CLP Practicum/Future of Certs

Don't know if this is the most appropriate forum to ask, but I will
anyway.

Has anyone completed the practicum for CLP? If so, how was the
difficulty level? I've had instructors tell me it's VERY VERY hard. ?

Does anyone know Novell's plans for certifications? Will we see a
blending of CNE and CLP/CLE at some point?