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