February 2003

Worldwide Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

www.hp.com/go/certification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Candidates:
1. What is the HP Certified Professional program?
Answer:
The HP Certified Professional program is a world-class certification
program benchmarked around the world to ensure validation of the
technical and sales competencies and expertise needed to plan,
deploy, support and service HP technology and solutions.
The HP Certified Professional Program provides its professionals with
the education, tools, and skills needed to succeed in today's highly
competitive landscape.
2. What is the purpose of the program?
Answer:
The program is built upon a set of sales and technical requirements
that ensure individuals and their employers that they have the proven
sales and technical competence to design and deliver HP technologies,
services and solutions. With certified employees, companies can
provide outstanding and consistent technology services that benefit
not only their organization, but also benefit their customers and
partners.
3. Is the HP Certified Professional program available worldwide?
Answer:
Yes, the HP Certified Professional Program is a worldwide program
available to partners, customers and employees. HP has many multinational customers who require a globally consistent benchmark of
skills and knowledge for their workforces. In addition, being part of a
global community provides larger opportunities for growth, networking
and mobility. The program also offers individuals who have achieved

the certification the ability to transfer their membership from one

region or country to another.
4. Who can become an HP Certified Professional?
Answer:
The HP Certified Professional program is for HP partners, customers
and employees in sales, pre-sales, service and support roles.
Individuals who meet program requirements will be awarded a
certification from the HP Certified Professional program. Due to the
confidential nature of information shared with the certified community;
HP reserves the right to determine when a candidate or candidates
employer is considered a competitor.
5. What is the location of the worldwide HP Certified Professional
website?
Answer:
Because the HP Certified Professional program is a worldwide program
with regional program offices in specific HP locations, individuals can
access the worldwide website at: www.hp.com/go/certification. From
the worldwide website, individuals should select their specific country
location on the map and link to a regional HP Certified Professional
program website. Its recommended that individuals visit the regional
websites for local certification information and announcements.
6. What certifications are available in the HP Certified Professional
program?
Answer:
The program architecture is based on four specific certification focus
areas. Within the focus areas there are certification levelsand within
each level there are tracks. Levels of certification exist for information
technology, information systems and information solutions in each
focus area. The certification focus areas and levels are:
Sales certifications
Accredited Sales Consultant
Accredited Sales Professional
Presales consultant certifications
Accredited Presales Consultant
Accredited Presales Professional
Integration certifications
Master Accredited Systems Engineer
Accredited Systems Engineer
Accredited Integration Specialist
Accredited Platform Specialist

Operating system certifications

Certified Systems Engineer
Certified System Administrator
For more information on certification levels and individual track
requirements go to the worldwide website:
www.hp.com/go/certification, then link to your specific country location
for track availability.
7. Where do I go to find the requirements for each certification level?
Answer:
Certification requirements are provided on the worldwide website at:
www.hp.com/go/certification. Its recommended that individuals use
the links provided at the worldwide website and then go to the regional
website to determine the availability of specific tracks within a region.
8. How do I find out more about training courses and required
certification exams?
Answer:
Go to www.hp.com/go/certification to obtain track and certification
exam information. To obtain training information, go to the worldwide
website: www.hp.com/go/certification, then link on your specific
country location for training availability.
9. Are the certification requirements the same for everyone?
Answer:
Yes. The requirements for a specific track, such as Master ASE SAN
Architect are consistent for all certification requirements worldwide.
The requirements are established using teams comprised of
practitioners representing all audiences for which the certification is
intended. This means continuing requirements are the same
regardless of audience i.e. employees, partners and customers.
10. How do I register for a course?
Answer:
HP regional training websites provide access to local course schedules
and registration instructions by country or region. First determine
which certification you wish to pursue by looking at the world wide HP
Certified Professional website at www.hp.com/go/certification. From
there, you can link to your regional or country website to find local
training information.

