EXHIBIT 99.3

JOINT FILING STATEMENT

          In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each of the undersigned agrees that (i) the statement on Schedule 13D relating to the Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, of Credence Systems Corporation has been adopted and filed on behalf of each of them and (ii) all future amendments to such statement on Schedule 13D will, unless written notice to the contrary is delivered as described below, be jointly filed on behalf of each of them. This agreement may be terminated with respect to the obligations to jointly file future amendments to such statement on Schedule 13D as to any of the undersigned upon such person giving written notice thereof to each of the other persons signatory hereto, at the principal officer thereof.

June 9, 2004

NPTEST HOLDING, LLC

By: FRANCISCO PARTNERS GP, LLC,
Its Managing Member

By: /s/ Gerald Morgan  

Name:
Title: Gerald Morgan
Managing Director

FRANCISCO PARTNERS L.P.,

By: FRANCISCO PARTNERS GP, LLC,
Its General Partner,

By: /s/ Gerald Morgan  

Name:
Title: Gerald Morgan
Managing Director

FRANCISCO PARTNERS GP, LLC,

By: /s/ Gerald Morgan  

Name:
Title: Gerald Morgan
Managing Director