Citrix announced the roll out of the first of several new technical certifications. By taking a solution-based approach, these certifications provide partners with the breadth of skills required to design, deploy and support holistic Citrix solutions.
From a strategic standpoint, the solution approach aligns with the evolution of Citrix technologies as well as the top IT trends and market demands including mobile, cloud, collaboration and virtualisation. From a practical perspective, the new certifications are both simplified and streamlined to make it easier for partners to develop their skills with speed and efficiency.

The new certifications further expand partners’ expertise in Citrix, with an increase in the breadth of valuable skills represented. At the same time, the new certification structure has been significantly concentrated, requiring fewer examinations and less time out of the field to achieve.

The simplified certification process makes it easier for partners to build and validate technical skills around the latest Citrix solutions, establish competitive differentiation, expand into new markets, find new revenue opportunities within existing customer organizations and increase deal sizes.

Additionally, the new certifications help partners comply with updated requirements per the new Citrix Solution Advisor program announced earlier this year in May.

At all levels of certification, IT professionals will gain the knowledge and skills required to support the entire solution, through various phases of the project lifecycle. Partners with more certified staff are enabled to be more strategic and successful, and achieve greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Three new certifications are now available and feature Citrix XenDesktop 7:
* Citrix Certified Associate – Apps and Desktops (CCA-AD) – designed for IT operators and administrators, this certification validates the core skills required to manage XenDesktop 7 solutions.
* Citrix Certified Professional – Apps and Desktops (CCP-AD) – designed for experienced IT professionals, including designers, architects, engineers and consultants, this certification validates the core skills required to deploy XenDesktop 7 solutions.
* Citrix Certified Expert – Apps and Desktops (CCE-AD) – for seasoned IT professionals, including designers, architects, engineers and consultants, this certification validates understanding of complex IT implementations and the core skills required to design XenDesktop 7 solutions to meet business and technical requirements.

Similar certifications for Networking and Mobility, designed to validate the skills needed to implement and manage end-to-end, multi-product solutions confidently, will be rolled out in the coming months.
Partners interested in learning more about any of these new certifications, how to get started or upgrading from a previous certification can visit Citrix Education.

IDC has always been impressed with Citrix’s partner centric approach to building out their partner programme. The introduction of their new certifications further reflects this partner centricity, with a simplified structure built on the premise of allowing partners to get their skills recognized, but also take less time out of the field.

As the Citrix solutions portfolio continues to diversify, these certifications will allow Citrix partners to improve their skills, differentiate themselves, and drive better customer outcomes.

“Because well-trained partners are fundamental to Citrix growth, we continue to evolve our channel programme in an effort to make it easier for our partners to do business with Citrix, and help them identify and capitalize on new revenue streams,” says Simon McCullough, channel manager, Citrix South Africa.

“The new simplified structure and guidelines make it easier for our partners to achieve and stay up-to-date on the latest Citrix certifications. Through the new certifications we are also providing our partners with the comprehensive skills and expertise they need to sell end-to-end, holistic solutions, that will differentiate them from competitors and allow them to generate more Citrix-related revenue.”