Do I think certifications really prove that much to an employer? Not really. Do I find them useful? Yes
Many of these exams are not particularly in-depth. Many are also multiple-choice (though Microsoft is trialling some VM technology for infrastructure exams - you get graded on the final status of the VM). However as a consultant I found studying and taking the exams useful because I ended up reading about features of products that I wouldn't have otherwise known existed. And having a toolbox full of possible options to solve problems is always handy. Too many IT people (well, particularly the consultants/systems integrators) only know about their area, and not enough across programming, databases, network and infrastructure, let alone the actual features of products, except what they've had to use. So, would I hire someone just because that had an MCTS? No. (though someone who's gone out and actually studied something and passed an exam usually doesn't hurt). Are they completely useless? No. The same equally applies to Uni degrees (IMHO). Would I hire someone just because they had a degree? No. Did I find studying for my degrees useful? Yes. Cheers Ken From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of David Walker Sent: Thursday, 11 November 2010 11:52 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [OT] Usefulness of Microsoft Certifications Hi everyone, the developers at our work are just looking at doing our MCPD for .net 4 and were wondering if anyone has any input or insight on the usefulness of these certifications? I currently have a MCAD (.net 1.1 - assuming its still valid) and I honestly don't know if it helped me beyond ticking some recruiters boxes. Have they changed much? Are there any other industry certifications, perhaps independent ones, which are held in higher regard? Also has anyone done the exam on Silverlight development? Is that any good? Thanks heaps in advance, Dave Walker
