Computer Certifications for Not Yet Techies

Not so many years ago, almost nobody in or out of the computer field had heard of computer certifications for computer careers. They actually did exist, given by a few specialized associations, but they didn't count for much. You got a computer job by convincing the boss you knew what you were doing. Most used a degree in computer science, some used blarney. Now computer certifications are widely recognized as valid for qualifying techies in highly particular technology skills.

Novell changed it all. In the late 80s their networking software became extremely popular. This was good, but of course there were problems, so their customer support lines were jammed. Even worse, few of their own non-techie employees knew how to fix the problems. They invented computer certifications.

Novell wanted their salespeople to be able to answer customer questions and solve their technical problems. And, make more sales - the curriculum of those early computer certifications classes reportedly included how to sell more software as well as how to service it.

Before long, the early Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) classes were filled with their customers technical staff as well. Novell could not keep up with the demand for CNE classes, so they outsourced the training to independent companies, setting up a chain of authorized training centers to teach people how to get their computer certifications. This helped promote Novell software and opened employment opportunities for new computer careers.

Before long, holding a CNE was a hot job ticket to success for IT professionals. Of course, having a larger pool of people certified as competent to work with their software boosted Novell's business. Companies were more likely to buy Novell's NetWare networking software knowing there was a pool of certified pros.

Other companies were quick to notice this development. Texas Instrument, 3Com and IBM were quick to bring out their own product-related certifications.

In the last several years, Microsoft has chosen to market Windows NT networking software to compete directly with Novell. Microsoft doesn't do things by halves, so this competition has attracted a lot of attention to computer certifications.

Microsoft's networking computer certifications -- the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) is the biggest and hottest certification on the market now. It's most heavily advertised by training centers and the most popular classroom track for computer career changers.

The MCSE computer certifications has attracted the most attention, but many other computer certifications have been launched since 1989. They fall into two basic categories. Vendor-specific and platform independent.

Vendor-specific computer certifications are the most well known. They include all certifications that are geared toward one company's products. Novell's CNE and Microsoft's MCSE are the two most obvious.

Some computer certifications are more general, covering broader territory than one company's products.

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