| There are many ways to get any of the large | | | | strong work ethic and solid experience. With |
| number of network certifications now | | | | today's study materials, almost anyone can |
| available. There's not only software | | | | learn enough to pass the required tests and |
| certification like those offered from Oracle, | | | | become certified. This however does not make |
| Java, Microsoft, etc. but there's also | | | | anyone competent to work on a network anymore |
| direct network hardware certifications from | | | | than walking into a garage makes one a |
| strong companies like Cisco and then there's | | | | mechanic. It's skills, talent and knowledge |
| the server administration, hardware repair, | | | | that are truly desired.Microsoft |
| security and several sub category type | | | | Certifications are one of the most widely |
| certifications. All are available but the | | | | pursued and acclaimed professional |
| question is if these have any real value in | | | | certifications in the IT industry. Preparing |
| the marketplace.The answer, unfortunately is | | | | MS certification tests, however, is a |
| not simple. This is because while many | | | | significant undertaking whether you're just |
| companies demand a certain certification, | | | | out of college or have been in IT field for |
| they will also bend the requirement and allow | | | | years. IT professionals are continuously |
| you to get certified once you have the job. | | | | demanded to acquire new knowledge in order to |
| There's also people in the marketplace who | | | | perform well on their jobs as new technology |
| are strong proponents of certification or | | | | in the IT industry emerged at a pace that has |
| another. The reason for this is usually | | | | never been seen before. Regardless what |
| because they have that certification and by | | | | certifications (Microsoft Certified |
| requiring it, they somehow believe it | | | | Professional or MCP, Microsoft Certified |
| validates their decision to obtain the | | | | System Administrator or MCSA, Microsoft |
| training and pass the tests.The reality is | | | | Certified System Engineer or MCSE ) you are |
| that like a good resume and education | | | | pursuing, a thorough planning will increase |
| pedigree, certifications help get you in the | | | | the chance of success.The importance of |
| door. Think about it for a moment. If you | | | | hands-on Experience, no matter if it's your |
| were hiring a network administrator, you | | | | own little network at home or at your job, |
| would probably ask for the usually experience | | | | experience matters! Being able to apply the |
| and basic education and some type of | | | | knowledge gained by the study necessary to |
| networking certification. If 100 people | | | | obtain your certification is just as |
| claiming the same skills and experiences | | | | important as the exam itself.When preparing |
| levels all apply and all have at least the | | | | for any certification test, have a network |
| single required certification while 10 have | | | | available to physically learn the principles |
| not only the network cert but also maybe | | | | being taught. You network might only be a |
| several MS and a security certificate, which | | | | couple of old PC's and a switch but it's |
| candidates applying would probably get | | | | enough to understand the principles and basic |
| scheduled for interviews? Right! It would | | | | information. You gain valuable skills that |
| be the ones with the better paper | | | | cannot be obtained any other way except |
| qualifications.So the value of a | | | | through hands on work.Finally, consider using |
| certification can be measured by it's | | | | CBT's or computer based training as part of |
| recognition as important by employers, and | | | | your test preparation. These tools are a |
| the relative value they place on such | | | | great way to take your level of understanding |
| training. If you're applying in network | | | | to a new level. This is also true of |
| shops that value certifications, then they | | | | practice exams.If you develop the skills |
| will naturally place a premium on the fact | | | | necessary to support the certifications, all |
| that your have that training and will | | | | your training, costs and effort will pay off |
| probably reflect that in an increased | | | | handsomely. With your knowledge and |
| earnings range.The real key however is to | | | | training, you can expect to be have an easier |
| recognize that employers are NOT employing | | | | time getting considered for positions, moving |
| you because you have a certification. You | | | | up in a company, and enjoying a solid work |
| must have the skills necessary to do the job | | | | career.Abigail Franks writes on many subjects |
| and meet the requirements of the position. | | | | having to do with home, and Business. |
| No amount of certifications can make up for a | | | | |