11. How do I register and pay for an exam?

Answer:
HP utilizes several exam delivery vendors based upon regional
availability. Refer to your regional program website for specific exam
registration instructions for your area.
12. Does the new program allow individuals to hold multiple
certifications?
Answer:
Yes. Employers are increasingly using certification to gauge employees
technical abilities. Therefore, having individuals with multiple
certifications is often important to an organization. The HP Certified
Professional program provides a comprehensive professional
framework where certifications are available in the following areas:
Sales
Presales Consultant
Integration
Operating System
13. Is training required for the HP Certified Professional program?
Answer:
No. due to individual learning styles, classroom training is not
recommended but not required. Certification exams test proficiency in
skills normally developed through hands-on practice. Training is
available to help develop these skills. .
14. How do I maintain my certification?
Answer:
After you obtain your certification, you will be periodically required to
complete continuing certification requirements (CCRs). Keeping your
technical skills current with the ever-changing IT industry is a necessity.
The HP Certified Professional program recognizes these challenges and
continues to ensure all members of HP certification programs are up-to
date with HP sales and technical skills through continuing certification
requirements. In addition to continuing certification requirements,
individuals are required to keep their personal certification information
up-to-date.
You will be notified via mail and email when you are required to
complete a CCR. CCR information is also posted on the regional
website. You will be given sufficient time to complete the requirements
before your certification status is changed. Its important that our
certification database has the most accurate information.

15. What happens if I fail an exam?

Answer:
You may take an exam up to 3 times in a 6 month period. After your 3rd
attempt, you must wait 6 months to take the exam again.
16. What is the length of time accepted between attending a class and
taking an exam?
Answer:
There are no enforced time limitations between taking a course and
passing an associated exam. You should take care to pass the exam
that is associated with a course within a reasonably short time period
to ensure that the corresponding exam does not retire and a
replacement exam, based on updated training materials, is
implemented. Industry studies show that taking an exam within 2-3
weeks of attending the course provides the best results. Remember,
attendance in training courses is highly recommended but not
required. The hands-on skills that are tested in the exams are often
best developed in the courses that are provided as part of the program
framework.
17. Is there a different certification program for reseller partners?
Answer:
No. HP Certified Professional certifications are the same for
employees, partners and customers. HP makes available the same
certifications for its customers and partners that it provides for its
employees. HP provides customer and partner sales and technical
communities with the same access to skill credentials, knowledge,
tools and resources that HP employees have. This translates to a
significant advantage to doing business with HP over other vendors.
Resellers, service providers, customers and employees may be
authorized by different business programs, but the certification of sales
and technical skills required is consistent across audiences.
18. What are the benefits of being an HP Certified Professional?
Answer:
The HP Certified Professional Program offers you a strong professional
development framework that builds and validates industry-valued
competencies. These competencies range from product-specific to
solution-focused, from warranty-level support to solution design and
consulting.

The HP Certified Professional Program is a unified global certification

program serving all of our business partners, customers, and
employees.

With a worldwide program, HP is able to effectively set and manage

consistent high standards of excellence in the worldwide sales,
support and service of HP products and solutions.
HP partners and customers are ensured high levels of customer
confidence and satisfaction knowing your competencies and skills
have been validated by HP.
With a large number of HP Certified Professional practicing experts
in the marketplace, customers can count on a consistent delivery of
services worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Certified Professionals

1. How is the certification program structured?
Answer:
There are four new certification focus areas built on HP technology with
Information Technology (IT), Information Systems (IS) and Solution
levels. They are:
Sales
Presales Consultant
Integration
Operating System
Within each focus area there are certification levels. There are
certification tracks within each level.
2. What certifications are available in the HP Certified Professional
program?
Answer:
The architecture for the program is based on four specific certification
focus areas. Within the focus areas there are certification levelsand
within each level there are tracks. There are levels of certification for
information technology, information systems and information solutions
in each focus area. The certification focus areas and levels are:
Sales certifications
Accredited Sales Consultant
Accredited Sales Professional
Presales consultant certifications
Accredited Presales Consultant
Accredited Presales Professional
Integration certifications
Master Accredited Systems Engineer
Accredited Systems Engineer
Accredited Integration Specialist
Accredited Platform Specialist
Operating system certifications
Certified Systems Engineer
Certified System Administrator
For more information on certification levels and individual track
requirements go to the worldwide website:

