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Training & Certification:
Certification -- What's in it for me?
Certification is a hot topic these days. Not only does it impress the
suits—corporate likes shiny objects—but more important, it's a great
reflection of your knowledge and skills. Whether it's hardware (A+), Novell (CNE),
Microsoft (MCSE), or any of the many other available programs, you can get
credentialed for being technically savvy.
I already hear the hardliners in the back row: "I've been in the business
for 20 years! I learned everything by livin' it! Certification? WE DON'T NEED NO
STINKIN' CERTIFICATION!"
I will be the first to admit that there is nothing like hard-earned experience
as a measurement of true knowledge and wisdom (those who watch
"Kung-Fu" on TV know what I mean). But you have to remember, we have all
been the "Grasshopper" at one point or another (or always, if you
choose to believe that every day brings new challenges to learn from...)
"OK, getting certified means that I'm smart! I know I'm smart! So
what?" So what? At the very least, it provides a foundation
of the knowledge necessary (outside of experience) to actively participate in
any specified environment (Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, etc.) in an effective
manner. At the most, it is personal satisfaction in knowing. Not to
mention that in this slam-bam Moore's Law world, certified professionals are
highly sought after by recruiters with fistfuls of dollars (check out www.headhunter.net
or www.dice.com). The national average for
a MCSE with 2-3 years experience is around $60,000 a year; for MCSE newbies, it
floats around $40,000 a year. Remember: Corporate likes shiny objects. Use it to
your advantage.
"How do I go about it?" Finally, I've piqued your curiosity (waving
some of $$ around the page helped, no doubt). This could depend on your level of
your skill. The seasoned masters who claim to have helped Bill Gates with his
algebra homework could maybe walk in and pass the test (or tests).
However, those of you with cursory knowledge, or holding entry-level IT
positions (such as computer operator or desktop support), may need a more
structured environment in which to achieve.
An authorized technical school or college is your best bet—check your local
computer or business publication; they are usually rife with ads for Certified
Technical Education Centers (CTEC) or Authorized Academic Training Centers (AATP).
Most of these courses are detailed examinations in mechanics (NT, TCP/IP, Cisco,
Lotus, etc.). This approach, while robust in regard to information (especially
when it comes to passing the test), can be expensive, usually averaging about £7K-£8K.
For those of you with more hands-on experience and who shun your paper-certified
colleagues, preparing to pass the test will be your major concern. Remember that
all the experience in the world won't necessarily guarantee passing any test.
There will always be Your Answer, Their Answer, and the Right
Answer. Regardless of the Right Answer, you need to be familiar with Their
Answer.
Some of the best preparation materials come from publishers such as O'Reilly,
Sybex, Coriolis and Sam's Publishing. They uncover the fluff and get straight to
the marrow of a particular subject/test—not to mention the day-to-day
reference materials are spectacular in the shop.
Want something even higher-tech? Try the test simulator. In this arena,
Transcenders is the leading favorite. The tests uncannily simulate the actual
tests to, well, a T. What can you say about a company that stands behind
its products so much that it offers a money-back guarantee for customers if you
don't pass your test(s)?
If you're really strapped for cash or only have a couple of hours before your
exam, you can delve into the Net and mine tons of superb information, all free.
You may have already known that, but maybe you didn't know the
site. Offering the best compacted, as well as high-impact, test material this
side of a CAB file is Cramsession.com.
Go there and you could be studying for that Internet Information Server 4.0 test
within minutes.
The most down-and-dirty test info is at Brain Dump Heaven. You'll find the
skinniest of the skinny on all major tests from CompTIA's A+ to HP's Netserver:
test strategies, test reviews, and items you couldn't get in an Italian
restaurant from the Godfather himself. You should be aware that although some of
the more "inside" material (posted by recent test-takers) might help
you pass a test, it will do nothing to strengthen your true knowledge base. The
best use of the postings is to familiarize yourself with the test layout, but
always back it up with your own knowledge. Besides, you don't want to be
ridiculed or ostracized in the field as Paper-Certified by those doing all of
the hard "grunt" work. There's no quicker route to losing respect
among your peers.
This should provide a good idea of how to get started on becoming certified.
Next time, I'll dig deeper into the mines of the Microsoft program, which is
perhaps the hottest in the business right now.
And if you strike while the iron's hot, well...
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