| There are many ways to get any of the large | | | | ethic and solid experience. With today's |
| number of network certifications now | | | | study materials, almost anyone can learn |
| available. There's not only software | | | | enough to pass the required tests and become |
| certification like those offered from Oracle, | | | | certified. This however does not make anyone |
| Java, Microsoft, etc. but there's also direct | | | | competent to work on a network anymore than |
| network hardware certifications from strong | | | | walking into a garage makes one a mechanic. |
| companies like Cisco and then there's the | | | | It's skills, talent and knowledge that are |
| server administration, hardware repair, | | | | truly desired. |
| security and several sub category type | | | | |
| certifications. All are available but the | | | | Microsoft Certifications are one of the most |
| question is if these have any real value in | | | | widely pursued and acclaimed professional |
| the marketplace. | | | | certifications in the IT industry. Preparing |
| | | | MS certification tests, however, is a |
| The answer, unfortunately is not simple. This | | | | significant undertaking whether you're just |
| is because while many companies demand a | | | | out of college or have been in IT field for |
| certain certification, they will also bend | | | | years. IT professionals are continuously |
| the requirement and allow you to get | | | | demanded to acquire new knowledge in order to |
| certified once you have the job. There's also | | | | perform well on their jobs as new technology |
| people in the marketplace who are strong | | | | in the IT industry emerged at a pace that has |
| proponents of certification or another. The | | | | never been seen before. Regardless what |
| reason for this is usually because they have | | | | certifications (Microsoft Certified |
| that certification and by requiring it, they | | | | Professional or MCP, Microsoft Certified |
| somehow believe it validates their decision | | | | System Administrator or MCSA, Microsoft |
| to obtain the training and pass the tests. | | | | Certified System Engineer or MCSE ) you are |
| | | | pursuing, a thorough planning will increase |
| The reality is that like a good resume and | | | | the chance of success. |
| education pedigree, certifications help get | | | | |
| you in the door. Think about it for a moment. | | | | The importance of hands-on Experience, no |
| If you were hiring a network administrator, | | | | matter if it's your own little network at |
| you would probably ask for the usually | | | | home or at your job, experience matters! |
| experience and basic education and some type | | | | Being able to apply the knowledge gained by |
| of networking certification. If 100 people | | | | the study necessary to obtain your |
| claiming the same skills and experiences | | | | certification is just as important as the |
| levels all apply and all have at least the | | | | exam itself. |
| single required certification while 10 have | | | | |
| not only the network cert but also maybe | | | | When preparing for any certification test, |
| several MS and a security certificate, which | | | | have a network available to physically learn |
| candidates applying would probably get | | | | the principles being taught. You network |
| scheduled for interviews? Right! It would be | | | | might only be a couple of old PC's and a |
| the ones with the better paper | | | | switch but it's enough to understand the |
| qualifications. | | | | principles and basic information. You gain |
| | | | valuable skills that cannot be obtained any |
| So the value of a certification can be | | | | other way except through hands on work. |
| measured by it's recognition as important by | | | | |
| employers, and the relative value they place | | | | Finally, consider using CBT's or computer |
| on such training. If you're applying in | | | | based training as part of your test |
| network shops that value certifications, then | | | | preparation. These tools are a great way to |
| they will naturally place a premium on the | | | | take your level of understanding to a new |
| fact that your have that training and will | | | | level. This is also true of practice exams. |
| probably reflect that in an increased | | | | |
| earnings range. | | | | If you develop the skills necessary to |
| | | | support the certifications, all your |
| The real key however is to recognize that | | | | training, costs and effort will pay off |
| employers are NOT employing you because you | | | | handsomely. With your knowledge and training, |
| have a certification. You must have the | | | | you can expect to be have an easier time |
| skills necessary to do the job and meet the | | | | getting considered for positions, moving up |
| requirements of the position. No amount of | | | | in a company, and enjoying a solid work |
| certifications can make up for a strong work | | | | career. |