Virtualisation vendor Citrix Systems has launched a selection of online training courses and certifications to allow IT professionals to strengthen the skills needed to expand their virtualisation strategies.

The new training falls into three areas. The first being certifications for engineers and architects specialising in advanced virtualisation - the updated certifications are Citrix Certified Enterprise Engineer (CCEE) for Virtualisation and Citrix Certified Integration Architect (CCIA) for Virtualisation.

The second area is new online, hands-on training and practice labs. Previously only open to channel partners a new suite of online training courses with integrated labs for IT professionals is now available. The self-paced online courses give students who cannot travel to a Citrix Authorised Learning Centre (CALC) a conveniently scheduled virtual instructor-led course.

Course features include training simulations and remote access to the virtual Citrix lab environment for hands-on learning for up to 30 days.

Currently available courses include basic administration for CitrixR XenServerTM, CitrixR XenDesktopTM, Citrix provisioning capability, and CitrixR NetScalerR.

The third area of training is for update paths, rewards for currently certified individuals. Update paths are available for currently certified CCEA and CCIA professionals. Individuals with these certifications do not have to pass the required Administrator-level exams.

Julieann Scalisi, managing director of worldwide education for Citrix, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide IT professionals with innovative training that addresses the hot topic of virtualisation in a range of delivery formats to meet the varying needs and budgetary constraints of companies today.

“We consistently strive to ensure that our customers' training needs are met, and through these new training and virtual lab offerings, we are expanding our focus and eliminating barriers to ensure that all students are able to enhance their skills, and careers, in this fast-paced, ever-evolving IT industry.”