EXHIBIT 99.2

                              NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC.

                                  CERTIFICATION

In connection with the periodic report of Novellus Systems, Inc. (the "Company")
on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2002 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), I, Kevin S. Royal, Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof,
solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States
Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

         (1)      the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section
         13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
         and

         (2)      the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in
         all material respects, the financial condition and results of
         operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

Date: March 5, 2003                 By:  /s/ Kevin S. Royal
                                          ___________________________________
                                          Kevin S. Royal
                                          Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer