UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 04 JULY 2012
Students from Birmingham City University were recently the first in the world to trial a new and innovative computing exam designed to fill a gap in the IT skills market.
Created in partnership with organisations from several countries, Birmingham City University’s School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks (CTN) was selected to be part of the pre-release testing phase of the ‘Linux Essentials’ exam programme, which prepares the next generation to acquire and develop skills required to succeed in the IT sector.
The ‘Linux Essentials’ programme is an entry level, international exam, designed as a stepping stone to gaining advanced computer skills and has been developed by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). LPI provides a global framework, industry leadership and services to enhance, develop and further lifelong professional careers in computer technologies. The LPI certification programme is designed to certify the competency of IT professionals and Linux Essentials is aimed at providing students with a first step onto this path.
Students at Birmingham City University sat a trial version of the ‘Linux Essentials’ exam as part of the development process, ahead of the programme release this summer in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
CTN Lecturer and LPI Academy lead Stephen Murphy, said: “Last year, as part of a visit to Birmingham City University, LPI announced that the exam was in the development stage and invited us to take part in that process. Since then we have submitted exam questions and taken part in several aspects of exam development and evaluation, including the world's first trial sitting of the exam with Birmingham City University students”.
Michael Hughes, a BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security student who took the exam said: “Employers I've spoken to whilst trying to find work in the IT industry really value qualifications such as those from LPI as it shows them that you're willing to take it upon yourself to learn new skills outside of your studies. It’s great to be able to take those qualifications to an employer.”
Further details on LPI exams can be found online at www.lpi.org.