www.hp.com/go/certification, then link on your specific country location

for track availability.
3. What is the location of the worldwide HP Certified Professional
website?
Answer:
Given the HP Certified Professional program is a worldwide program
with regional program offices in specific HP locations, individuals may
access the worldwide website at: www.hp.com/go/certification. From
the worldwide website, individuals may select their specific country
location and link (map provided) to a regional HP Certified Professional
program website. Its recommended that individuals visit the regional
websites for local certification information and announcements.
4. As someone who is certified in an existing pre-merger HP or
Compaq certification program, will I need to take additional exams in
order to migrate to the new HP Certified Professional program?
There may be additional requirements that existing certified individuals
are required to complete in order to migrate their certification to the
new HP Certified Professional program. The HP Certification team
analyzed each track in the pre-merger programs and has identified
what changes are required as a result of the product line changes from
the merger. Beginning in February 2003 individuals in the pre-merger
HP and Compaq certification programs will receive a communication
from their regional Program Office with information on how the merger
has affected their existing certification title. HP will individually notify
each certified person of the migration requirements associated with
the certifications they hold (if any). HP has committed to providing
each member of its certified community with a way to move forward in
the new program. We recognize and value the investments of our
certified professionals and will do everything possible to maintain
those investments through this transition.
In some cases individuals may experience only a change in their
certification title (branding change). Others may be affected with a title
change and a continuing certification requirement. In some instances
where there were product line changes, and previous pre-merger
certification tracks no longer exist, individuals will be provided with a
list of recommended tracks to pursue.
5. As an HP Certified Professional, will I be required to complete
continuing certification requirements?
Answer:
Continuing Certification Requirements (CCRs) were a part of each of
the pre-merger programs and they will be part of the HP Certified

Professional program as well. HP believes it is important for Certified

Professionals to maintain their skill levels as technology advances. As
a result, we have implemented a flexible strategy for continuing
requirements that allows individuals to continue to develop and prove
their skills at a reasonable on-going investment level.
6. Will I lose my certification if I do not complete the continuing
certification requirement?
Answer:
Yes. HP Certified Professionals who do not complete the Continuing
Certification Requirements (CCRs) will have their certification status
revoked. If an HP Certified Professional does not complete the CCR by
the established deadline, his or her certification will be revoked and all
certification privileges/benefits will be discontinued.
An HP Certified Professional employed by an HP reseller may put his or
her organization in jeopardy of losing valuable marketing development
funds provided by HP. HP is committed to maintaining a certification
program based on sales and technical skills and competencies that are
essential to ensure proficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of HP
solutions and services.
7. If my certification is revoked (terminated) for any reason, how do I
regain my HP Certified Professional status?
Answer:
There are generally two ways your certification is revoked that dictate
your options.
1) If you violated program policies in terms of entitlements (name,
rights, logo usage, relationship to hp) or usage (security, privacy,
etc.), HP may terminate your certification at its sole discretion
and permanently bar re-instatement.
2) If you fail to maintain your certification requirements, you will be
required to meet the new requirements in effect at that time.
To regain your HP Certified Professional status, you'll need to retake all
required exams and complete a new application for the designation
you're pursuing. You'll receive a letter from the certification program
office informing you that your membership has been revoked.

8. Where do I go to find the requirements for each certification level?

Answer:
Certification requirements are provided on the worldwide website at:
www.hp.com/go/certification. Its recommended that individuals use
the links provided at the worldwide website and then go to the regional
website to determine the availability of specific tracks within a region.
9. Where do I go to find requirements at a regional level?
Answer:
Go to www.hp.com/go/certification and locate your country on the map
provided. The map will link you to a regional website. Each regional
website provides certification track requirements
10. How do I find out more about training courses and required
certification exams?
Answer:
Go to www.hp.com/go/certification to obtain track and certification
exam information. To obtain training information, go to the worldwide
website: www.hp.com/go/certification, then link on your specific
country location for training availability.
11. Are the certification requirements the same for everyone?
Answer:
Yes. The requirements are established using teams comprised of
practitioners representing all audiences for which the certification is
intended. This means continuing requirements are the same
regardless of audience i.e. employees, partners and customers.
12. How do I register for a course?
Answer:
HP regional training websites provide access to local course schedules
and registration instructions by country or region. First determine
which certification you wish to pursue by looking at the world wide HP
Certified Professional website at www.hp.com/go/certification. From
there, you may link to your regional or country website to find local
training information.
13. How do I register and pay for an exam?
Answer:
HP utilizes several exam delivery vendors based upon regional
availability. Refer to your regional program website for specific exam
registration instructions for your area.
14. Does the new program allow individuals to hold multiple
certifications?
Answer:

