I simply do not understand the angry tone directed toward individuals engaging in professional growth.

Take an individual who has achieved a Masters Degree in Computer Science, been working in the field for over 8 years and continues to perform professional growth where the mechanism of this professional growth comes in the form of certifications, exams and conferences.

The short sightedness of your comments merit review. Take a hypothetical situation. 2 job candidates with BS degrees in Computer Science. Both have 8 years in the field (actually DOING work) and for all intents and purposes are 'equally qualified'. One has achieved a CISSP a SANS GIAC and a Microsoft MCSE over the years. The other candidate wrote an article about how certifications depress the job market and are irrelevant. Which one do you hire?

Certifications, when combined with experience and education can demonstrate expertise and a real commitment to a career field.

Complaining about certifications accomplishes what? Most of the people I know who share your opinions about the relevancy of certifications have never tried one. On the other hand, most of the folks I know that continue to improve themselves through certification seem to make their colleagues and customers better.

Interviewing techiniques and management skills should help you weed out the pretenders in your hiring practices.

Why is it those who have not tried certification exams seem to want those who have successfully passed those certification exams to fail?

M. Brian Bost, Regular Guy

[ reply ]

Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/columns/118/16892#16892