MEF, Linux Foundation, and ETSI-NFV Collaborate to Launch Industry-First SDN/NFV Professional Certification


Prestigious MEF Network Expert certification is available for individuals who obtain the suite of MEF-SDN/NFV, MEF-CECP, and MEF-NF certifications

Los Angeles, 10 April 2018 – MEF is pleased to announce the introduction of the new MEF SDN/NFV professional certification developed in collaboration with the Linux Foundation and ETSI-NFV. MEF-SDN/NFV is the first industry-wide certification that validates professionals’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in the domains of software defined networking and network functions virtualization. MEF now offers three certifications as part of a comprehensive Professional Certification Framework. These include the MEF-SDN/NFV, MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (MEF-CECP), and MEF Network Foundations (MEF-NF) certifications. Individuals who obtain all three of these certifications qualify for the coveted MEF Network Expert certification.

Industry professionals may register at http://www.mefprocert.com/exam-registration-system/register for the MEF SDN/NFV, MEF-CECP, and MEF-NF certification exams. The MEF-SDN/NFV exam is available in beta format for a discounted price of $210 (50% savings) for a very limited time, until a select number of exams are completed. The beta exam retains full validity as a MEF certification and helps to confirm its rigorous statistical accuracy. MEF Accredited Training Providers can make the final preparations to their training materials following the completion of the beta exam period, which will then allow formal training to begin as well. For more information about the special benefits and requirements associated with taking this exam in beta form, please visit the landing page for the MEF-SDN/NFV certification exam.    

“The MEF-SDN/NFV certification is the newest in a planned family of essential, professional, expert, and master level certifications that comprise the MEF Professional Certification Framework,” said Nan Chen, President, MEF. “Together, these certifications – and the training that programs that underpin them – aim to help service providers and technology companies develop and maintain highly skilled professional workforces in an era of rapid innovation.”

“The MEF-SDN/NFV certification exam builds upon our experience in certifying more than 5,700 professionals from 440 companies worldwide and incorporates input from top SDN and NFV experts from the Linux Foundation, ETSI, and other organizations,” said Rick Bauer, Director of Certification, MEF. “We appreciate the support we have received from our industry partners in developing this highly requested professional certification.”

“Our own research has demonstrated that networking skills are amongst the most in demand by hiring managers, and employers are increasingly looking to hire certified professionals,” said Clyde Seepersad, General Manager, Training & Certification, Linux Foundation, “That is one reason we are pleased to support the initiative by MEF to provide a robust certification for SDN and NFV. This effort will help networking professionals demonstrate their skills in these technologies, which are crucial components of the overall Linux Foundation Networking project portfolio, while helping employers identify qualified talent.”

“ETSI welcomes the MEF NFV skill certification initiative. This will encourage formal skills development as well as raise awareness of the important role of standards in the evolution of NFV technologies and operations,” said Don Clarke, Chair ETSI NFV Network Operator Council.

The MEF Professional Certification Framework is designed to create a global ecosystem of certified professionals with leading-edge skills required to support agile, assured, and orchestrated MEF 3.0 services for the digital economy. Currently available and planned professional certifications will cover the concepts and skills needed to build automated, virtualized, and interconnected networks powered by LSO (Lifecycle Service Orchestration), SDN, NFV, and CE. Development of these advanced networks will accelerate the worldwide transition to dynamic services that provide user- and application-directed control over network resources and service capabilities.

The MEF Professional Certification Framework includes the following certifications:

Essential Level

MEF Network Foundations (MEF-NF)

MEF Network Foundations certification validates an individual’s concept-level understanding of LSO/network automation, SDN, NFV, and CE, with an introduction to SD-WAN technologies.

Professional Level

MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (MEF-CECP)

MEF-CECP certification identifies the industry’s leading professionals and validates an individual’s expertise in technological knowledge and understanding of CE service specifications and definitions. This is one of the world’s most popular vendor-neutral certifications, with more than 5,600 MEF-CECPs employed by 440 companies in 84 countries, and the program continues its momentum worldwide.

MEF SDN/NFV Certified Professional (MEF-SDN/NFV)

MEF SDN/NFV certification is the first ISO level exam that validates an individual’s expertise in SDN and NFV. The knowledge and concept-level understanding of MEF-NF is strongly encouraged as the precursor to this training.

MEF LSO/Network Automation Certified Professional – coming in 4Q 2018 

MEF Network Security Certified Professional – coming in 2019 

Expert Level

Individuals who pass three MEF Professional Certification Framework exams earn the coveted MEF Network Expert credential. No extra exam is required. Details will be available soon.

MEF Webinar

To learn more, register here for the MEF Webinar: An Introduction to SDN/NFV Professional Certification, scheduled for 12:00pm – 1:00pm US ET, 10 May 2018.

For questions, contact Rick Bauer at rick@MEF.net.

About MEF

An industry association of 200+ member companies, MEF recently introduced the MEF 3.0 transformational global services framework for defining, delivering, and certifying agile, assured, and orchestrated services over a global ecosystem of automated networks. MEF 3.0 services are designed to provide an on-demand, cloud-centric experience with user- and application-directed control over network resources and service capabilities. MEF 3.0 services are delivered over automated, virtualized, and interconnected networks powered by LSO, SDN, and NFV. MEF produces service specifications, LSO frameworks, open LSO APIs, software-driven reference implementations, and certification programs. MEF 3.0 work will enable automated delivery of standardized Layer 1, Carrier Ethernet, IP, SD-WAN, and Layer 4-7 services across multiple provider networks. For more information: https://www.mef.net.

Media Contact:
Ashley Schulte
Witz Communications for MEF
ashley@witzcommunications.com

Media Contact:

Melissa Power
MEF
PR@mef.net