[ripe-list] RIPE NCC Academy unavailable from 2-27 January 2020

Dear colleagues,

The RIPE NCC Academy will not be available from 2-27 January 2020 as we 
are upgrading the platform and changing how we offer digital badges and 
certificates. Here’s what we’re changing:

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*Important Information*
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If you are currently following a course, or have earned a badge or 
certificate from the RIPE NCC Academy:
- Going forward, we will no longer issue certificates through the RIPE 
NCC Academy.
- Badges earned by completing activities in the Academy courses will 
also be removed.
- If you would like to receive a RIPE NCC Academy certificate, make sure 
to finish any incomplete courses before 2 January 2020. Your progress in 
a course will not be saved beyond this date.
- Please download and save your RIPE NCC Academy certificates as they 
will not be available from 2 January onwards.
- The new RIPE Database course will be available after 27 January 2020.
- We will issue verifiable digital badges and certificates through the 
RIPE NCC Certified Professionals programme from 2020 onwards.

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A fresh RIPE Database Course
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The RIPE Database online course will return with new, up-to-date 
content. This content is aligned with the RIPE NCC Certified 
Professionals exam. Other major changes include making the modules 
shorter, meaning that you can learn about a topic in 10-20 minute 
sessions. We have also improved the interactivity and have added 
exercises to help you practice your RIPE Database skills.

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Training Database Upgrade
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The Training Database is a copy of the RIPE Database for learners. It 
will be updated to the latest version of the RIPE Database software and, 
from now onwards, it will be synced with every future update of the RIPE 
Database software.

While the bad news is that we will take the Academy offline for most of 
January 2020, the good news is that it will come back with improved 
functionality and a better learning experience. You can read more about 
these changes on RIPE Labs:
https://labs.ripe.net/Members/ulka_athale_1/revamping-the-ripe-ncc-academy

If you have any questions, write to us at <academy at ripe.net>

Best regards,

Sandra Brás
E-Learning Programme Manager
RIPE NCC