Level 2: BCS MTP Specialist (CICS)

Below are details of the skills that must be demonstrated in the examination in order to succeed at this level, and the prerequisite education and/or experience expected.

Examination

The examination will be conducted over one day in invigilated test conditions. The disciplines and knowledge tested will comprise:

• demonstrating a knowledge of CICS architecture, Terminology and Configurations (e.g. TOR/WOR/AOR/DOR etc)
• demonstrating a knowledge of CICS application design such as Pseudo-Conversational and Conversational design, including CICS API functionality and capabilities
• Defining and Managing CICS Resources - knowledge of theory and practical expertise
• demonstrating an ability to provide assistance with first line application debugging
• demonstrating an ability to manage CICS regions in a CICSPlex.

Skills demonstrated

In order to qualify at this stage candidates will be expected to:

demonstrate a working knowledge of CICS features by:

• describing the basic architecture, facilities and terminology of CICS
• describing the CICS functions available for program development including use of COMMAREAS, Channels & Containers (no coding required)
• explaining the role of CICS in a distributed environment
• identifying the major management modules and tables
• tracing and describing the flow of a CICS transaction
• identifying the CICS facilities used for accessing data
• performing all CICS administration duties including the use of CEMT, CEDA and DFHCSDUP
• maintaining macro coded table entries
• explaining the effect parameters have on performance, reliability and availability with particular emphasis on the SIT/Overrides

• describing the functions provided by CPSM operations
• explaining the required CPSM infrastructure
• describing the security facilities provided by CPSM
• configuring and defining a CICSPlex
• defining CICSPlex topology.
• describing the capabilities of Single System Image (SSI) and single point of control and definition

Prerequisite knowledge/experience

Candidates for the Level 2 BCS Mainframe Technology Professional (CICS) certification will be expected to have at least three years of experience in a mainframe-based data centre and will have Level 1 Mainframe Technology Professional certification, or have the equivalent experience.