LonMark Americas (LMA), the North American affiliate of LonMark International (LMI) whose purpose is to promote the integration of open, multi-vendor control systems utilizing ANSI/CEA 709.1 and related standards, announced that the first LonMark® Certified Professional test designed to establish core competency and proficiency standards for the LON community were to be held January 31, 2007, at the AHR Expo in Dallas.

The LonMark Certification Testing Program is a natural extension of the multiple requests from the industry to establish a competent, qualified team of professionals worldwide with the same standards of excellence. The test is open to any industry professional involved in the design, specification, integration, or installation of LON control networks.

  Those passing the test will be designated as a LonMark Certified Professional and be recognized as having the credentials associated with comprehensive LON technology knowledge. The test is designed for network integrators such as HVAC, lighting, security, building automation and controls engineers, consulting engineers, specifiers, and facility managers.

  “There are many companies claiming to be experts in LON systems, but until now there was no practical way of establishing proficiency,” Ron Bernstein, executive director of LonMark International, said. “Specifying LonMark Certified products and LonMark Certified personnel to install them will ensure you get the best possible system and most highly qualified people working on the project.”

  The LonMark Certified Professional exam is comprehensive covering 12 distinct subject areas, including: LonWorks® history and terminology, physical and logical network structuring, installation, communication, LonWorks and IP, and user interfaces. The Professional test is the first of several levels of certification that will be offered by LonMark. In the works are an installer level certification and an integrator certification for integration companies.

  Test candidates must register online for the LonMark Certified Professional exam atwww.lonmark.org/testing.