Does certification represent sure promotion and a higher salary, or a dubious use of your time, energy, and money? That's truly the $64,000 question!

Certifications show that you are interested in staying current in your field. They help you acquire specific knowledge and skills while verifying that you have met a particular standard of accomplishment. Employers often feel that if you have a certificate, you should be able to meet the responsibilities of your job with minimal training, thus saving them time, effort, and money.

While it's true that a certificate can play a role in receiving a job appointment or a promotion, it's certainly not a guarantee. In fact, many experts agree that certification is most important for entry-level or junior positions. At senior levels, they feel experience is more important. Overwhelmingly, they point to a three-tier hierarchy of importance: hands-on experience, a solid, four-year degree, and certifications.

If you haven't earned a four-year university degree, it's wise to do so. Employers feel a degree provides a broad base of knowledge, which they like their employees to have. Most universities offer evening and weekend classes. An increasing number of educational institutions provide online coursework and degrees.

On the other hand, a four-year computer science university degree with coursework in business management and project management doesn't necessarily give you the skills to run a Microsoft network. A MCSE certificate does.

If you decide to earn a certificate, be selective about choosing which you will pursue. Consider the market for the short term and the long run. In considering the short term, be aware of today's economy and market conditions. For example, stay tuned for announcements of new products and services. Listen and evaluate what you hear and how it may affect you in your present or future positions.

For the long term, do you spot any developing trends? For example, if you have a desire to switch to an IT position that focuses on security, does this seem to be a sound long-term decision? Right now--you bet it does!

Make sure that the certificate you pursue is one that applies to the position you are interested in. Talk to IT professionals in the areas you want to enter, read the promotional literature about various programs, and check with a targeted employer or your present one to make sure they value the certificate you are considering. (Your employer may even pay for it.) Also, consider the stage in your career, your particular technical area, and the certificates you have already earned.

Best bet certificates
Although it's difficult to single out which certificates might benefit you and your career, here are some that many experts agree are worthwhile:

• Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) - This credential substantiates advanced skills and is only appropriate for those with years of hands-on experience with Cisco products and internetworking technologies.
• Database Oracle Certified Professional- Oracle certifies individuals who create and maintain databases.
• Senior Java Certification - Widely used for Web-based applications, this certification serves as a high-level credential in Sun Microsystems' Java programming language.
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) - Systems administrators who demonstrate skill in installing and maintaining Red Hat Linux services may acquire this certification.
• Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE) - This certification focuses on networking issues related to the Windows platform.
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) - This is the Microsoft credential that recognizes developers who can show their ability to build Web-based, distributed, or e-commerce applications.
• Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) - This is the Novell certification best suited to NetWare administrators.
• Certified Network Administrator (CNA) - This is the entry-level certification offered by Novell.
• Check Point Certified Security Engineer (CCSE ) - Those who earn this credential deal with security across the Internet, intranets, and extranets. [is it administered by firewall vendor Check Point Software Technologies?]
• System Administration, Networking, and Security Global Incident Analysis Center (SANS GIAC) - This was designed to teach people how to defend against attacks related to security.
• CompTIA A+ - This certificate is particularly worthwhile for PC technicians.

To reap the greatest rewards from your efforts, most experts recommend combining a vendor-neutral certification with a vendor-specific one. For example, Course Technology partnered with The Chauncey Group International to offer a vendor-neutral IT certification curriculum for Associate Technology Specialists (ATS).

And you are more apt to qualify for larger salaries when you become certified in multiple disciplines--for instance, by both Microsoft and Cisco, or as a certified project manager and a certified database administrator.

According to IT Certification Success by Ed Tittel, certified IT employees generally earn approximately 10 to 25 percent more than those without certificates who perform similar jobs. So, though you should not believe claims that guarantee you huge salary leaps, obtaining certifications is likely to bring you a higher salary and at least the potential for promotion.

Additional resources
For a comprehensive listing of certifications, consult Anne Martinez's book, Get Certified & Get Ahead, McGraw-Hill, 1998, and check outwww.2test.com and www.vue.com for more on certification testing. For additional sources of on-line education, see Guide to Distance Learning Programs 2001 (Peterson's Guide to Distance Learning Programs, 5th Edition).

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