Cisco Systems announced this week that it has instituted a new policy which will take effect over the next 12 months, whereby all candidates must have a digital photo taken and provide a digital signature at the Pearson Vue test center before being allowed to sit any Cisco exam.

This new identity authentication appears to take aim at those who may attempt to have others take their exams for them as well as help track those who are taking or retaking exams just to memorize questions to sell on or give away to other candidates.

A Pearson Vue statement said that the company estimates the process will add approximately 5 minutes to the testing check-in time. “We’re dedicated to candidate authentication procedures that allow us to quickly verify a test taker’s identity, without compromising candidate privacy and convenience,” the company stated.

Cisco is the only major IT certification vendor to implement this policy and they have indicated that these are the first of many new procedures that will be taken to further improve test security.

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The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification is a new qualification which acts as the first step towards achieving the recognised CCNA certification

The CCENT is for those who install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. And validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions..

One exam is required:

• Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) – exam 640-822

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NOTE: Exam 640-822 is scheduled for release on 1 August 2007.

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