FREE ESSAY ON ARE YOU CERTIFIED

ARE YOU CERTIFIED

The impact of technology in our lives has grown exponentially over recent years. The
demand for better, faster, more productive software and hardware equipment has increased
the need for more experienced and better qualified IT (Information Technology)
specialists. These IT professionals must possess a degree of knowledge and expertise that
sets them apart from others in their field. One way industry has set the standard in
recruiting such specialized individuals is certification. 
Certifications are offered in a variety of specialty areas. Microsoft Certified Solutions
Developer is one of many certifications offered by Microsoft (MCSD). The MCSD is in the
area of coding, analysis, debugging and testing of applications. Another is A+
Certification sponsored by CompTIA that certifies the competency of entry-level service
technicians in the computer industry. A more prestigious certification is the Cisco
Certified Internetworking Expert, which yields one of the highest salary compensations
but is also more difficult to obtain. These aforementioned certifications are only three
of the several offered by Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and Oracle. 
So what if these certifications are well known to the industry; so what if the companies
that are known and respected worldwide back them. Are they the big deal that everyone
claims they are? The answer to that is yes, and for several reasons. Becoming certified
can enhance job opportunities, assert proof of professional achievement, and increase
salary probability. 
Certification is a practical means of assessing skills and experience. According to KB
Learning Centers, Inc., Many employers give preference in hiring applicants with
certification. They view this as proof that a new hire knows the procedures and
technologies required. For people new to the industry, certification can be used to
measure their standing and provide a starting point for building their professional
careers. It is also true that many employers and human resource officers will view
certifications as a deciding factor between several applicants. For those who are already
in the industry certification can help career advancement and compensation. These
professionals are recognized for specialized knowledge in their choice of specialty
areas. Certification may be a plus to seasoned veterans when an employer awards job
advancements and promotions. Employers are looking for ways to assure they hire qualified
people to administer computer networks and design custom applications.
Becoming certified is also recognized proof of professional achievement. Membership in a
distinctive peer group made up of fellow professionals. These individuals have dedicated
huge amounts of time and effort in preparation for the certification exams. Often, when
being considered for additional in house or vendor training, certification may be
required as a prerequisite, so employers will offer advanced training to those employees
who are already certified. As the general public learns about certification,
customeiivity, plus minimize network downtime. Information Week's Emily Kay notes that
Companies that don't support certification spend nearly $14,000 more dealing with network
downtime and PC support costs. according to IDC. 
According to a recent survey by Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group of 1,442 CIOs, seven
out of ten companies worldwide are having difficulty in finding the skilled IS staffers
they require. And, more than 80% of those surveyed said they expect their client/server
expenditures to increase in the following year.
So, companies that support employee certification can operate their networks more
effectively, plus take advantage of the cost savings that come with improved efficiency.
Now more than ever, professionals need certification and corporations need individuals
with certification.
Statistics say you'll make more money
MCP Magazine has produced salary surveys for three years, tracking the average salaries
of Microsoft Certified Professionals. The verdict - MCP's make more than their
non-certified counterparts (of comparable age and experience). The average salary of
MCP's increased over 10% from 1996 to 1997. 
But network administration isn't the only reason to become certified. Because NT has been
gaining steam in the corporate world, so have the Back Office suite of products - SMS,
Exchange, SQL Server, as well as Web-enabled products like Internet Information Server
and Merchant Server. These products offer enterprises a turnkey solution to many IT
needs, and these enterprises need people who know them inside and out. Having
certification on your resume greatly increases your marketability to your current, or to
a potential, employer. 
Why Become Certified?
Statistics say you'll make more money.
MCP Magazine has produced salary surveys for two years, tracking the average salaries of
Microsoft Certified Professionals. The verdict - MCP's make more than their non-certified
counterparts (of comparable age and experience). The average salary of MCP's increased
over 10% from 1996 to 1997. 
Those who have attained Certification say it is worth it.
According to a white paper by Southern Illinois University, ninety percent of MCSEs rated
the Microsoft Certification as Useful or Very Useful. Seventy percent rated Certification
as Useful or Very Useful for professional credibility. 
So how can a reseller differentiate by certification? From a salary perspective, Cisco is
the way to go. With so many Microsoft gurus and Certified Novell (formerly NetWare)
Engineers, these certificates are becoming commodities. 
Cisco's top certification, the CCIE, is worth a starting salary of $100,000. High-end
CCIEs make $200k without breaking into a sweat. Reseller profits are similarly high,
assuming you can keep your CCIEs from bolting to become independent consultants.
The other Cisco accreditations--the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco
Certified Network Professional (CCNP)--are also profitable for their holders and
employers. Janet Ruhl's Computer Consultant's Resource Page, a well-regarded Web salary
survey site, pegs these incomes in the mid-$80,000 range for certificate-holders with
substantial experience.
As for MCSEs, starters earn around $40,000 a year. With experience, system administrators
and consultants jump to the high $50,000-range. High-level positions such as a senior
consultant command between $70k and $90k. More lofty salaries are possible, but they're
uncommon for reseller MCSEs.
The oldest certification, Novell's CNE, is worth the least. The salary figures range from
$35,000 to $80,000 annually, with the bulk of middle-range employees at $50K or below. By
and large, more Novell folks are in the $35K to $45K range than MCSEs. Indeed, these
Windows NT resellers seem to be pulling in at least $5,000 more per year than their
NetWare counterparts.