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Home > Archive > General Discussion > June 2000 > ****Certifications...A must read *****
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****Certifications...A must read *****
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| The technicians at the shop I work in wondered why I quit studying/preparing for the Network+ certification and moved to the CCNA. Why? Because of value. Because of marketablity. Because I am about to complete an AAS in Computer Networking which is covering the same thing at the Network+. In my opinion, the certification pursuit has gotten out of control.
The tech industry is hot right now and everyone wants to jump in. The only thing is that it is hard to tell who really has the proper skills for the job. For instance, I know a guy who has his MCSE and CNE. He was getting job offers left and right, but he does not have basic networking skills nor is he familiar with computer hardware. I know A+ ceritied technicians who don't even know DOS let alone basic troubleshooting skills. What I am getting at is that people should choose a cerfication that best fits their skill area and get hands-on experience actually USING it. Don't be a "paper" MCSE, A+, CNE, etc.
Most people that pursue certifications are the ones looking to get into the IT industry or ones looking to advance (like myself). The key is to find a niche and capitalize on it. The Network+ was going no where for me. In fact, a lot of potential employers that I interviewed with did not even know what it was! I reevaluated my goals and career direction and choose the CCNA to start my journey towards the CCIE. I also plan to learn UNIX and earn a vendor-neutral UNIX certification offered by a local university that is well received by local industries.
Some of you might be wondering "Why not get the MCSE?". I will tell you why. 1) Everybody and their mama has the MCSE. There are over 150,000 MCSEs worldwide and over 50,000 are in the US. It's loosing it's flavor so-to-speak. This leads to reason 2) Micrsoft realizes this and is making dramatic changes in order to keep its luster. On December 31, 2000, Micrsoft will retire it's NT 4.0 track. What does that mean? It means that if you just finished earning your MCSE in NT 4.0, you have until December 31, 2001 to get recertified in Windows 2000.
Microsoft feels that every organization will move to Windows 2000 overnight. What about the organizations who just spent big bucks to migrate to NT? Do you you think that they are going to change to 2000? A small minority will, but most will stay. What does that mean? It means that there will be a need to MCSEs with experience in NT for years to come. To me, the MCSE is not stable or mature just yet.
I chose Cisco because it is the most repected certification out there. Cisco skills are in demand. There are only 4,500 CCIE in the world. Cisco hardware runs over 80% of the Internet. You actually have to have hands-n experience to be proficent with Cisco products. Hell, you have to have hands-on experience just to pass the CCIE!
UNIX has been around for over 30 years. UNIX is on over 85% of the Internet. Most organizations run Unix in some form. Linux has sprung to popularity. UNIX skills are highly sought after just as much if not more than Microsoft.
In no way am I promoting Cisco or UNIX. I am not a "mark" either. I am just trying to move up the IT ladder and not be the guy with a whole bunch of certifications and no real skills. Hopefully, others won't either.
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| Bobby, Maybe you should've been a Newspaper Columnist!!!! Granted your goals and aspirations are right for you, but not everyone has the resources. I'm not hating on you or anything but let's face it It's all about the "BENJAMINS". I'm going out and get mines. You stated that you knew people who were MSCE'S and didn't know Networking, also A+ and didn't know Dos. I know a Doctor who didn't finish Medical School, a Lawyer who got his degree from a correspondance school.
I'm curious to know of those employers that hadn't heard of the N+ certification? Where have they been? Microsoft realized that there were so many people earning their certifications, so they made they quota, so now they pull the plug, and will run the table again, just like 3.51 and now nt4.0 and in a few years it'll be 2000. It's all about the Benjamins Baby. The same thing with the braindumps and Test, people are passing all certifications at a all time high, so all the Test Software providers and Vendors puts out a scare to outlaw them, why? The Benjamins. I commend you on your goals and your individual course for making it,but be careful of how you choose your words. In the Slang Terminology "Papers" mean Money, so I'll continue to be a Paper Tech, because i'm getting Mines. I'll see you at the Interview.
Doggone
Paper MCP, A+, N+ | |
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| I was not trying to critize or offend anyone Doggone. Just bringing up a point. Don't just go out and get certifed and expect the best. It's more than taking a test. You need to know what you are doing as well.
One question concerning "resources". What are you referring to when you say "resources"? In order to be certified you have to have training and/or training materials. I have yet to meet anyone who has passed any certification test without opening a book or playing around with a computer.
In context to employers not knowing about Network+ certification, I also live in the "Peach state" and many recruiters at job fairs and individual companies are unfamiliar with Network+. CompTia even realizes that it has not caught on like they expected. It does not carry the reputation of a A+, MCP, MCSE, CNA, or CNE. If you have any one or more of the above certifications on your resume, you will get an interview 95% of the time. Believe me, resumes are viewed very closely for how much experience a candidate has utilizing their certification.
Most all recruiters and IT managers agree that experience matters the most. One recruiter told me that he would hire a person with one year hands-on experience over a person with a certification and no experience. As far as the "benjamins" go, I know serveral technicians who make MORE that certified technicians because of their experience.
There is a good article at http://www.atlanta.computerjobs.com...ontent/mcse.cfm that brings up the very same subject. | |
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| Bobby,
I've read the articles you've submitted, very good pieces. I fully follow what you're saying. Good luck to you and Keep your head up.
Doggone | |
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| Hey, Bobby Digital, good article! I like your writing style.
Would you be interested in writing articles for this site? It pays $$$. | |
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| email me for details.
Basicaly, I need up to 4 articles every month. You choose the topic. You can also recommend good links like the ones you posted here.
webmaster@examnotes.net
[This message has been edited by Webmaster (edited 06-18-2000).] |
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