Sun security certification announced - abbreviation conflict ahead.

Sun has recently announced the beta testing of their new security certification. I will be taking the test at the end of the beta testing period (it seems to be quite a hard test so some reading is needed). The certification name is listed as "Sun Certified Security Administrator". SCSA is already commonly used for the "Sun Certified System Administrator". The name for the new certification seems to be set in stone.

For space purposes most people use abbreviations instead of the full monty on their business cards and stationary.

Looking at the "Sun Certified Network Administrator for Solaris 8" book the author is listed as "Rick Bushnell, M.B.C.S., SCNA". The book is from "Sun Microsystems Press/Prentice Hall". So even if the abbreviations are not officially endorsed by Sun they are in use and having conflicting abbreviations is doing the Sun certification program no favours.

Sun inserts "Best before 2005" expiry on certifications.

Having just received my Solaris 9 SCSA/SCNA's certificates I notice that the SCNA has an expiry date printed on it (2 years from now - did not spot it myself - a friend pointed it out).

Recertification is necessary. Expiry dates are not.

All Solaris SCSA/SCNA certificates since 2.5 has the Solaris release printed on them. That in essence provides the natural and perfect way of expiry; who's going to put value on a 2.5 certificate? Sun's 12-18 month release cycle between major releases make sure the Solaris certificates expire by themselves.

Not the biggest of issues - but there really is no need (apart from Sun cashing in) for a "recertification policy" like this. And you have to love this:
Sun reserves the right to retire specific Sun certification exams or titles for any reason and at any time. Sun's recertification policy and program are subject to change without notice.

There's also some mention of an ID card (did not get that - but I am sure it's in the post). Full Sun policy at suned.sun.com.

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