| Microsoft recently recognized the validity of the NT-CIP certification, an independent NT Certification Program, and acknowledged it has a role to fill in some areas.
Locally, Paladin Data Systems, which also provided certification classes in NT 4.0, will continue to do so according to company officials.
Rita Mosley, president of NT-CIP, commented, “We, of course, have known all along how important it was for continued support for the NT 4.0 operating system. Of course, if Microsoft would continue support themselves, there would be no need for NT-CIP”
W2KNews reported in its Dec. 9 newsletter that NT-CIP got a carefully worded approval from Redmond. “Microsoft acknowledges the IT industry has the need for a broad range of certifications. These certification types range from credentials for IT job market entrants to specialized credentials. The newly announced NT Certified Independent Professional credential may meet the needs of some organizations”
NT-CIP announced it would begin testing this month when Microsoft discontinued its NT tests. Since then, Microsoft extended the tests beyond December 31, the originally scheduled date to discontinue certifying individuals in NT 4.0. NT-CIP will continue with its plans to begin testing with a modified program until the Microsoft tests are discontinued.
Tests for NT-CIP will be administered by Lanop Centers and by ISCET testing centers. NT-CIP is accepting applications for other organizations to become NT-CIP Authorized Training Centers and Testing Centers.
More than 1,000 MCSEs have been “grandfathered” into the program by passing the required Microsoft tests.
For more information on locally available certification, contact Paladin at (360) 779-2400 or training@paladindata.com. | 
