Marist College Enterprise Systems Certificate Program

Marist College and the Institute for Data Center Professionals (IDCP) are pleased to announce the availability of a 100% online three-tiered certificate program helping participants increase their knowledge of the System z™ platform.  This program is taught by industry experts, some of whom have had a hand in developing the technology. Take advantage of this unique, affordable collaboration between the faculty and staff from Marist College’s IDCP along with industry leaders in mainframe technology.

Registration is now underway for programs beginning September 2, 2008

Please visit:  www.idcp.org for further information or email: learnzos@marist.edu

InterSkill Learning

zNextGen in conjunction with Interskill Learning is proud to offer zNextGen members additional mainframe education! This is an exciting new venture for zNextGen and one that you will find very valuable.

Please email Interskill at znextgen@interskill.com from your work email account

Interskill will then setup a login for you to zNextGen's Interskill learning page http://znextgen.interskill.com/

IBM Certification Testing

Mastering System z - Entry Level Systems Programmer Certification

Dates at SHARE in San Jose TBD

In November of 2006, the IBM Academic Initiative System z team announced the availability of the IBM Entry Level for z/OS System Programmer Mastery test that verifies knowledge contained in the IBM Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/OS Basics textbook.

This worldwide recognized proctored test provides an avenue for both students and professionals to distinguish their z/OS knowledge and expertise from others. IBM is teaming up with SHARE to provide you with the opportunity to take the System z Entry Level for z/OS System Programmer Mastery test at no cost - a normal $95 fee. After you complete the test, your results are documented in a score report (provided immediately) and recorded in the IBM professional skills database.

There are many benefits of the IBM System z Entry Level for z/OS System Programmer Mastery Test. The test provides:

• A reliable, valid, and fair method of assessing z/OS knowledge
• A method of building and validating the knowledge of individuals and organizations
• A recognized tool for professional development

To prepare for this test:

Study the textbook at www.redbooks.ibm.com. Then, take an assessment test (a fee of $10) prior to taking the actual mastery test. For additional information, feel free to e-mail Kathy Pfeiffer at pfeiff@us.ibm.com or visit http://www-03.ibm.com/certify/mastery_tests/azprogprot_mt.shtml.

If you have recently been hired into a mainframe job (or reassigned from a distributed role to a MF role) here is your justification in why you should attend SHARE in San Jose.

Take advantage of this opportunity to become part of a community with professional skills certified by IBM!

Join zNextGen Now!

If you would like to become a member of zNextGen, please sign up today. There is no fee, no risk and your contact information will not be sold, traded or shared with outside parties in any manner. Simply send an e-mail to zNextGen@share.org including your name, organization, and e-mail address and you’ll be kept informed of all zNextGen happenings as they occur. We are also looking for volunteers to help chart the course of the zNextGen community; if you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities, please indicate so in your e-mail. Thank you for your interest in this exciting new community. Watch this page for news and information on new programs for zNextGen members.