Title: What's New in CERTification! Sub: DB2 joins the Professional Certification Program from IBM! Developing and supporting database applications in a Client/Server environment can be a very complex task. Making sure you have the proper skills is not always easy. That is why, IBM has introduced two new certifications that help verify your database skills. Certified DB2 Database Administrator and Certified DB2 Application Developer are new certifications that will help verify that you have the proper skills and knowledge to develop and/or administer database applications that access DB2 relational database servers (RDBMS). The newly announced certifications provide you with a framework to validate your current relational database skills with an emphasis on IBM DATABASE2 Version 2. Certification in either role begins with the DB2 Fundamentals Exam (#500). This exam tests relational database skills that are common for both database administrators and application developers. For example, your knowledge of SQL will help you demonstrate your understanding of the database environment. After successfully completing the DB2 Fundamentals exam, you may elect to complete the DB2 Administration exam (#501) to become a Certified DB2 Database Administrator or you may elect to complete the DB2 Application Development exam (#502) to become a Certified DB2 Application Developer. The exams required for the DB2 certification roles test your knowledge and experience using DB2 Version 2 and related products without the aid of on-line reference materials. No formal training is required to take the exams but there are recommended courses available from IBM Education and Training. All of the DB2 exams are currently available in the U.S. and Canada and they will soon be available worldwide. Demonstrate your DB2 knowledge and enjoy the rewards as a qualified professional within the relational database industry. There are many rewards to be gained by attaining certification and DB2 certification is no exception. After successfully completing the necessary exams you will receive: Certificate of achievement DB2 watch (first 250 individuals certified worldwide) Permission to use IBM certification logo Free copy of the DB2 Client Server Family CD-ROM Subscription to the DB2 Family Newsletter Listing in the DB2 Solutions Directory and more... DATABASE 2 (DB2) Version 2 relational database software is available from IBM on many operating environments including AIX, OS/2, HP-UX, Solaris Operating Environment and Windows NT. To obtain more information on the DB2 Professional Certification Program from IBM, such as test objectives, sample tests, and education information, you may contact Drake Prometric, IBM Education and Training, or the IBM Fax Service. The DB2 Certified Database Administrator and the Certified DB2 Application Developer are additions to the current certification roles offered by IBM today which includes, certified roles for OS/2, Lan Server, VisualAge and many more..