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