MySQL AB Launches MySQL Certification Program

CEBIT, HANNOVER, Germany - (March 12, 2003) - MySQL AB, developer of the world's most popular Open Source database, and Pearson VUE today launched the new MySQL certification program. Through the MySQL certification program, MySQL software developers can earn one or more formal credentials that validate their knowledge, experience and skill with the MySQL^TM database and related MySQL AB products.

With over 4 million MySQL installations worldwide, the active MySQL development community is estimated to be in the tens of thousands. Many of these developers are MySQL database experts, having worked with MySQL for years and even contributing to code development. Certification from MySQL AB, the company that created and manages the development of the MySQL database, can significantly enhance the professional credibility and marketability of all MySQL developers, with varying levels of knowledge. By employing MySQL-certified developers, companies can demonstrate technical strength and depth.

"One of the advantages of an Open Source product is the organic growth of community experts -- people who work with the open code every day and become extremely proficient. This large developer pool can be a major factor when organizations choose to work with the MySQL database," noted Kaj Arnö, vice president of training at MySQL AB. "Now MySQL developers, residing both in companies and in the Open Source community at large, can offer tangible proof of their knowledge in understanding the MySQL database and skill in building MySQL-based applications. We anticipate that MySQL certification will be a 'must-have' credential for developers as more businesses and organizations use MySQL, especially in strategic, mission-critical applications."

MySQL Core Certification Now Available, More to Come

The MySQL certification program consists of several unique certifications. The first, which is now generally available, is called the MySQL Core Certification. The Core Certification provides MySQL users with a formal credential that demonstrates proficiency in SQL, data entry and maintenance, data extraction for reporting and more.

The MySQL Professional Certification, which will be available in Q3 of this year, is for the more experienced MySQL user who wants to certify his or her knowledge in MySQL database management, installation, security, disaster prevention and optimization. MySQL Core certification will be a prerequisite for taking the Professional Certification exam.

MySQL also plans to offer a MySQL PHP Certification by the end of the year, which is designed for the MySQL and PHP developer who wants to simultaneously certify his knowledge of MySQL and of the PHP Web development tool. In addition, a MySQL DBA Certification, a top-level certification for the most accomplished MySQL gurus, will be offered in 2004.

"MySQL is now a key database for many strategic corporate IT systems, and it can be very helpful for some MySQL developers to be able to offer formal evidence of their skill set, for both personal and corporate credibility," said Tim Bunce, CTO of Data Plan Services which specializes in Perl and database consultancy. "MySQL AB has always responded to the needs of its users and this certification program is a natural progression for them."

Certification through Pearson VUE Testing Centers

Each MySQL certification can be earned with the successful completion of one exam. Pearson VUE, the specialist IT and professional certification testing business of Pearson plc, is providing MySQL electronic testing services through its global network of over 3,500 Pearson VUE Authorized Centers located in over 130 countries.

"MySQL certifications will be a tremendous addition to the current certification industry examinations," remarked Anneleen Vaandrager, vice president and general manager, Pearson VUE, Europe, Middle East & Africa. "The availability of these exams worldwide will now mean that both IT professionals and companies alike will be able to significantly increase their competitiveness with respect to IT skills and acumen."

Candidates can register immediately for the MySQL Core Certification exam at www.pearsonvue.com/mysql or by calling the Pearson VUE hotline in your home country (telephone numbers listed on the Pearson VUE Web site). For a complete listing of Pearson VUE testing centers, please visit the Pearson VUE Web site at www.pearsonvue.com.

The fee for taking the MySQL Core Certification exam is $150.

Certification Preparation and MySQL Training

For test skill level guidance and other information about MySQL certifications, go to the MySQL Web site at www.mysql.com/certification, which has links to a MySQL Certification Candidate Guide, a certification "FAQ" and other information.

Specific information about the MySQL Core Certification is available at http://www.mysql.com/certification/candguide/sec-core.html. For more information about the MySQL Professional Certification, please go to http://www.mysql.com/certification/candguide/sec-prof.html.

MySQL AB offers a wide selection of MySQL technical classes and other training opportunities to help prepare for the MySQL certification exams. For more information on MySQL training, please go to http://www.mysql.com/training.

About MySQL AB

MySQL AB develops, markets and supports the MySQL database server, the world's most popular open source database. With an estimated 4 million installations and 29,000 downloads per day, MySQL is the de facto open source database leader and is quickly becoming the core of many high-volume, business-critical applications. Major corporations such as Yahoo!, Lucent Technologies, Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, Motorola, NASA, Silicon Graphics, HP, Xerox and Cisco rely on the ultra-fast, highly-reliable MySQL database. MySQL is available under the free software/open source GNU General Public License (GPL) or a non-GPL commercial license. For more information about MySQL, please go to www.mysql.com.

About Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE is a global leader in providing computer-based (CBT) delivery solutions serving the information technology industry and professional certification and licensure markets. Pearson VUE testing services delivers information technology certification examinations for industry leaders such as Microsoft, Cisco Systems, IBM and CompTIA. In addition to having operational centers in the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan, India and China, Pearson VUE has some 3,500 testing centers in over 130 countries worldwide, delivering exams in 24 languages. Pearson VUE is the electronic testing business of Pearson Education, which in turn is part of Pearson (NTSE: PSO; LSE: PSON), the international media company. Pearson's primary operations also include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

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MySQL is a registered trademark of MySQL AB in Sweden and other countries. MySQL is a trademark in the United States and other countries. Other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective corporations.