The Perforce Certification Program

What is the Perforce Certification Program?

The Perforce Certification Program consists of two levels: Perforce Consulting Partner (PCP) and Perforce Certified Trainer.

Consulting Partners and Certified Trainers are experienced professionals well versed in software configuration management in general and Perforce in particular. Certification at both levels is limited to individuals possessing the ability to communicate successful SCM solutions. Achieving certification involves a written test, an interview, and for Trainer, a demonstration of presentation skills.

Most Consulting Partners and Certified Trainers provide their services as independent contractors. The program is also available to individuals wishing to establish their qualifications as Perforce Consultants and Trainers within their own organizations.

Why have a Certification Program?

The goal of the program is to create a recognized corps of technically competent individuals and organizations to promote self-sufficiency among Perforce customers.

The program is designed as a means of putting experienced Perforce implementers and trainers in contact with new Perforce customers. Often people new to a software product need some help and guidance during the initial stages of an implementation, and where better to seek that help than from experienced users?

Perforce Software has its own trainers who can provide solution-oriented services to boost the capabilities and productivity of any new project team. However, we also recognize that often customers want to gain an insight into what other companies are doing with our products - how they have implemented effective SCM solutions, which pitfalls to watch out for, what are the guarantees to success. This is where the Perforce Consulting Partner or Perforce Certified Trainer steps in, to provide the right combination of help and expertise at various stages, from initial implementation all the way through advanced project requirements. This may be in the form of hands-on help, advice and feedback on proposals or a customized training program.

Why join the Perforce Certification Program?

Becoming a Perforce Consulting Partner or Perforce Certified Trainer is a smart way of promoting the recognition of a specialized set of skills. The Perforce Certification Program identifies you as an experienced professional when presenting your skills and services to prospective clients. Perforce Software provides marketing support, referrals, advanced product information, special training and support programs to help ensure your success. Once Perforce Software has evaluated your qualifications, everyone can be assured that customers are getting the finest consulting available. Achieving Perforce Certification increases your reach to the entire Perforce community.

Enjoy the benefits of the Perforce Certification Program:

List your information in the Perforce Partner Directory.
Perforce Software publishes a directory of Consulting Partners and Certified Trainers. Perforce Software supplies this directory to customers and posts it on the Perforce web site.
Use the Perforce Consulting Partner or Certified Trainer logo.
When you successfully complete certification, you can use the distinctive logos on your business literature.
Receive up-to-date information.
Perforce Software will inform you periodically of new product developments, release schedules, and upcoming opportunities.

What does it take to become a Consulting Partner?

Cost

There is no charge to be qualified and listed as a Perforce Consulting Partner.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite qualifications for becoming a Perforce Consulting Partner are:

Three years of professional experience using and implementing software configuration management solutions
One year of experience using Perforce
The ability to communicate technical information clearly and make presentations to all levels of management

Each Partner to be qualified must:

Provide a resume of relevant experience
Pass the Perforce Consulting Partner test
Interview with senior Perforce consulting staff

An evaluation of the candidate's product knowledge, familiarity with SCM systems, and communication skills will be made at the end of the qualification process. A listing in the Perforce Consulting Partner directory will be provided to candidates successfully completing qualification.

Qualification Procedure

Tell us about yourself
If you are planning on consulting for hire, please send us a resume of your relevant experience, and a summary of the kinds of clients and projects you are prepared to undertake.
Schedule and take the test
Contact us either by electronic mail at info@per force.com or at 1.510.864.7400 to schedule your test. We will require your basic contact information: name, address, telephone, etc. A written copy of the test will be sent to you, for you to complete in the allotted time, and return to us for evaluation.
Obtaining your test results
You will receive your evaluation no later than 10 days after we receive your completed test paper. There is no set percentage of people who either pass or fail the test. Passing the test depends on your ability to demonstrate familiarity and expertise with the Perforce product.
Scheduling an interview
You will be contacted by Perforce staff to schedule your interview. The interview will be conducted by telephone at a time mutually agreeable to you and Perforce Software. At the agreed time, the Perforce consulting staff will contact you to conduct the interview. The interview will usually last between 30 and 40 minutes and cover the topics outlined in the interview preparation materials.
Obtaining your interview results
Perforce will inform you of the results of your interview and acceptance as a Perforce Consulting Partner within five days. No discussion will be entered into on the results of your interview, and your acceptance as a Consulting Partner is at the discretion of Perforce Software.

What does it take to become a Certified Trainer?

Cost

There is no charge to be qualified and listed as a Perforce Certified Trainer. However, it is necessary to have attended the Perforce Training Class.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite qualifications for becoming a Perforce Certified Trainer are:

Same as Perforce Consulting Partner
Must be a certified PCP

Each Trainer to be qualified must:

Attend the Perforce Training Class
This is offered at a reduced rate to PCPs who wish to become PCTs.
Co-teach a Perforce Training Class with a Perforce Staff Trainer
This consists of being prepared to teach any chapter, and teaching at least one chapter each morning and afternoon of the 3-day class. A paper copy of the Perforce Training Class materials, and a CD with the current demo database and depot, as well as a temporary license, will be provided for the candidate's use in preparing to co-teach.

An evaluation of the candidate's product knowledge, familiarity with SCM systems, and presentation and communication skills will be made at the end of the qualification process. A listing in the Perforce Certified Trainer directory will be provided to candidates successfully completing qualification.

Qualification Procedure

Become a Perforce Consulting Partner, and let us know you want to become a Certified Trainer
Schedule to attend the training class (unless previously taken)
Contact the Training Administrator either by electronic mail at info@per force.com or at 1.510.864.7400 to reserve your spot. Let the administrator know you're applying to become a certified trainer to get the discount.
Schedule to co-teach a training class
Perforce will inform you of your acceptance as a Perforce Certified Trainer within five days. No discussion will be entered into on the results of your presentation, and your acceptance as a Certified Trainer is at the discretion of Perforce Software.

Requalification

Much of the value of the Perforce Certification Program is based upon the quality and timeliness of an individual's skills. Therefore when a major release of new products and upgrades results in substantial new features or changes, Perforce Software may subsequently announce requirements for requalification. You will be expected to apply for requalification within six months following such an announcement.