By Andrew Josey, VP, Standards & Certification, The Open Group
I wanted to share some updates on training and certification from The Open Group in the light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions, covering how we are adapting to the current environment. Our main focus is enabling you to continue to grow your knowledge of our standards and best practices, and become certified, while keeping safe.
Test Centers Closing and Remote Exam Capability Increasing
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and in accordance with local government guidance, Pearson VUE, who provide The Open Group testing service, is temporarily closing testing centers and suspending exam delivery in most countries. As an alternative to traveling to a test center, the most popular of The Open Group certification exams are available to take remotely with OnVUE Online Proctoring from Pearson VUE. We are also working with Pearson VUE to expand the number of exams available.
Availability of Virtual Training
All of The Open Group accredited training course providers are able to deliver their in-person, instructor-led training as virtual instructor-led training. In addition, some of our training course providers offer e-learning courses. We have therefore made finding virtual training easier with our Virtual Training Resources page.
Make Use of The Open Group Library
A great resource that can be used to improve your knowledge and skills is The Open Group Library. As well as The Open Group standards, guides, reference cards, study guides, and white papers, it also features over 200 webinars that can be taken on demand.
FAQs
Q: Where can I learn more about Pearson VUE OnVUE online-proctored exams?
For more information about Pearson VUE online proctored exams, visit: https://www.opengroup.org/certifications/online-proctored-exams
Q: How will I know if my exam is cancelled?
A: You will receive an email cancellation notice from Pearson VUE and you will either receive a refund (if paid to Pearson VUE) or if booked with an exam voucher you can contact The Open Group for a voucher replacement.
See also the Pearson VUE FAQs about exam cancellations due to Covid-19.
Q: How do I reschedule or cancel an existing exam appointment?
You can reschedule or cancel existing exams appointments through your online account or by contacting Pearson VUE Support. Please note that currently customer service wait-times are longer than usual.
Q: How can I contact The Open Group for assistance?
A: Please raise a helpdesk ticket in The Open Group Help Center – login using your account with The Open Group that was used for your exam registration, select the Certification and Accreditation Category, and the specific program. If related to an exam voucher, our team will need details of the voucher code and expiry date. Please note that rescheduling and cancelations are managed through your Pearson VUE account.
Andrew Josey is VP Standards and Certification overseeing all certification and testing programs of The Open Group. He also manages the standards process for The Open Group.
Since joining the company in 1996, Andrew has been closely involved with the standards development, certification and testing activities of The Open Group. He has led many standards development projects including specification and certification development for the ArchiMate®, TOGAF®, POSIX® and UNIX® programs.
He is a member of the IEEE, USENIX, and the Association of Enterprise Architects (AEA). He holds an MSc in Computer Science from University College London.