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CIW v5 raises the bar in Internet-technology and job-readiness instruction 

As Internet technologies have evolved, so too has CIW, the industry-standard Internet-technologies and job-readiness certification program. CIW will further set itself apart from other IT-related programs with the release of CIW v5 updates of its Site Designer and E-Commerce Designer courseware.



Together with CIW v5 Foundations, released in May 2009, these courseware materials are designed to teach the latest cutting-edge technology and job skills to individuals preparing to enter or advance within the workforce.

CIW official Foundations, "Design Methodology and Technology" and Ecommerce courseware reflect all objectives for their respective exams:

Not only does the courseware prepare individuals for the exams, but also arms them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to enjoy greater success and productivity in their jobs.


CIW v5 Foundations updates and features:

  1. The importance of Social Networking - recognizing and implementing Web 2.0 Technologies, including wikis, folksonomies, webcasting, blogging and podcasting.
  2. Reinforced classroom learning - through case studies that show real-life application of skills and interactive movie clips that supplement instruction.
  3. Expanded and improved Web development labs - updated to XHTML 1.0 and standardized to the latest operating systems.
  4. Job-role training - with expanded job role and IT career information.
  5. Project management - applying Internet technology to increase efficiency and provide a return on investment as both individuals and team members.
  6. Accessibility - making the Internet available for everyone with increased emphasis on accessibility standards.
  7. Security - up-to-date Internet security issues including firewalls, spyware, copyright protection and more.
  8. Latest Internet technologies - such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), open source and popular operating systems, as well as applications.
  9. Troubleshooting - learning about the inner workings of the Internet and computer resources.

CIW v5 Site Designer updates and features:

  1. Latest proprietary and open-source tools - using and evaluating Dreamweaver CS4, Flash CS4, Fireworks CS4, Expression Web 2 and many open-source alternatives.
  2. Enhanced design methods and strategies - learning how to evaluate aesthetic qualities and screen flow, balance layout and avoid unpopular technologies.
  3. Revised Web development labs - based on Habitat for Humanity® Web site.
  4. Advanced technology topics - controlling user focus on the page, streaming media, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and dialects of Extensible Markup Language (XML).
  5. Advanced project-management concepts - setting design goals, creating a Web site project plan, and managing feedback and expectations.
  6. Advanced design and accessibility issues - following industry-respected procedures and learning about essential navigation conventions. Creating accessible pages; helping content and design work together; and evaluating sites to determine if user expectations, needs and capabilities are addressed.
  7. Content development - creating concise, relevant and error-free Web content.

CIW v5 E-Commerce Designer updates and features:

  1. Most current e-commerce software versions - using software including Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, SQL Server 2005 with Service Pack 2 and Microsoft Commerce Server 2007 with Service Pack 2.
  2. Strategies for keeping existing customers and gaining new ones - adjusting site appearance based on user patterns, creating incentives that encourage return visitors (such as blogs, software downloads) and more.
  3. E-commerce security - identifying phishing, how to detect and recover from compromised databases, using intrusion-detecting software and learning how to properly report security issues.
  4. Choosing appropriate technology - evaluating benefits and drawbacks of using native or third-party Web servers.
  5. E-learning and e-commerce - identifying the impact of e-commerce solutions on distance learning, how to design Web content for e-learning, and using Learning Management System and Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) system technology.
  6. Simplified, instructive labs - labs are easier to set up and are instructive, allowing students to recover and learn from mistakes.
  7. Evaluating business opportunities - including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) systems and concepts, the latest taxation issues and the impact of outsourcing and offshoring.

Want to learn more about updates to CIW v5 Site Designer and CIW v5 E-Commerce Designer courseware? Just fill out our simple contact form and one of our Regional Account Managers will get right back to you.