Network Administration is a good example. The industry recognizes that, in a world of lifetime learners, preparation for certification does not necessarily require formal course work. Public statements of expected competencies, along with practice examinations, are available on-line. The examinations take many forms, and some are available in languages other than English. Every vendor or industry association that develops these tests retains a staff of testing experts.
Examinations are under constant review for content.
These are signs of maturing credentials, but also expected in an industry that encourages existing employees to seek certification. The examinations are administered either by vendors themselves or by independent testing companies. There are at least three major global testing firms on which the information technology and telecommunications industries principally rely to conduct examinations. Collectively, these firms operate 5,000 testing centers in 140 countries.