• Clive Strong (11/29/2007)


    Check out the microsoft sites for the content. Also check Amazon for the study guides.

    Also, I disagree that you need certification...Its a nice to have and yes, I agree, stands out a bit more on your cv/resume. I don't have one and nor did I go to University and get a degree, but here I am.

    Experience counts for a hell of a lot.

    I must admit, my views are somewhat tarnished around the certifications after reading Brandie's story! Granted a lot of work and effort was put in to obtain the certification, but if someone with no real world experience can get certified, to me, it doesn't carry much weight as something that truly sets people apart.

    A lot of it depends on what else is on your resume. If you have solid experience and a degree that is directly related, then the certification will probably mean little or nothing. I on the other hand moved into IT from a somewhat related but different field and hold a degree in mathematics. My employer was quite up front about the fact that my MCP (working towards MCDBA), while not the only factor, played a role in getting my foot in the door when I made that switch.

    So the biggest question with certifications is if your potential employer values them, but they can certainly help especially if you are just moving into IT or making a switch within IT.

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    Timothy A Wiseman
    SQL Blog: http://timothyawiseman.wordpress.com/