THE MARKETABILITY OF A CERTIFIED NOVELL ADMINISTRATOR

          Explosive growth in the field of computers, downsizing from mainframes, and the expanding Internet has led to the need to link computers into networks. Information distributed by Novell states that this is the field for thousands of current and future jobs. These job opportunities are likely to expand in leaps and bounds especially for network administrators and professionals. The need for qualified network engineers and administrators is obvious due to the fact that millions of Novell NetWare installations located worldwide are used in mission critical information management roles. With networking revolutionizing the entire business world, Novell publicists say that the Certified Novell Administrator (CNA), Novell's entry-level certification, is one of the most widely recognized vendor certification programs in the industry. A CNA has the responsibility of handling the daily administration of the Novell networking environment throughout the organization. As specified by the CNA Frequently Asked Questions web site, a CNA provides on-site administrative support for a work environment that includes professional offices and small businesses, workgroups or departments, and corporate information systems. According to the CNA Home Site, "CNA certification is recognized worldwide as the standard of excellence for administering Novell products."

          Individuals with network certification, such as a CNA, are widely sought after because it distinguishes them from other networking professionals. "A CNA trademark declares to the world that you have passed rigorous examinations to earn this honor" and places you in a more advantaged position to qualify for increased income, more advancement opportunities, and more prestige among your peers. Skills obtained by becoming a CNA include being able to do following tasks:

• Add users to the network
• Execute network applications and share software resources
• Make accessing the network seem invisible to users
• Set up and manage the network file system
• Use a multicontext Novell Directory Services environment
• Set up and manage network printing
• Create effective network security

         CNA certification promises many advantages for the individuals who obtain it and the organization that employs them. Below is a summary of one of many success stories. Heather Tabin, after being employed as a secretary and scanning system installer, found it very difficult to re-enter the workforce in 1992 because of her lack of computer networking skills. With the job market practically demanding networking skills, Heather decided to enroll in a networking course based on Novell products and later completed the necessary courses for CNA certification. She received her CNA in June of 1993 and quickly began to notice how marketable she had become. " She applied for local networking positions and was amazed at how many doors opened now that she had her CNA certification. At one time, she was presented with three job opportunities." In 1994, Heather accepted a position with Seven Oaks Hospital as a systems support analyst. She was offered the position because she was a CNA. Two years later, she was promoted to network support analyst because she received her Group Wise 4 CNA. Administrators of the hospital say that CNA certification is not a requirement for hiring, but they expect that CNA and Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) certifications will become the minimum requirement for network-related jobs.

          A CNA certification allows you to have a more diversified career path. By acquiring the skills noted throughout this report, you may choose to further your networking career by becoming a Novell Certified Internet Professional, CNE or a Master CNE.

          One of the frequently asked questions about network certification is what's in it for the person being certified. The question was answered by Novell with the following comments: Novell's certification programs are renowned throughout the network computing industry. For those who pursue certification, it means increased opportunities and better on-the-job performance. For employers, it means having confidence in the abilities of their employees and individuals they hire.

          Because of Novell's rigorous training program, a CNA is more effective at administering and supporting a network environment than non-certified employees. By becoming a CNA, you and your employer benefit because you have put yourself in a position to help improve the quality of your company's overall networking environment.

*Former Instructor of Management Information Systems.

Please submit any comments, corrections, etc. about this document to John Seydel

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