By Lisa Schmidt, PHRMCSE, MCP, MCSA, MCTS, MCITP? Batman, holy acronym! What does it all mean? It means that certification in one’s chosen field of expertise is still an important achievement that is likely to increase in value. The credential sets certified professionals apart from those without it. Because certification shows that you are committed to your field, it should be a lifelong commitment. Smart employees need to evolve with certifications in order to keep pace with changes in the field.
The IT industry’s alphabet certification soup may be the most difficult. How can an HR professional make an informed decision about a candidate. They need to learn more about the position and the certifications. It is the responsibility of an HR practitioner to understand all details about the open positions within their organization and the KSAs (oops, an acronym that stands for knowledge, skills and abilities) required by each candidate. Recruiters work closely alongside hiring managers to learn the experience required to distinguish the exceptional candidate from those who are average.
Microsoft could have made better decisions about their certification nomenclature. However, this should not be a reason to panic. Your current job requirements and future aspirations will guide you in choosing the right certifications.
When I invite you to interview you, proudly display your Geek flag while telling me about your certifications, regardless of whether they are new or well-seasoned. What did you do with the certification knowledge? It is important to answer questions in a way that supports the string of letters that you have.
Lisa Schmidt, PHRHuman Resources ManagerBoson software, LLC
For more about the “new” MCSE, check out Michael Aldridge’s previous blog post: http://blog.boson.com/bid/77383/The-New-MCSE-Same-as-the-Old-MCSEAre you interested in IT Certification? Check out our Exam Prep Software demos.
The New MCSE: Is it the same as the Old? An HR Practitioner’s Perspective
