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Novell Certification Testing

Pearson VUE becomes the primary testing vendor for Novell

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Novell’s Transition to Pearson VUE as its Single Vendor for Test Delivery

For Test Takers

1. When will this change happen?
   This change will be taking place immediately and all Novell exams will be delivered only through Pearson VUE^® Authorized Test Centers.
2. Why is Novell moving to a single-vendor model?
   Shifting to a primary support vendor worldwide will advance test security through the deployment of advanced biometric technologies, facilitate the rapid localization of exams around the world, and allow for increased certification scalability and coverage.
3. What about Novell’s online registration and certification tracking system?
   The transition to a primary vendor requires Novell to develop improved online exam registration, tracking, and customer notification capabilities with Pearson VUE. Please be patient as we develop a new suite of online certification registration and management services over the next several months. Additional details will be communicated via Novell’s website as progress is made.
4. Is my Prometric voucher valid after the cut-over date. Can I still use it?
   If you have a Prometric voucher, please contact Novell at 1-800-233-3382.
5. Does Pearson VUE offer all Novell certification exams?
   Pearson VUE has been a test delivery provider for Novell’s computer-based certification exams since 2000. As a result, tests that were available at Prometric are also available at Pearson VUE test centers.
6. Why did Novell choose Pearson VUE?

   Pearson VUE was selected for several reasons, including:

   • unparalleled global reach
   • forward-thinking policies and vision of technical resource recruitment
   • ability to scale to new countries with new requirements
   • ability to meet forecasted demands
   • ability to deliver on additional investments to secure Novell’s test delivery technology

   Shifting to a primary vendor strategy worldwide will advance test security through the deployment of advanced security technologies, facilitate the rapid localization of exams around the world, and allow for increased certification scalability and coverage.

7. Who is Pearson VUE?
   Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson (NYSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.
8. Where are Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers located?
   Pearson VUE currently has more than 5,000 Pearson VUE Test Centers worldwide, including several hundred company-owned and -operated Pearson Professional Centers. You can find a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center near you by going to www.pearsonvue.com/novell/locate and using our Test Center Locator.
9. Which other Information Technology (IT) exams can be taken at Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers?
   Pearson VUE administers a wide variety of popular IT certification tests; including those by Cisco^®, Adobe^®, Citrix^®, CompTIA^®, EMC^®, VMware^® and more, many of which are exclusive to Pearson VUE. In addition, Pearson VUE administers certification and licensing tests for a number of professional and academic organizations. Check our website at www.pearsonvue.com/programs for a complete listing.
10. Are there any benefits to me, or is this just a cost-cutting move on the part of Novell?
    This decision is not about cutting costs, but rather enhancing the value of Novell certification. As the primary test delivery provider, Pearson VUE can focus on providing advances in testing and security technologies and greater test center access. In addition, Novell is making significant investments in safeguarding and marketing its programs to protect the integrity of your Novell certification and raise employers’ awareness of its value.
11. What will happen to my records and testing history with Prometric?
    All records and testing history are the property of Novell, and this information will remain with Novell. Likewise, all new records created through Pearson VUE will be forwarded to Novell for processing and storage.
12. Will this change my certification?
    No, your certification will remain the same.
13. What if I have already scheduled a Novell exam with Prometric?
    If you have scheduled a test with Prometric to take place after the changeover date April 30, 2009, you will need to cancel it with Prometric (a refund will be issued) and reschedule it with Pearson VUE.
14. Are the Novell exams on the Pearson VUE system different?
    No, the exams are exactly the same. They look the same and are scored the same. The difference is in the great service and convenience you’ll experience before and after you take your exam.
15. I have already taken exams with another testing delivery provider. Can I finish my certification with Pearson VUE?
    Yes, simply contact Pearson VUE and schedule your next exam. Because all previous and future results are the property of Novell, this will not affect your certification.
16. When can I expect to see my exam results reflected in the Novell database?
    Depending upon the testing program, Pearson VUE is required to submit exam results to Novell within 72 hours of the exam. It is then up to Novell to post the results. During the transition, if you have problems getting exam results or having them reflected in the Novell’s database, contact Novell customer service at www.novell.com/company/contacts-offices. If you are a partner (reseller), you can also open a case with PRT. You can also find a complete listing of customer service phone numbers at the Pearson VUE website: www.pearsonvue.com/novell/contact.
17. How do I register for an exam at Pearson VUE?

    Pearson VUE offers three different methods of registration. You can use the Pearson VUE website, call a Pearson VUE agent, or contact the test center directly.

    • To register for an exam on our website, please sign in to your account using your Pearson VUE username and password. Please note that you will need to create a web account prior to using our website for the first time. If you do not have a username and password, and would like to get one, please create a web account now.
    • Another way to register for an exam is to contact a Pearson VUE agent directly.
    • The final option is to call or visit a test center directly. To locate the address and telephone number of a Pearson VUE test center, visit our Test Center Locator.
18. How can I locate a Pearson VUE test center in my area?
    Pearson VUE has more than 5,000 test centers in 165 countries worldwide. The quickest way to locate one near you is to use our Test Center Locator.
19. Does Pearson VUE have access to information about non-Novell exams that I’ve taken with other testing vendors?
    No. Pearson VUE only has access to data related to the exams it delivers.
20. What will happen to my exam records at Prometric?
    Because all data pertaining to Novell exams is the property of Novell, Prometric will not keep any data about Novell testers in its system, once it is no longer delivering Novell exams.
21. I have never tested with Pearson VUE. Will they need to create a new Test ID or Novell ID for me, or can I use the same one?
    You will not need to create a new Test ID or Novell ID. When you register for an exam with Pearson VUE, provide us with your Novell ID number or Test ID number (found on your exam score report). Creating a new ID number will create a duplicate Certification Tracking System profile for you and may delay credit for your exam or certification.
22. I require special accommodations. Can Pearson VUE sites accommodate me?
    Yes, Pearson VUE and Novell may allow accommodations to candidates who are identified as having special needs. If you need additional time to complete your exam or another accommodation, we ask that you please speak with a Pearson VUE agent about this at the time of registration. At that point, they will determine whether the accommodation can be made based on Novell’s policies.
23. Are Prometric and Pearson VUE’s testing requirements the same?
    Because Novell sets the testing requirements for its exams, the requirements at Pearson VUE should be the same.
24. I would like a receipt for my exam appointment. How do I get one?
    A confirmation letter is automatically sent via email after you register for an exam, and you may print this email for your receipt. If you do not receive the automated email, please contact Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com/novell/contact.
25. If exam security is a priority for Novell, how will this affect test candidates?

    We’ll be implementing security measures that will allow us to quickly verify a test taker’s identity, without compromising candidate privacy and convenience. For example, at current Pearson Professional Centers, the average check-in process takes about 5 minutes, and we don’t expect that to increase at all. Many of our enhancements will be behind-the-scenes efforts: things like secret shoppers, technology upgrades, etc.

    The biggest impact our security efforts will have is on the value of your Novell certification. By safeguarding the integrity of the Novell examination process, we are ensuring that Novell certifications are accurate representations of a candidate’s knowledge—one that IT professionals and employers can rely on.

26. Where can I order a copy of my Prometric score report?
    Prometric should still be able to provide you with a copy of your score report for any Novell exams taken at Prometric.
27. I discovered that I have duplicate Prometric records. How can I get these merged?
    Please contact Novell customer service at www.novell.com/company/contacts-offices.