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“I really want to obtain a certification, but I do not know where to start.” Does this statement describe you? Is obtaining a certification worth the trouble? Will it pay off in the end? These are the things that I pondered nine years ago when I began preparing for my first IT certification.
The first certification I obtained was Microsoft’s Networking essentials (which was part of the MCSE for NT 4.) I studied for this test for six months while working on a help desk at a law firm. I had dreams of obtaining a better, higher paying job and I saw the MCSE as the best way to get it.
I achieved my goal of getting a better job. I landed a position as a Domino and Windows system administrator. And IT certification played a substantial role in my success. But if there is one thing I’ve learned along the way, it is that you must have a game plan when choosing to leverage certification towards your professional goals.
Determining whether certification is worth your time and energy depends on many factors. You must realize that certification is a tool to help demonstrate a minimal level of competence with a product, process or technology. It should be treated only as a tool and leveraged to your advantage. This means that you must do your homework.
Many companies require certification as a condition of employment while others may only prefer it. If you are seeking employment at a company that normally requires certification, than it is more than worth your trouble – because without it, you won’t even get considered.
However, some companies may frown upon certain certifications (for many reasons). You may do more harm than good mentioning that you are a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (or a Red Hat Certified Engineer) at these companies.
In short, do some research. Check job listings for companies across various geographic regions. Many listings will explicitly say whether or not certification is required or preferred. Compare the salaries and amenities offered. Then compare this with the cost (time and money) of obtaining certification. Once this is done, you will be better able to judge whether or not to pursue certification.
Are you a programmer or an administrator? Or are you both? And do you also manage or want to manage projects? These are some of the general questions that you need to ask yourself when determining your career path.
If you take the programming path I recommend investigating certification in Java or .Net. Both of these certifications are very well recognized and respected. They are also in demand and can assist in landing good job positions
For those interested in the system administration path, I recommend either Windows or Unix certification, depending on your interests and job market conditions. Windows certification is provided (almost) exclusively by Microsoft while Unix certification is provided by many companies depending on the Unix flavor.
I have extensive training and experience on Windows based systems, however I once had to build an internal DNS infrastructure using Linux and Bind. I had some Unix experience and felt comfortable at a bash prompt (one particular Unix command prompt). After reading O’Reilly’s DNS and Bind book, I completed the task in a couple of hours.
I’ve also developed applications in more than half a dozen languages on multiple platforms. I’ve found that once your boss knows what you are capable of doing, you will more than likely be asked at some point to do it.
So what is the point of my story? Never think that your certification will completely define the scope of work you will be asked to perform by an employer. You may find it beneficial to pursue similar certifications by multiple vendors. Obtaining both Java and .Net certifications probably will not hurt you.
Finally, I have to mention the value of learning and certifying in project management. People who learn a project management methodology and certify in it are more valued than those that have not done so. The CompTIA Project+ or the Project Management Institute Project Management Professional certifications complement almost any IT certification.
Where you start depends heavily on your determination and experience. If you have very little experience with computers, you may want to look at CompTIA’s A+ certification. This provides a thorough introduction to PC hardware and MS Windows.
This is where my brother started when he decided to switch to a career in IT. The A+ certification gave him the background he needed before pursuing more advanced certifications. He now holds an MCSE and is working on .Net certification.
By the time I decided to pursue certification, I had already held a position on a help desk and as a computer hardware support technician. Therefore I choose to skip A+ certification and go directly for the MCSE.
Certification does not guarantee anyone (not even yourself!) that you are capable of performing a particular job. This is only guaranteed through proper preparation. Certification only demonstrates a certain base level of knowledge.
How then do you prepare? I have found that the best preparation requires hands-on type training. Set up a test lab that allows you to do most of the tasks that you will be required to do on the job. Often this requires only two to three networked computers and then some software. You can often make do with old computers, and demo versions of software are generally available for free.
However, a test lab is not always possible. I was once a Domino Engineer in a AS/400 environment. AS/400’s are midrange (read expensive and large mainframe like systems) computer systems manufactured by IBM. Setting up an in home AS/400 training lab was not an option. In these cases, an instructor-led training course may be your best (and only) option.
You also need good training materials. I tend to use self-paced training in book format. I have also used CBT’s (computer based training) and videos. Finally, I take a practice test in order to see how well I know the material that will be on the actual exam. These resources coupled with a good test lab and a lot of diligence often prepares you for both on the job skills and for certification tests.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the importance of soft skills. According to Wikipedia:
“Soft skills refer to the cluster of personality traits, social graces, facility with language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that mark people to varying degrees. Soft skills complement hard skills, which are the technical requirements of a job.”
Developing soft skills is one way for you to polish and round out your skills and to make yourself more appealing to your current or prospective employer.
I have found that one of the most sought after soft skills by employers is the ability to communicate effectively. In my opinion, verbal and written communication skills are sorely lacking in the technology field. I know many wonderfully talented IT people that seem more comfortable with the technologies they manage rather than the people they support. One common sign of this weakness is an unwillingness to communicate with people in human terms. It’s important to learn to communicate with people without using overly technical jargon.
Brainbench is a web based company that offers several communications and writing certifications that can help you demonstrate these soft skills. Just remember that technology exists to help people and not the other way around.
College Degree vs Certification
I have been in several discussions about how a college degree stacks up to a professional certification. A professional certification does not replace the need for a college degree. But it can complement one. Remember that some companies still require certifications in addition to a four year degree.
College students may even consider pursuing certification before graduating. This is one more way to distinguish yourself from recent graduates seeking their first real job.
Get Outsource Protection
Outsourcing is a popular trend in the US. However, I have noticed that some people\positions are less likely to have their jobs replaced by cheaper foreign labor. If you develop good soft, project and people management skills, you are less likely to have your job placed on the chopping block.
Use Company Education Reimbursement Programs
When I first began the certification process I paid for almost every book, practice test and certification exam. It was expensive but worth every penny since it helped me to land my first full-time job as a Domino system administrator. This position came with health benefits, a 401k savings plan and education reimbursement. I no longer had to pay my own education and certification expenses.
Check with your current employer to see if they have an education reimbursement program. If it does – save yourself a lot of money and take advantage of it!
Hopefully you have learned something from my experience. I hold certifications in Windows, SQL Server, Lotus Notes and Domino, Netware, and ITIL fundamentals. Several of these certifications are for both system administration and application development.
If you follow my advice on how to pursue IT certification you can increase your chances for success in developing the necessary job skills, obtaining certification and landing your dream job.
Train Signal offers a full line of CBT courses that can not only help you prepare and pass your certification tests but also give you real world examples that will prepare you for what you will encounter in the workplace. Check out our full product line!
Tagged:CCIE, CCNA, CCNP, Certification Help, Comptia A+, Comptia Network +, MCSE, start your certification
Buckie Says:
April 18th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Kelvin — Great article! I found it very informative and agree with all points. Thanks for writing it!
Have a great day!