Effective September 3, 2007, the Internet Data Center Knowledge Test (IDCKT) will replace the Telecommunications Qualification Test I (TQTI) as a basic requirement for obtaining test qualified status for the IDC Technical Specialist job.  The new test is made up of four parts:  Hardware, Software, Networks, and Cabling.  The pass/fail test may be administered via paper-and-pencil or computer, and assesses candidates' knowledge of important job related information.  Candidates still are required to qualify on the Technical Specialist – Telephone Ability Battery (TS-TAB) Q1 to become test qualified for this job.
 
Because the IDCKT assesses knowledge not assessed by the TQTI test, this change constitutes a change in the test standards required to be test qualified for the IDC Technical Specialist job.  As a result, candidates who have qualified on the TQTI who have not been placed in the IDC Technical Specialist job will now need to qualify on the IDCKT.
 
Because test standards have changed, the test will be available for immediate testing for those who have taken the TQTI and not been placed in an IDC Technical Specialist job.  The retest intervals for all candidates will be set so that all candidates may retest at six months for the first and second retests, and at one year for retests after that.
 
Upon implementation of the IDCKT on September 3, 2007, the following employees will be grandfathered automatically, within 30 days of the implementation date:
 
·  Employees who occupy a job for which the IDCKT is a basic test requirement.
 
Also, candidates who satisfy the following criteria will be exempt and considered qualified on the IDCKT:
 
·  Candidates who held a job for which the test is a basic requirement on all job requisitions for six months or longer within the past five years.
 
The soonest that anyone can take the new test will be September 3, 2007.  The Alliance has been notified of the new test and is currently working on a test preparation