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One Small Step for Certification… |
| Getting rid of braindump sites may be good for the industry, but in Kevin's opinion, much more needs to happen before most IT certifications can actually mean something again. |
| by Kevin Kohut |
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2/26/2003 -- So, Robert Keppel is going to jail for his criminal actions in operating a braindump site. Now that CheetSheets.com is no longer, other braindump sites are jumping for cover (at least the ones based in the U.S.). What will all the wannabe IT pros do now? How will they get their certifications? Who will guide them through the technical labyrinth of Microsoft's tricky exam questions and confusing scenarios?
I'm thrilled to see the braindump sites starting to disappear. While I don't necessarily support the criminal prosecution of such braindumpers (seems more like a civil issue), I must admit that I'm liking the results. There's a chance now that, someday, my hard-earned MCSE will mean something again. I can just see it -- potential clients actually impressed with my certifications. Maybe we're on the long road back to the good ole' days of IT consulting!
But to get there, more has to happen. Much, much more. First off, all you existing "paper" MCSEs would need to relinquish your certs, knowing that your sacrificial efforts will help restore prestige and value to your "real-world" compatriots. Go get an entry-level job, put in your time doing the grunt work, and then let's talk about your IT skills. Or at least show me that you've done something outside the lab in your garage.
But it can go even further. I'd like to see the "legitimate" purveyors of certification exam helps recall their offerings and agree to publish only traditional how-to and reference material. What we need on the bookshelves are step-by-step guides and easy-to-look-up references, example-laden configuration manuals and "let me tell you how I did this in the real world' books. Enough of the "cram with this book and pass the test" stuff.
And all you employers of IT professionals out there, you also need to join the fray. How many times have you hired someone for an IT position based on his myriad certifications? Replace all those richly certified but actual experience-lacking individuals with true IT professionals.
Next, I want to talk to the training providers, the bootcamps, the "we'll make you an MCSE, MCDBA, and MCSD in 8 weeks" folks. You guys need to start by truly screening potential students. Oh, I know you all claim to enforce prerequisite skills, but most of you accept anyone who qualifies for financial aid. You also need to change your curricula: Don't teach to the test, but rather provide real-world skills to address real-world situations. It'd be great if you couldn't collect tuition for a student until that student actually got hired and stayed on the job for at least 90 days.
And let's not forget the companies that started this whole thing: The software and hardware vendors that implemented certification programs in the first place. Microsoft, take a cue from Cisco and develop a lab-based exam that is virtually impossible to pass unless you truly know your stuff. In fact, why doesn't Microsoft (and other companies with certification programs) simply get out of the certification business altogether? Vendor-neutral certifications haven't completely established themselves as worthy alternatives to their vendor-specific cousins, but they are finding their way into acceptance as a valid measure of IT prowess. If these could evolve into higher-level programs that truly take a neutral yet comprehensive approach to vendor technology, then we'd be getting somewhere.
Yeah, I'm glad to see these braindump sites go. But even if they all disappear, it's only one small step towards reclaiming the glory, the prestige, the practical value of my MCSE. Maybe I'll actually hang my MCSE certificate back on the wall again! 
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Kevin Kohut has been involved with information technology in some form or another for over 18 years, and has a strong business management background as well. As a computer consultant Kevin has helped both small businesses and large corporations realize the benefits of applying technology to their business needs. Kevin is also a contributing editor for Microsoft Certified
Professional Magazine. Drop him a line at .
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There are 62  user Comments for “One Small Step for Certification…”
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Page 5 of 7
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| 4/3/03: Anonymous says: |
well, I guess that's why you're NOT an employer, isn't it, "JimpalaSS", but rather just another dorky-a**ed wannabe |
| 4/3/03: Anonymous says: |
Everytime I read information on this site, I always read what these so called experts say about paper MCSE's about how they just breeze past tests.For the writer of this article I have one thing to say to you "you are full of sh*t". I have worked hard for my certs. ( I am a MCSA) I have been through rigorous courses and read so many books to get those certs to have somebody like you who probably hasn't touch a network cable or troubleshooted a VPN connection in his whole IT career to say I am a paper MCSE because I haven't the experience. Its people like you who makes it hard for us so called "newbies" to get a foot in the door. What you need to do is shut up and let BIll Gates run his company. |
| 4/3/03: Adrian Downes from the corner of honesty and green pastures says: |
There's an old saying about going to the well to often, and I've found myself pursuing certs instead of addressing what businesses want: IT pros with solid comprehension of business functions, communication and project management skills. Well, that time has passed. Many of my colleagues have moved on from foot-soldier to leader, and in each circumstance, learning about what businesses want are what helped all of them move on to greener pastures. Now, while not all of us desire the kind of heat CIOs face these days, true competitive advantage amongst your peers will come with the business edge. Let your next certification be in project management (IT Project) or take a business course or two. For those of you already certified and working, I can attest to the value of business knowledge over more technology (hey, new version of tech will always come out, and if you are keen to it, you'll stay abreast of those changes anyway.) For those of you who are unemployed, hey, I've been there too... employers like to see that we've kept ourselves busy, particularly in areas that businesses want. Personal experience here.... trust me... If we are willing to invest in (at a miniumum) the fee for taking a cert exam, then we should be able to put in at least as much for a course or two in a business subject area. For