What Is IT Certification?

In the foreword to “A Programmer’s Guide to Java Certification” (second edition, by Khalid A. Mughel and Rolf W. Rasmussen), Gilad Bracha outlines the reasons why certification of Java programmers makes good sense. Bracha makes three good points:

• Software is more and more pervasive in our daily lives
• Incompetence is something we can expect in the world and this is especially apparent in software development
• Java has become the “lingua franca” for programming around the world.

Although every IT professional need not be a Java expert, these points can be applied as well to programmers of other languages and to database administrators and other IT professionals. All of us have been driven nuts by sloppy programming and as we depend more and more on software we need and pay dearly for, we expect software to work properly. This requires accurate programming and IT certification raises the bar by setting standards for competence.

Bracha goes on to say, “Programming is still more of an art than a science, and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Mastering the intricacies of a large and complex programming language is a challenging task that requires time and effort, and above all experience.

“Real programming requires more than just mastery of a programming language. It requires mastery of a computing platform, with a rich set of libraries. These libraries are designed to simplify the task of building realistic applications, and they do. Again, the programmer is faced with a daunting task.”

How Does It Work?

To become certified, one takes an approved test from a corporation, society, school or other approved agency. Upon achieving a predetermined score, that person receives a certificate and is entered into a registry.

Prior to taking the test, an individual seeking certification might take a course, go through a self-teaching book (or both), practice with a mentor, practice in a lab or simulated work setting, and take practice tests, often with a testing company.

Certification gives the IT industry a needed standard for competence, one that is sorely needed. Taking a test toward certification not only allows a programmer to ensure that his or her skills are up to date, it gives the programmer credible evidence for advancement up the career ladder. It shows mastery of core competencies. And, after initial certification, the committed IT professional will continue to learn and polish the core competencies and also master new techniques. Time and time again, a programmer will be called on to develop something that has not been done before, something unfamiliar in part. Perhaps this will involve an interface with another application or a task not previously anticipated. This is where the IT professional who is certified and an explorer will soar and where the individual to knows enough to “get by” will fail.

This is where certification will make all the difference. Which side of the fence do you want to be on?

What if You are Self-Taught?

During web-based business booms, businesses sometimes take a chance and hire self-taught programmers, web developers, database administrators (DBAs), and systems analysts. Because it takes months to determine whether these individuals can really “contribute to the project,” the business takes a costly risk by entrusting them with essential assignments. Often, the code is in the testing phase when the manager realizes that the new employee does not have all the skills required. Because of this, more and more companies are looking for IT certification to ensure that newcomers have what it takes. Self-taught individuals can take a practice test to find out just how they measure up.

How Does Certification Relate to Downsizing and Upsizing?

When a high-level manager has to make quick decisions about who to keep or who to promote, those who have proven competence are most likely to have the most job security. If you were in that manager’s shoes, who would you feel more comfortable with: Employee A who has learned on the job and worked on several projects or Employee B who is certified as an Oracle DBA, a C++ programmer, and who has also worked on several company projects?

What Time Commitment Is Required?

In all honesty, it depends on the individual and on the type and level of certification desired. Taking an online program will not only save you travel time but will allow you to work at your own pace from home, your office, or even an internet cafe. Becoming certified in C++ will probably take you a year or a bit more. Becoming a proficient programmer may take a year and a half to three or more years. Java certification, for instance, may require years of study, depending on the student’s current competence and Java certificates desired. Oracle Database DBA OCA (Oracle Certified Associate) training may require a week of intensive study. Additional Oracle certification builds on that.

How Do You Know if Online Learning Is for You?

Before making a decision to enroll in an online course that will lead toward IT certification, you will benefit from learning more about online education and whether it is a good fit for you. Obvious benefits are saving commute time, being able to participate in the class from your home or office or even from an internet café, interacting with a wide range of students, and getting to work at your own pace. So, if you are already employed in the IT industry and need an additional certificate for a job or promotion, you probably have enough motivation to keep up with the class schedule and complete the requirements.

On the other hand, if you are new to the area or have not had a great deal of experience in the IT world, you should consider whether the way you learn best is consistent with an online class. Are you a visual or an auditory learner? Visual learners tend to learn more quickly in online programs than do those who enjoy hearing lectures or rely on discussions to make new information clear. Plus, you must have the motivation to push yourself to participate; the course or certificate must be important to you. Those who tend to procrastinate and then cram in a regular class tend to fall behind and get discouraged in online learning.

What Is Your Best Choice For an Online Education?

1) The Internet’s Significant Impact on Education
2) Who is the Right Student for Online Education?
3) How Does a Student Select an Online School?
4) Typical Goals of Online Students
5) Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning: Is It the Right Choice for You?

Which Schools Offer Which Programs?

Learning a programming language or a platform is the basis of certification. Beyond that, a learner increases the probability of passing the certification test by participating in the kinds of problems that will be tested. Techniques might include simulation of programming assignments, review of the basics, practice taking tests, working in mock teams with other IT professionals, and quizzing oneself and others. Before signing up for a class, find out what the objectives of the department and the class are. Is the course objective to learn about the programming language or is it proficiency in the language or in an aspect of it?

Other Sources and Reference:
certcities.com - Certification Exam Skills 101: Test Taking Tricks & Tips
technology.monster.com - Certification Tests: What to Expect
About.com - Free Certification Practice Tests Here on About.com