My thoughts on Industry Tech Certifications

Recently, at a work team meeting, the subject of tech related certifications came up.  I have been interested in attaining certifications for several years.  I have always found them to be beneficial in many ways.   The main thing for me has been that it provides me with a purpose and an objective.  This makes self-studying much more natural for me.  I feel like it is way too easy in life to just let the years slip by while going to work and doing your job while other people stay focused and attain a long list of industry tech certifications.  When a time for a new job or a promotion comes up you can really be doing yourself a disservice if you haven’t made the effort to keep your skill set current.  What better way to do that than to work on tech certifications?

I am surprised when I hear people hate on certification calling them a money grab by the vendor or think they are useless.  I have absolutely gained jobs and promotions over other competitors because I had a relevant certification.

I am currently working towards a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 certification and the author of the book I’m reading summarized a few reasons why certifications are worthwhile.

Here are a few reasons that struck a chord with me.

1.        Proves you are committed to your profession.

2.       Provides you with confidence.

3.       Hopefully helps you earn more as your career progresses.

4.       Fills out the breadth of the knowledge you possess for a given tool or skill.

5.       Hopefully helps you stick out from the crowd with hiring managers.

So far I possess 4 industry tech certs but the other day I made a list of all the tests I had to pass to get them.

Oracle
     Oracle Database 11g:
            Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals 1Z0-051
            Oracle Database 11g: Administration 1Z0-052

Microsoft
      Microsoft SQL Server 2008
            Microsoft SQL Server 2008 - Implementation and Maintenance 70-432
            Microsoft SQL Server 2008 - PRO: Designing, optimizing and maintaining a database                         administrative solution using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 70-450

       Microsoft SQL Server 2005
            Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance 70-431

I am committed to to continuing to work toward further certifications as it is consistent with my personal growth and educational objectives.  I am  currently working on MCSA SQL Server 2012.

Thanks for reading,

SQL Canuck