KENNEBUNK, ME. -- September 5, 2002 -- The National Council has announced online availability of the Digital Imaging Certification Examination (DICE) for imaging operators in the printing, publishing and advertising industries, at StaffingTools.com. National Council certification by the DICE Series will be awarded in each of the series of four examinations: Composition, Job Engineering, Image Capture, and Digital Output. "We are pleased to announce this new series of imaging examinations," announced Edmond L. Kelley, Council Board Chairman. "This innovative and challenging industry 'first' will recognize imaging excellence at the highest level of performance." In addition to knowledge-based content, the examinations contain performance-based components that can indicate a candidate's performance capability. With completion of the entire series, the examination can indicate an operator's performance profile. "While NC imaging and press certification examinations are not specifically designed as bench-mark examinations or for determining skill levels for employment purposes," concluded Kelley, "the potential of any industrial examination with both knowledge and performance-based test items can simulate a candidate's basic performance aptitude, and in so doing assist management with the development of a career development path for the employee."