From Microsoft to Novell, many vendors have developed system-specific network
certifications. As the number of certified professionals increases, some question
certification's value.
The basics
Certification basics:
Certification is a two-part process consisting of training and testing.
Who offers training:
Commercial technical training providers, technical colleges, community colleges and
universities, and technical associations provide training; some public school systems
now offer computer network training for high school students.
Who offers testing:
Technical training facilities, independent certification testing providers, online
testing centers
Recertification or skills upgrade certification may require testing.
Costs:
Costs vary by provider for both training and testing. Financing is available.
Training tuition - From $800 for certification upgrade training to $8,000 and
higher for full preparation
Certification testing costs - $100-300. Some certifications require several tests.
Test vouchers may be included with some training programs. Practice exams cost
extra.
Sample courses:
Courses vary by vendor system
LAN topologies -- token ring, Windows 2000 NetWare 4.11 -- installation and
configuration
Vital statistics
Who has a network engineering certification?
2000 InfoWorld Compensation Survey respondents - 27%
Breakdown of respondents:
CTOs - 7.4%, CIOs - 17%, Middle IT management - 29.2%, LAN managers - 67.2%
What people are saying
I think that the Cisco certification [for Cisco certified network professionals]
has more respect than other certifications. With other certifications, you don't need
job experience to pass the exams like you do with Cisco certifications, and recruiters
know that.
-- Barbara Collura, founder of ITinfusion, a placement firm specializing in network
engineers, in Herndon, Va.
Web resources
Certification Magazine -www.certmag.com
The online version of this magazine provides a link to system-specific
certifications and testing centers.
Source: 2000 Infoworld Compensation Survey
