(September 27, 2002) - The jCert Initiative, a consortium of Java-based enterprise development software vendors, and CIW, a vendor-neutral certification program, have agreed to create a single training and certification path. The unified road map covers four job roles -- Web Developer, Java Programmer, Solution Developer, and Enterprise Developer.

The newly announced framework reduces redundancy and training costs. It will also increase the supply of qualified personnel by allowing academic institutions and training companies to prepare individuals for core skills for this growing workforce segment. Employers can then add skills specific to their application environment.

Scott Hebner, director of marketing for IBM WebSphere, commented, "The jCert certification road map provides an industry standard, which helps developers, customers, training companies, and technology companies like IBM to make informed decisions on training and certification. IBM WebSphere's certification programs adopt these standards, recognizing their value and importance to the industry."

CIW will provide the certification for the Web Developer job role with its newly released CIW Web Developer certification. CIW Web Developer certifies individuals who want to show employers they have the core skills required to develop Web applications or work on a Web application development team. They can pursue additional training and certification to earn a Solution Developer designation in IBM WebSphere and eventually Sun ONE Studio Developer.

Another entry point for individuals is the Java Programmer certification from Sun Microsystems. Individuals who earn this certification can go on to earn a Solution Developer designation from either Sun or IBM. They can also pursue the Enterprise Developer designation in IBM WebSphere, Sun iPlanet Application Server, or BEA WebLogic Application Server.

"We are seeing a real need for developers who can use tools to develop high-quality reusable components," said Rick Bunzel, general manager for certification at Sun Microsystems. "This need is particularly evident in the Asian marketplace where our customers and partners are telling us there is an emphasis on J2EE component development for reuse."

After becoming a CIW Web Developer or Sun Java Programmer, individuals are ready to pursue training and certification in a specific application environment. Solution Developers assemble and maintain enterprise applications using components programmed by other members of a development team.

Individuals can demonstrate skills to program all aspects of enterprise applications by completing a rigorous certification path and earning the Enterprise Developer designation. Enterprise Developers demonstrate expertise in Java programming, object-oriented analysis and design, database connectivity, Java beans, Java servlets, and upper-level skills in application development environments.

Any software vendor can have an application-specific exam apply towards the Solution and Enterprise Developer designations so long as it meets the requirements for that job role as defined by jCert, and has been psychometrically validated.

For more information and a jCert road map graphic visit www.jCert.org.