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This page was last modified 22:49, 9 July 2007.

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Accredited Symbian Developer (ASD)

The Accredited Symbian Developer (ASD) qualification allows professional Symbian developers to demonstrate their knowledge of Symbian OS software development with an industry-recognized certificate of professional achievement.

How it works

ASD candidates take a computer-assessed exam - that runs on any computer with a web browser and Internet connection.

Majinate Ltd administers the ASD program on Symbian's behalf, and have a network of regional partners who can provide the exam. When a candidate sits the exam, the questions are weighted and the test runs in an adaptive mode (so each person is asked questions tailored to their level of ability).

The questions are on a curriculum of knowledge that Symbian decides upon (with annual reviews) and publishes as a set of learning objectives. These objectives are also the basis of the “Fundamentals of Symbian OS” course provided by the Symbian Academy to affiliated universities. The ASD curriculum includes both theoretical and practical topics, to test the understanding and application of Symbian C++.

The pass mark of the ASD exam is also set by Symbian, and is regularly calibrated against a sample group.

What happens when you pass?

A developer that passes the examination receives a certificate and electronic logo to use on their website or as an avatar on discussion forums.

ASDs are also entitled to benefits such as access to the portal provided by Majinate, exclusive discounts and invitations to special developer events.

Aside from these, the ASD scheme gives professional Symbian C++ developers a way to demonstrate their competence. It gives employers confidence that they are recruiting knowledgeable Symbian C++ developers.

How to prepare

A revision guide, and course handbook, is published by Symbian Press. "The Accredited Symbian Developer Primer" groups the learning objectives together and explains them. A set of sample questions to to practice before taking the exam are also available.

Symbian Developer Network has published a paper by a developer who has written about the experience of preparing for and taking the ASD exam. “I whole heartedly recommend the ASD program for anyone serious about working with Symbian OS,” says Sam Mason, a professional computer scientist from Sydney, Australia, and now a qualified ASD. “It has been one of the more intense learning processes of my professional life”.

More information

More information, including a webcast, is available on the Symbian Developer Network.

For developers who are already an ASD, a complementary examination, Accredited S60 Developer, to assess understanding of S60 development is also available. More information is available here.