IT CERTIFICATION
IN THE CORPORATE WORLD, your package will
determine your worth. In other words, the amount of knowledge you have will
determine your salary. Sometime ago, my friend, James went for a job interview;
he was taken instead of others. Why? In addition to the requisite
qualification, James has job specific IT Certification. Another friend, Dele,
is a graduate of Business Administration from one of the Premier Universities
in Nigeria. His take home pay is far better than that of Femi, who graduated
same year with us, and from the same University. Why? In addition to his degree
certificate, Dele has an industrial IT Certification needed for the job role he
occupies. The lesson here is that you can increase your worth in the labour
market with relevant IT Certification.
IT Certification is a proof that the holder
of such certificate has passed a test or has achieved a certain standard in a
chosen career. When you are IT certified, it indicates professionalism and
authenticity in your chosen IT career, it gives you an edge over those who are
not certified, if it shows in your actual job performance.
There is a digital convergence caused by
network of computers, and these computers have become a channel for carrying
out different jobs. Since computers have become tools for work, there is
greater tendency for people with technical knowledge to man these tools. Sadly,
technical knowledge needed to use computers is not taught in regular schools,
as such gab has been created. Certification is ideal for addressing these technical
deficiencies.
Is your career growth affected or likely to
be affected by lack of specific IT skills and qualification? Consider taking an
IT Certification that your job role requires. According to some experts, ‘Your
job and career plan should guide your choice of certification’.
(Q1)What
is IT Certification?
IT Certification provides an independent
verification of a certain level of expertise (skills and knowledge) in a
particular area of Information Technology. The programs are meant to identify
the necessary skills for an individual to perform their job competently and
most importantly, successfully in specific area of IT. Technical areas include
Database Administration, Programming, Engineering, Networking and
internetworking. It provides professionals with industry recognized and valued
credentials.
(Q2)
How do I become certified?
To become certified, you must:
Identify, define and know your career or
employment need or needs.
Assess your current employment situation.
Consider the amount of resources (time,
money and effort) you are willing and able to spend on certification.
Identify certification options based on the
above and get details for each option.
Research the real word/ industry potential
of the certification.
Select your certification based on your
research.
Search for a recognized, reputable, proven
and time-tested IT Training Institution that has results to show.
During and after your training, you should
read and work through the entire given manual, textbook, CDs, practical
exercise, practical tests and related past questions. Hand-on experience will
be a major advantage. After all the above steps, the candidate can now
register, pay and then sit for the exam at any testing centre.
(Q3)
Which of the certification programs are very popular?
Popular certification sponsors/programs are: Oracle Corporation (Oracle Certified
Professional –Database Administration), Cisco Systems/ Cisco Certified Network Association
(CCNA), Microsoft Corporation/ Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE),
Computing Technology Industry Association (Comp TIA) / A+, Sun Microsystems/
Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform (Java2).
(Q4)
Which one is better: A Degree or a Certification?
Everything depends on an individual’s
career objectives, resources available in terms of time, money and effort, and
an individual’s current work situation and environment. A degree is expected to
develop someone intellectually and mentally, and to impart the required knowledge
for a particular field. On the other hand, certification is intended to make
someone an expert on a particular product or field, so as to make one skilful
in that particular product or field. Which is best for you depends on your
personal goals and aspiration.
(Q5)
Must I be a graduate to get certified?
Capital NO. There is room for everyone who
is capable, with a deep interest in the field and ready to work hard. Once you
can read and understand simple English, the remaining aspects are just the availability
and acquisition of the necessary materials, training, concentration and extra
effort. Good educational qualifications will, however, ease the way into the
top positions of Computer Professionals and are usually a requirement in many
job openings.
(Q6)
Since I am experienced and doing very well on my job or in the IT Industry. Do
I still need to be certified?
Yes, Certification provides an external
validation and measurement of technical qualifications. A certified individual
is demonstrating to potential employers that not only are you saying you are
capable in that area, but an external body is confirming your level of
competence. It is an independent support of your knowledge and skills that
enhance your professional credibility.
(Q7)
Must I go through training in order to be certified?
No, but training assists the students and
provides easy, simple and quick way of getting certified. Training also brings
about cost saving on IT training materials. It is therefore better and safer to
go through training in order to be certified.
(Q8)
Where can I work as an IT Certified Professional?
An IT certified professional can work in
any IT industries; Banks, Manufacturing Companies, Service Companies, Cyber
Cafes, Business Centres, Internet Service Providers, Institutions, Oil
Companies, Government Establishment, Ministries, Parastatals, Agenciesand
Computer Vendors, etc. You can as well
set up on your own.
(Q9)
What are common certification mistakes?
- Considering the cost more than its worth.
- Choosing a certification because it is popular.
- Choosing a certification because it is easy to get.
- Failing to ascertain a certification’s practical applications.
- Unrealistic expectations
- Choosing the wrong training centre.
- Poor preparation and training habits.
- Forgetting about continuing requirements.
- Picking a certification that does not match what you want to do or be.
- Pursuing certification that has no verified practical experience; that once you are certified you no longer have to work to increase your skills.
