5/19/2004 -- Cisco Systems announced today that it will immediately begin offering all program participants the option to receive their certificates electronically.

“When you complete a certification, you will have the option of receiving your certificate in a print or electronic format,” the company said. “Both formats are recognized as valid proof of completion.”

To receive the certificate electronically, candidates will need to select that option when responding to the congratulations e-mail sent by Cisco. If no option is chosen, the print version will be sent by default, the company said. The electronic certificates will be e-mailed within three to five business days.

Cisco is also adding a new feature to all of its certificates: A unique identifier that will allow those holding certifications as well as third-parties to verify the authenticity of the certificate.

The Certificate Verification tool is now live, here. For more information on this announcement, go here. -Becky Nagel