those of you looking for that first opportunity, your challenges are two-fold: technology and business. Should the newbie get a cert? Hell yes, speaking from experience, it should represent the area of IT one is most interested in (I'm an MCDBA because I really dig databases). Should the newbie also have a similar commitment to at least one business function (ie. accounting)? Definitely yes. Should the newbie be able to communicate effectively and exhibit time management (read: project management) skill or ability? Triple-yes. Ultimately, for most any of us in IT, the greenest pastures are still available-- however, we all cannot code or administer forever; most of us will move on into leadership, teaching, consulting or ownership roles; business knowledge couldn't be more valuable down the track. Me? I'm making an investment in myself and intend to pursue my MBA part-time (yes, while working). We, as mature professionals, strong and proud and knowledgeable, really need to stop bickering about certs, and each other. Let's focus on what businesses want. See you in the meadows... |
| 4/3/03: Ken Bishop from Silver Spring, MD says: |
I have been actively employed in the IT field for 15 years, with 11 years post Computer Science degree. I took the whole NT 4.0 MOC when my company paid for it. (Thanks Alcatel) I did not take the tests because the company did not want me to focus on testing; they wanted me to expand the network. I stopped working in December 2001. I have not had an interview yet. I finally submitted and spent $7,600.00 on the 2000 MOC. I created a 3 node DSL network at home and I spent a year (without income) on 2000 MCSE. I will take my last test this month. I would not say that a 3 node network can compare in scale to a 150 node network. So experience is the key. Unfortunately, employers and HR Depts. fill positions with certifications. No has ever asked me about my B.S. Computer Science degree. I just downloaded the RC2 version of 2003 server. I will buy the Microsoft self help books and take the 2 upgrade tests. Then I will go back to college to get a Masters Degree in another area of Computers. I like the Networking field, but it is unstable, lacks respect for the IT worker, and is filled with insecure managers. |
| 4/9/03: Anonymous says: |
I have been in this field for 15 years. I have a degree in Chemistry, Physics, and CS. I have multiple certs (Cisco, MS, and Novell). As a hiring manager, I no longer rely on certs alone nor do I rely on degree alone nor do I rely on experience alone. I look for a good combination of all of these and verify the candidate is qualified from there. I think what is happening in this field is it is beginning to look a lot like the nursing field. You have to have the degree, pass state boards, and remain certified to remain employed. Teaching is beginning to look the same way (at least in Ohio). Once that happens in the IT field, you can say good bye to the paper certification chasers, which have been a real curse in this industry. |
| 4/12/03: Michele from MI says: |
I so agree with Ken. I was layed off last year and didn't have a job for 9 months. I really debated getting out of the IT biz completely. I was sick of working for insecure managers, coworkers that weren't team players. I worked my a$! off, I was on-call two weeks out of every month 24/7, and then I was shown appreciation by being layed off. I ended up getting a new position and I am glad to be back in IT. I really enjoy my job because I am learning all the time. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate at the national level currently. This is very scary to me. Basically, the employers know that you are a dime a dozen. I am not so arrogant to think I am irreplaceable even though I feel I do a great job and have earned their respect. I am currently updating all my certs. I am due. I knew it was part the job. I think it is part of any job really. Everyone should update their skills on a regular basis. When it comes time for company layoffs you have a much better chance because you have current skills, versus someone who had a good idea 20 years ago. Once I update my certs. I still think I am going to go back to school for my masters. After the layoff, I just have no sense of security. I really enjoy my career and after being back in the workforce I feel I am supposed to be here, I just feel vunerable and there is a sense of a lack of respect in the network arena. I find it odd that we respect each other when we see someone that really knows their stuff because we realize what it took to get to that level, but users, managers, etc. are like put out the fire, goodbye. |
| 4/16/03: cj from st. louis says: |
I absolutely agree with what you're saying Michele. Except for one thing - Missouri, not Michigan has the highest unemployment rate. Lucky me! At least I'm currently working, although I really don't like the job. But it frustrates the hell out of me to think that every time I apply for a position, my resume winds up in a stack of a thousand... I was working on upgrading my MCSE, but it seems pretty pointless now, since no one cares. I'm stalled out and can't figure out what to do. I have experience w/ Citrix, so I think I'll get my CCA, but I need something more than that to keep me out of these crappy PC-rollout contracts that waste my talents and suck the life out of me. I don't know whether I would draw more interest if I got Cisco or Sun certifications, or if I should just screw the certs and try to pound out the 40-50 credit hours I still need for a degree. My sister-in-law's boyfriend, who is about to finish a CS degree, just got a summer internship paying only a few bucks an hour less than what I make after three years as an MCSE. He'll probably get hired on after he graduates and make over $50k. Sigh... |
| 4/17/03: Anonymous says: |
Change this f*cking story already! |
| 4/18/03: Anonymous says: |
I agree can we update this site more than once every two months? If you need writers, who do I contact? |
| 4/18/03: Anonymous says: |
I agree with what everyone is saying regarding the braindump sites, but being in school for four years and simply working as an intern during the summers is not enough to get you in the industry even with a degree and a 3.5 GPA. Regardless of how that entry level individual gets his cert, it leads him into the door because he is now different from others and has the ability to go learn the material he read about and back up the theory he has learned. Bottom line is not everyone is fortunate to be a helpdesk guy and be allowed to work with the network guys especially when the entwork guys dont want to spread their knowledge. You gotta get into the door by any means and be sure you can back up everything as your career advances!!! Please Note: You will NOT obtain a CCIE unless you know the stuff, passing the written is meaningless without the lab being complete |
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