LPI and Government of Tunisia to certify IT graduates

"We are pleased to be part of the Presidential project in Tunisia which has a goal to certify 20,000 graduates as IT professionals. The government's recognition of our program demonstrates the growing importance of Linux and Open Source Software in both the enterprise and public sector. Additionally, it is indicative of how LPI has come to be recognized by governments around the world as the definitive global standard in Linux certification," said Jim Lacey, president and CEO of LPI. Mr.Lacey noted that while attending the 5th International Conference on FOSS in Tunisia this past January, where he was a keynote speaker, that many government officials expressed the importance of Open Source Software in their country's larger economic development strategies. This certification program is part of the government's initiative to make Tunisia an attractive location for foreign direct investment particularly in IT--an industry sector that is seen to be of strategic importance with potential for high employment.

The program's goal of certifying the first 2,300 students in Linux and FOSS will train participants to certify at all three levels of LPI's certification program: LPIC-1, LPIC-2 and LPIC-3. Other IT certifications in such specialties as software development, data base and network management and computer security will also be promoted within the wider program targeted at 20,000 students and is intended to strengthen the position of the country internationally as a regional hub for information technology and communication.

"We applaud the government of Tunisia in recognizing the important contributions that Linux and Open Source Software have made to the field of IT. In addition we are pleased that the government has adopted LPI's certification program as an important part of their professional human resource development initiatives," said Sonia Ben Othman, CEO of LPI-Maghreb.

LPI-Maghreb announced that the first training session of LPIC-1 will begin on June 21, 2010.

The Linux Professional Institute is globally supported by the IT industry, enterprise customers, community professionals, government entities and the educational community. LPI's certification program is supported by an affiliate network spanning five continents and is distributed worldwide in multiple languages in more than 7,000 testing locations. Since 1999, LPI has delivered over 245,000 exams and 80,000 LPIC certifications around the world.

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About the Linux Professional Institute:

The Linux Professional Institute promotes and certifies essential skills on Linux and Open Source technologies through the global delivery of comprehensive, top-quality, vendor-independent exams. Established as an international non-profit organization in September 1999 by the Linux community, the Linux Professional Institute continues to demonstrate recognized global leadership in the certification of Linux professionals. LPI advances the Linux and Open Source movement through strategic partners, sponsorships, innovative programs and community development activities. LPI's major financial sponsors are Platinum Sponsors IBM, Linux Journal, Linux Magazine, Novell, SGI, and TurboLinux as well as Gold Sponsors, HP and IDG.

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