10/11/2005 -- Earlier this week Symantec announced the release of a new certification aimed at small-business security issues: the Symantec Certified Technical Specialist, Small Business Security.

Unlike the company's other certifications -- which are aimed mainly at Symantec employees and partners due to their enterprise focus -- this title is appropriate both for IT professionals as well as partners focused on the small-business market, said Graeme Johnston, senior director of sales enablement services.

To become a Symantec Certified Technical Specialist, candidates are required to pass one standard-format exam: #250-101, Symantec Small Business Security. Topics on the exam include Symantec Anti-Virus 10.0 and Client Security 3.0. The exam is now available at Prometric Testing Centers worldwide for $100 (U.S.).

An optional study guide for the exam has been released by Addison-Wesley Professional.

Johnston said that this new title is expected be the first tier in a new certification track, but declined to release further details about any upcoming certifications.

The company's higher-level certifications do remain open to the pubic, Johnston said, although the company strongly encourages only partners and Symantec employees to pursue those credentials.

For more information on this new certification, go here. -Becky Nagel