[ubuntu-us-ma] Open Source friendly beginning computer skill's certifications.

[Martin Owens]

Hey Caroline,

Certification is an interesting topic, most (if not all) certification
programs are for training systems administrators and programmers. Not
general users.

At the same time there is no recognised authority for giving out
certifications. I don't know what the rules are in the USA, but anyone
can certify a foss program's use, they just need the materials and the
background. (and perhaps some legal stuff as I've never looked into it)

As for existing programs, I don't now of any.

Martin,

On Wed, 2010-09-08 at 20:48 -0400, Caroline Meeks wrote:
> Hi Ubuntu MA! 
> 
> I'm working on setting up a family computing program in Somerville
> housing projects where families will get used computers and bootable
> USB sticks with Open1to1, Sugar and Ubuntu. 
> 
> One of the needs I am hearing is to get "certifications" that adults
> can put on their resumes to help them with job hunting.  Previously,
> they gave Microsoft Office classes and the student became Microsoft
> Office Certified and that helped 3 people get jobs.   
> 
> I think this may be less about whether or not Open Office can do what
> people need and more about having an official certificate that adult
> learners can earn and then put on their resume to signal to employers
> that they are computer literate. 
> 
> Does anyone know of any open source friendly training materials for
> adults that lead to certification and are suitable for beginning
> computer users? 
> 
> Thanks! Caroline 
> 
> PS I will definitely be talking more about the Somerville program as
> it becomes official, we are really hoping that people in the local
> Ubuntu community will help with this project and with computer
> classes. 
> 
> Thank you!!!