Computer Certifications for Not Yet Techies 3

Computer certifications constantly change. The training schools don't answer to academic boards, they must answer to the authorizers. When you taken an authorized course, you know you're getting the latest available information. When you take the computer certifications tests, you must have the latest information to pass.

You're not allowed to sit on your laurels. To keep your computer certifications, you must stay current. Many require you to continue your education and keep passing up to date exams.

This is the most obvious "gap" in the field. You still do not need anybody to "certify" you as an expert on the Internet. Employers are looking for anyone who can do the required work.

Some training companies and training developers are working on this. There is as of yet no standard, though Prosoft's may have the lead. When I looked at Prosoft's programs early last year, the tracks were still very much in development. They looked promising, but contained a perplexing number of levels and choices. And because they were covering so many different subjects, the total cost was going to be many thousands of dollars, as some MCSE computer certifications programs are.

One problem with the Internet is that so many different technologies are involved. The team that keeps the server up and running requires very different skills than the Java programmer and the web site designer is very different yet.

Are you already an IT professional? If there are computer certifications in your field and you don't have them yet, what are you waiting for?

Even though it's not a requirement for your current job, computer certifications are a form of insurance. Even if you are so happy with your current job that you can't imagine ever working anyplace else, your company may eventually have other ideas.

If you ever plan to make more money or relocate, the more computer certifications you have, the better.

So many people are now taking MCSE classes that by the time you are certified, the market will be filled with many other MCSEs who -- like you -- have no experience and no other qualifications for a networking job.

This is not meant to discourage you. If you really want to work in networking, go for it! The fact that zillions of people are now taking MCSE classes is no reason for you not to. In fact, those other people make it almost mandatory for other networking wannabes to get theirs, because it's becoming a minimum standard. If you don't have it, soon you won't even be considered for networking jobs.

But a minimum standard is the minimum only -- it won't get you hired, at least not at the salary level you are hoping for. Make sure you supplement your MCSE or other training with hands on experience. Volunteer for charities. Create your own home network with cast-off 486 computers.  Go beyond the classroom work.

In the long run, well run computer certifications benefit both companies and IT professionals. But you must decide which info tech certs are best for you and your computer career goals.

Next: CompTIA A+ certification