Yes. Employers are using certification more and more to gauge

employees knowledge and understanding of technologies so having
more than one certification is often critical. The HP Certified
Professional program provides a comprehensive professional
framework where certifications are available in the following areas:
Sales
Presales Consultant
Integration
Operating System
15. Is training required for the HP Certified Professional program?
Answer:
No. HP certifications are granted based upon passing the exams
necessary to prove knowledge and skill levels. Attendance in training
courses is not required. However, the hands-on skills that are tested in
the exams are best developed in the courses that are provided as part
of the program framework. HP highly recommends that candidates
take the courses associated with each exam or have equivalent handson, on-the-job experience.
Certification exams test proficiency in skills normally developed
through hands-on practice. Training is available to help develop these
skills. Due to individual learning styles, classroom training is
recommended but not required.
16. How do I maintain my certification?
Answer:
Keeping your technical skills current with the ever-changing IT industry
is a necessity. The HP Certified Professional program recognizes these
challenges and continues to ensure all members of HP certification
programs are up-to date with HP sales and technical skills through
continuing certification requirements. In addition to continuing
certification requirements, individuals are required to keep their
personal certification information up-to-date. Its important that our
certification database has the most accurate information.
17. What happens if I fail an exam?
Answer:
Given our certification program is based on successfully passing exam
requirements, individuals are required to pass exams. You make take
an exam up to 3 times in a 6 month period. After your 3rd attempt, you
must wait 6 months to take the exam again.
18. What is the length of time accepted between attending a class and
taking an exam?

Answer:
There are no enforced time limitations between taking a course and
passing an associated exam. However, industry studies show that
taking an exam within 2-3 weeks of attending the course provides the
best results. HP certifications are granted based upon passing the
exams necessary to prove knowledge and skill levels. Attendance in
training courses is not required. However, the hands-on skills that are
tested in the exams are best developed in the courses that are
provided as part of the program framework. HP highly recommends
that candidates take the courses associated with each exam or have
equivalent hands-on or on-the-job experience. Candidates should take
care to pass all of the exams necessary to obtain a certification within
a reasonably short time period so that an exam doesnt retire before
the remaining exams are completed.
19. Is there a different certification program for reseller partners?
Answer:
No. HP Certified Professional certifications are the same for
employees, partners and customers. Unlike most other systems
vendors, HP makes available the same certifications for its customers
and partners that it provides for its employees. HP highly values its
customer and partner sales and technical communities and has
decided to provide them with the same access to skill credentials,
knowledge, tools and resources that its employees have. This
translates to a significant advantage to doing business with HP over
other vendors. Resellers, service providers, customers and employees
may be authorized by different business programs, but the certification
of sales and technical skills required is consistent across audiences.
20. What are the benefits of being an HP Certified Professional?
Answer:
The HP Certified Professional Program offers you a strong professional
development framework that builds and validates industry-valued
competencies. These competencies range from product-specific to
solution-focused, from warranty-level support to solution design and
consulting.

The HP Certified Professional Program is a unified global certification

program serving all of our business partners, customers, and
employees.
With a worldwide program, HP is able to effectively set and manage
consistent high standards of excellence in the worldwide sales,
support and service of HP products and solutions.

HP partners and customers are ensured high levels of customer

confidence and satisfaction knowing your competencies and skills
have been validated by HP.
With a large number of HP Certified Professional practicing experts
in the marketplace, customers can count on a consistent delivery of
services worldwide.

21. Will I get a new identification card and certificate?

Answer:
Yes, the existing certification community will be notified of any
certification title changes and information will be provided, as soon as
possible, as to when new certificate and ID cards will be available.
22. When HP retires a designation within a certification level, does
that mean I lose my certification membership?
Answer: No. When HP removes a particular track from the website, it
means that HP is accepting no new candidates for that certification.
However, individuals who have already completed the requirements
and have received their certificates remain in good standing until HP
issues a continuing certification requirement or a requirement to
migrate to another certification track.
23. How do I stay informed of what is happening in the program?
Answer:
Each region provides a website where certification-specific information
is posted. In addition to the website many regions communicate
information through a newsletter. All communication to individuals is
delivered by the regional Program Office. Its important for HP Certified
Professionals to communicate with their regional Program Office when
have they changes in employment, mailing address, email address,
and phone numbers etc.
24. My current certification is for products that have now been
discontinued by HP. What is my position?
Answer:
Where discontinued products have been replaced by a similar class of
product (for example Netserver replaced by ProLiant) there is a
transition process to migrate to the new program that will likely require
additional exams to be completed. Where the discontinued product has
no equivalent, we would like to see you maintain your certification
relationship with HP and will assist you in selecting a certification track
that will help you in your job and assist you in your career growth.
Please contact your local HPCP representative.
25. Does HP expect me to stay current with operating system
certifications from other vendors?

Answer:
Yes. As part of the integration and operating system certifications
provided by HP, some 3rd party certifications are required as
prerequisites. These certifications must be kept current as per the
associated vendors requirements in order to maintain the HP
certification that is based on it. HP will require proof of an HP certified
professionals completion of 3rd party continuing certification
requirements.
HP reserves the right to change available software titles at any time and without notice.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. All brand names are the
trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 2002. All Rights
Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is
prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.
February 2003.