Interview: Martin Bean on the Value of Certification and its Impact on America's IT Workforce

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Published 3/4/2005
By Anne Martinez

GoCertify: Will these industries see the highest increase in job demand? (for IT professionals)?

Martin Bean: Since technology permeates every industry, areas of specialization are going to see an increase in job demand crossing all industries. Particular areas of specialization that are going to see an increase are IT Security, high-end networking, applications development, open source technology and desktop technicians.

GoCertify: How should IT professionals measure the importance of certifications?

Martin Bean: There are 3 questions an IT professional must ask themselves and focus on before they make their decision on which certification program to choose:

1. Does this IT certification equip me with the skills I need to get the job?
   
   
2. In terms of value, does the sponsor organization of the certification program stand behind their credential? In other words, will they provide me with the value-added support that I need to be successful? Do they provide me such tangible benefits as access to support, access to a knowledge base, and ongoing professional development?
   
   
3. And, most important; does the certification program give me the knowledge that I need to be successful in my role? Far too much emphasis is placed on a certification as it relates to getting a job or moving up in a career. Nowhere near enough emphasis is placed on how the program will give individuals the skills and knowledge that they need to excel in the job.

GoCertify: Is certification worth the expense if an IT professional has to shoulder the entire cost themselves?

Martin Bean: The actual cost of certification and taking exams is pretty insignificant compared to the overall undertaking of preparing for the exams. And I believe it's up to the individual IT professional to decide for themselves based on their career goals. If the certification program is an enabler for them to either excel in their current job or to move on or upward in their profession, then it is probably worth the time and cost to undertake a certification program. But I would caution anyone not to cut corners or to "exam cram" to obtain the certification. If they don't see a certification program as a chance to learn, grow and develop their skills and knowledge, then it's probably not going to be worth the investment, and they are doing a disservice to themselves in the long run.

GoCertify: What are the greatest weaknesses of IT certification from a corporate perspective?

Martin Bean: Most corporations would most likely say that certifications don't measure a person's experience to actually use the technology. What I tell corporations is that like any other hiring process, certifications should be only one thing to look at on a resume. They must also evaluate the appropriate level of experience. If the experience is not there, they need to ask themselves as an employer if they are prepared to invest in this individual to give them on-the-job experience or do they need to look for someone that already has the experience. If certifications are to be held at a higher standard, they will also need to give the student hands-on experience.

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