3Com has introduced a number of certification in the Information and technology sphere to help 3Com channel partners to familiarize themselves with 3Com's technology and for them to distinguish their skills in developing solutions using 3Com products and technologies. 3Com offers a wide range of examinations and certifications that serves to provide IT professionals with the skills to develop real-world solutions. Passing these examinations provides you with the opportunity to prove your expertise and work towards your 3Com Certification. 3Com certifications are valid for two years. To retain your certification, you must pass the latest exams required for your certification.

The Available 3Com Certifications

The Certifications for 3Com are varied and includes the following:

• LAN Pre-Sales Expert
• LAN Post-Sales Expert
• WAN Expert
• IP Telephony NBX Expert
• IP Telephony VCX Expert
• Wireless Expert

Each of these 3Com Certifications has final examination that can be used as credits towards your certification.

Benefits of 3Com Certifications

3Com channel partners can enjoy benefits of having certified sales personnel:

• Increased product demand
• Fewer customer service calls
• Reduced product returns
• Higher after-market sales
• Increase add-on sale
• Enhanced lifetime customer value

The 3Com Examinations

The 3Com examinations are as varied as the certifications that they serve as credits for. These examinations can be approximately between one and two hours long. The prices for these examinations also differ; though most will set you back approximately $150 USD per examination. The examinations are usually timed, proctored and delivered in a secure environment. Skills tested by the Citric Examinations go beyond what meet the eye and usual expectation of simple recall. Candidates are expected to engage in on-the-job types of problem solving and as such the examinations can be quite challenging. The new format in examinations is more modular than those in the past.

Though more modular in format, the examinations still maintains the difficulty level and still manages to test hands-on experience, practical knowledge as well as the overall expertise of the different candidates.

Registration for 3Com examinations

Registration for a 3Com exam can be done at authorized Prometic test centers at $150 USD per exam. You can visit www.prometric.com to locate a testing center in your area.

Before registration for an exam, you should complete the required courses for the exam. These can be Self Study Courses or Instructor-led Courses.

You should also note the following:

• 3Com Certifications are only valid for two years from the date you pass a final exam.
• Recertification requires that you pass the current 3Com exam required for your certification.

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