Y2K Site
Map | Terms of Use | Problem | Steps
| Certification | Briefings
| Compliance | Solutions
| BIOS | Test
& Evaluation | Cost
The following Y2K material has been kept available by MITRE for historical purposes only and has not been updated unless noted.
 | Certifier Qualifications |
The following describes the characteristics and experience of a "perfect" certifier. We realize that individuals who fit this description realistically do not exist or are very hard to find. To find the best certifier for your systems, it's in your best interest to find a closest match to this perfect certifier. A certifier is designated by a manager and given proper authority and responsibility to meet the organization's Y2K objectives. Actual selection criteria may differ depending upon the functional area, mission requirements, and other circumstances determined by your managers. The following guidelines may be used by managers in selecting a certifier.
Organizational Knowledge/Experience
- Knowledgeable of all key players, internal organizational, external functional, and command elements involved with systems of interest
- Sufficient knowledge, skill level, and ability in the functional area of interest to allow effective and timely assessments and/or evaluations
- Familiar with and display an understanding of the complexities of the mission environment, systems and applications they must certify
Technical Knowledge/Experience
- Possess the technical and operational expertise to extract pertinent information during the certification process
- Possess the ability to conduct a methodical and extensive life-cycle analysis of data, information, procedures, and processes related to the functional area assigned
- To meet the these technical criteria, a certifier should have some background in:
- Capability Maturity Model (CMM)
- Quality Assurance and/or Independent Validation & Verification (IV&V)
- Testing (planning and/or execution)
- Software Engineering
Authority & Commitment
- Serving in a level or position commensurate with the responsibility and with the necessary authority to execute required actions with access to relevant databases and cognizant management authorities
- Primary or "lead" certifiers must have sufficient time remaining in the assignment and position to perform the duties required until 2001 to insure continuity.
Y2K Certification Training
If you have .mil or .gov access and would like to read about training needed to become a Y2K Certifier, take a look at the AFY2K Certifier Training Slides under "AIS Certification" at the AFCA website. If you are unable to access the AFCA website, please take a look at our "List of Conferences" and "Books, Articles, Newsletters, and Training" from our Other Links for the Y2K Problem page to help you locate conferences, tutorials, or specialized training dealing with Y2K Certification.
For further information directly related to Year 2000 issues, please contact Year2000@mitre.org