The Range Of Certifications Available

By Author: Mike Jones
Total Articles: 256
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For those already working in the I.T. sector the range of certifications available, and the reasons for taking 70-680, are much more varied. Working through a particular certification track while gainfully employed is a good way to learn new skills and to keep your existing skills sharp. Of course gaining a certification or two can be good ammunition for when it’s time to ask for a pay rise, and it is also an effective way to signal to your employer that you are serious about your career and keen on progressing or moving into a new area of expertise (but how management respond to such signals is, of course, an entirely different matter). Also bear in mind that I.T. technologies change and develop quite rapidly, so certification is a good way to keep on top of the latest technological concepts. Naturally, if your employer is willing to pay the bills for your I.T. certifications, then you should take advantage of that generosity as much as possible.

Irrespective if you’re a seasoned I.T. worker, or just taking your first steps toward an I.T. career, it’s worth pointing out ...
... that ‘computer certifications’, as an industry, is big business. Companies make a lot of money out of training, resources, exams, re-certification etc., and they spend a lot of money trying to convince you, and your employers, that their a+ certification is the measure of the industry. These days new certifications and new accrediting organisations seem to appear almost daily (particularly for entry-level, security and forensic certifications), so before you part with your hard earned cash, take some time to research the demand for the particular certification you have in mind, and don’t believe the marketing hype. It also pays not to be too easily swayed by salary tables that you often see published in job or industry magazines. If you make your certification decisions based on salary expectations then you may be in for a disappointment when you complete your certification two years later and find that the market has changed dramatically. Try to anticipate trends and think about where the market might be in three years time, and choose certification tracks that are the most versatile and will give you the most career options.

At the end of the day, you’re not going to do your C.V. any harm at all by having any number of official letters after your name, but before you invest your time and your money in any particular a certification exam, be sure to do your homework before you study.