Prime testing centers. It costs $150 U.S. ($60 in developing countries).

To qualify for one of the 100 free vouchers, candidates must pass a free, online assessment exam. More information about the certification and this promotion can be found here.

In other WebSphere certification news, the company recently updated its IBM Certified Advanced Administrator, WebSphere Application Server for z/OS title.

The new exam, #346, corresponds to version 5.0 of the software and will launch August 15 worldwide. The current exam, #342 for version 4.0.1 of the software, will retire Sept. 30.

More information on this announcement can be found here. -Becky Nagel