callas software launches certification program

Berlin – callas software, PDF expert with 30 years of experience in building automated PDF quality control, correction, and archival solutions, today announces the launch of a certification program for its software. The program allows experts to certify their knowledge of the callas products. It also enables resellers and integrators to demonstrate that they work with certified callas experts and have strong in-house expertise in building automated PDF workflows for customers.

“Working with imperfect, real-world PDF files has resulted in software with a learning curve, designed to control complexity rather than hide it,” comments David van Driessche, Chief Evangelist at callas software: “This is not a design flaw – the software is exactly as complex as it needs be to work in the production trenches. It does mean that passing our new certification tests isn’t trivial, and having the certified callas pdfExpert badge is true recognition of capability.”

The certification program kicks off with two certification tests available immediately:

Basic pdfToolbox proficiency

This certification tests a wide range of basic to mid-level pdfToolbox functionality. It focuses not only on what is possible with pdfToolbox, but mainly on understanding the application's architecture and how it functions in practice. The certification is available online, and returns the obtained result immediately. To pass, a minimum score of 75% must be obtained.

Advanced pdfToolbox – variables and JavaScript

This is an advanced certification that focuses on the use of simple and JavaScript variables in pdfToolbox. This certification explicitly assumes knowledge of JavaScript in a pdfToolbox context. As the test includes several open questions, it has to be graded by callas experts. To pass, the minimum score is 85%.

Emma Blaise, owner of bleuprocess, an important callas partner in France, was the first reseller to pass the certification test: “I took the Basic pdfToolbox proficiency certification test; it was really interesting, and some questions were challenging enough to encourage you to check the documentation or to test directly within the software. I’m very happy I passed and can now call myself a certified callas pdfExpert.”

Her feelings are echoed by Markus Brandstätter, Workflow Specialist at Impressed GmbH in Hamburg: “I have a lot of experience with pdfToolbox; built from years of implementations in projects ranging from simple to quite complex. This certification certainly isn’t trivial! Better keep the documentation handy if you want to become a callas pdfExpert too!” Markus scored an almost perfect grade on the certification test, undoubtedly a reflection of many years of real-world experience with pdfToolbox (and many other tools).

Continues David van Driessche: “We encourage the use of our documentation, YouTube movies, and the software itself while taking our certification tests. The intention here is not to trip up test takers by focusing on obscure details, but to ensure real knowledge and deep understanding of how the products work. That, after all, is what is needed to be successful when using pdfToolbox to tame production.”

Availability and cost

All certification tests are completely free. They are available to callas channel partners, but also to print production experts working with pdfToolbox at a printer, publisher…
The certification tests are available immediately. Check them out on the callas website: https://www.callassoftware.com/certification