Novell Offers Free Training For New Linux Certification

The new certification is an upgraded version of Novell's SuSE Linux Certified Professional certification, which the Waltham, Mass.-based software vendor eventually plans to phase out, said company spokesman Bruce Lowry. Novell's goal is to have 500 partners signed up for training by March 15, he said.

"The free training offer is meant to jump start our Linux training for our top partners," Lowry said. The training offer will be extended to Novell Gold partners if all 500 openings aren't filled by Platinum partners, he said.

The first training course is scheduled to begin Nov. 8. Participants take a five-day certification course, which normally would cost about $6,000, Lowry said. A self-led training curriculum that ends with a free Novell Certified Linux Professional certification test is being offered as well.

Novell bought SuSE Linux in November 2003 as a way to help breathe new life into its product line. Partners with SuSe Linux Certified Professional certification must be recertified for the Novell Certified Linux Professional certification. Novell partners who are nearing completion of SuSe Linux Certified Professional certification requirements will likely be transitioned into the new certification, Lowry said.