Currently, there are no formal prerequisites for any of the exams in our catalog. However, we strongly recommend gaining hands-on experience with the relevant product before attempting an exam. The recommended amount of experience varies by difficulty level, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

Each exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. Exams are delivered online through a secure browser and are monitored by online proctors. Certifications are valid for 5 years.

For exam-specific details—including topics covered, recommended experience, preparation materials, and practice questions—please visit our Certification Program page. https://www.intersystems.com/knowledge-hub/certification-program/

On that page, click Available Exams, then select the exam name you are interested in. This will take you to all the details for that specific exam.

Hi Allan, thank you for your question.  InterSystems certifications are indeed technology-specific, with a strong focus on the practical use of InterSystems products and technologies. The goal of these exams is to validate a professional’s ability to design, develop, and manage solutions using InterSystems platforms.
At present, InterSystems certifications do not directly cover management-oriented domains like project governance, portfolio strategy, or human resources. Those areas are generally left to broader IT project management frameworks (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, or SAFe) or vendor-specific certifications like the ServiceNow example you mentioned.
 

Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective—it’s always valuable to see how attitudes toward certifications have evolved over time.

You make an important point: Not all certifications are the same. A course completion certificate shows participation in training, while a professional certification goes further by testing and validating real-world skills through rigorous assessments. Professional experience remains essential, but certifications serve as a strong complement—providing employers with a reliable benchmark of proven knowledge and practical ability.

If you would like to see this difference in action, I invite you to enroll in one of our professional certification exams. These certifications are built to demonstrate practical, job-ready skills and to give both professionals and employers confidence in proven capability. You can explore the available exams here https://www.intersystems.com/knowledge-hub/certification-program/  
And given your extensive experience, we would also be delighted to welcome you as a subject matter expert in the development of our certification exams. Your insights could play an important role in shaping assessments that truly reflect the skills professionals need today.