Certifications and Improving Your Value

Experience is the number one asset you can bring to your job.  A close second is a degree and certifications.  There are situations where a decision is required between a degree (or higher degree) or technical certification.  It turns out that certifications are often a better deal and a quicker payoff than that advanced degree. Certifications Require Time and Money The value of a certificate in any technology is that it shows a minimum level of knowledge.  Much like a degree, this allows for an academic approach to building experience.  Thus, no worthwhile degree is a slam dunk.  There is also a fee for almost every certificate.  Often there are also book and class fees that are all but required to achieve your goal.  The long-term commitment to earn a degree is not needed.  However, a focused learning period is. Providing Value Honestly, I saw a faster and better improvement in my career through certifications than a higher degree.  However, those certs. have to be renewed over time and updated as technology advances.  I have not had to go back to "refresh" my degree.  Both of these options will provide a boost, but one is short-term while the other is better for the long game. Links and Resources Transcender (exam training and simulations) The Exam Cram Home Page