Program Takes A Scientific And Historical Approach to Understanding Color And Color Management; Demonstrates Canon's Commitment to Ensuring Color Quality TAMPA, Fla.-Dec. 5, 2001-- Canon U.S.A. will soon begin holding the initial classes in its Color Imaging Professional (CIP) Certification Program, the first training program of its kind in the color imaging industry. The CIP Certification Program will set the highest level of imaging competency, preparing participants for the challenging CIP certification examination that follows the course. Canon delivered the CIP Certification Program announcement at the Canon Digital Solution Forum 2001, the Company's annual showcase of technological leadership and strategic vision that takes place at the Tampa Bay Convention Center today through December 7. Designed to create a comprehensive color industry standard of knowledge and skills for a growing segment of color customers and their support teams, Canon's CIP Certification Program teaches two levels of classes that will help clients implement or improve the quality of their color imaging processes. Following the training, students will be given a rigorous examination composed of a set of statistically verified competencies that will distinguish those who successfully pass as true color imaging professionals. The CIP certification exam is currently available nationwide through Prometric Testing Centers, leading worldwide providers of technology-based testing and assessment services. The CIP Certification Program, jointly created by Canon U.S.A. and I.O. Technologies, consists of two levels of instruction - CIP Specialist and CIP Professional. The four-day Specialist course includes lectures and hands-on lab exercises and is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of color and possess some experience in the color industry. The curriculum includes extensive color theory, desktop publishing, traditional and digital printing processes, and an introduction to the scientific approach to color management. The five-day Professional course is designed for individuals with at least four years experience in the color imaging industry or those who have successfully completed Canon's CIP Specialist Program. Also consisting of lectures and lab exercises, the Professional course more closely examines open and closed color management systems, how different systems manipulate color and the theory and practical use of color management tools. Candidates for the CIP Program are required to be proficient in industry-standard applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign and Quark Xpress. Scheduled to begin during the first half of 2002, the CIP Certification Program will be held by authorized training providers at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York and at Canon U.S.A. offices in Irvine, California; Itasca, Illinois and Jamesburg, New Jersey. Canon U.S.A.'s offices in Irving, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia are also expected to begin offering the CIP training during the second half of 2002. Canon U.S.A. also invites other color imaging industry participants, such as Print-For Pay firms and colleges and universities, to become Authorized CIP Training Providers. For more information on scheduling, fees and registration for Canon's CIP Certification Program, please call Arnold Tooma, Canon U.S.A., at 516-328-5620