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What
is
Certification?
Certification verifies that you
have achieved a particular level
of expertise in a specific area
of computer technology or IT.
Certifications can be related to
products and services of
particular companies (such as
Microsoft, Novell, Cisco)...or to
specific areas of expertise (such
as the Certified Computing
Professional [CCP], the
A+ Service Technician
Certification [CompTIA],
and the Certified Network
Professional [CNP]).
Anyone from beginner to
established IT professional can
benefit from the right
certification. Advantages often
come in the form of a better job,
better pay, or new skills that
allow you to move into more
advanced areas. As long as you
choose a certification that
reflects your goals, it should
serve you well.
How
Can I Choose the Best
Certification
Program?
Some certifications are more
widely recognized than others,
but ultimately what matters is
that you select a certification
program that helps you achieve
your goals.
Decide what you want to
accomplish and also try to
identify the gaps in your
knowledge base. Then, find out as
much as you can about the
certifications that are of
interest to you. You
can begin evaluating
certification program options
here.
The time you spend now will yield
dividends if it helps you find
the right certification
program.
How
Long Will Certification
Take?
Typically, certification programs
are conducted within a specific
time frame, or identify a time
limit during which you must meet
all program requirements.
Certification programs can run
from weeks to several
years.
Where
and How Should I Get
Trained?
Where and how you get trained is
also up to you. You can attend
courses at local computer
training schools, colleges or
universities,
or online.
To
read more about whether online
training is right for you, click
here.
What
Prerequisites Are
There?
While specific prerequisites vary
by provider and program, there
are no absolutes. Certification
programs run the gamut from entry
level to advanced, and all have
different requirements. Some do
not even require a high school
education. Of course, the
stronger your educational
background, the better your job
and salary prospects.
What
About Certification Versus BS or
MBA
Degrees?
If you have your eye on the
executive suite, then a BS degree
(or even an MBA) might be
important in helping you to
achieve your goals. However, if
you're seeking greater pay and
advancement, but don't
necessarily want to be the boss,
an MBA may not be worth your
time...in that case,
certification could be just
what's called for.
Also, many individuals first
acquire some certifications, and
then later decide to obtain a
degree that furthers their career
objectives. Ultimately, you must
decide what's best for you, based
on your own aspirations.
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