The value of certifications is a widely debated topic in the IT industry. There are many benefits associated with obtaining an IT certification such as enhancing your resume, keeping up with technologic changes, and seizing new opportunities within the technology field. Yet, some IT certifications have yet to prove their real value in making job candidates more marketable or making them more money. So, the question still remains, “Is the money and time spent acquiring an IT certification worth it in the long run?”
The Pros
· Encourages you to learn material about the subject matter that you may not know or should know
· Gives hiring managers a quick marker to your knowledge level in the subject
· Shows commitment to learning the subject
· IT certification can help you get that first foot on the career ladder
The Cons
· IT Certifications almost always have a limited shelf life
· Certification is sometimes used as the end all and be all of recruitment
· They are not a substitute for real world experience
· Cost
· They do not guarantee a job
Comparing Certification Salaries
MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)
– Salary Range: $52,000-$115,000
– Average Salary: $59,000
MCSE: Private Cloud
– Salary Range: $52,000-$102,000
– Average Salary: $61,000
PMP (Project Management Professional)
– Salary Range: $65,000-$93,000
– Average Salary: $86,000
While IT certifications can certainly provide you with an advantage over the competition in some situations, there are many other factors that employers consider when looking to hire. If you have the knowledge and experience along with a certification, this may make you stand out to a hiring manager. If you don’t, your certification can only get you so far.
Take the time to research your chosen career path and determine whether or not other people in that field have found a certain certification beneficial to their career. If it looks as though it won’t make that much of a difference, you may be able to save yourself some time and money.
What are your thoughts on the value of IT certifications? Please share your thoughts below!
Posted By: Melissa Zeman