Question

Since the first computer-related industry certifications appeared in the early 1990’s, there have been questions as to their value in the marketplace. Does the ability to pass a technology-related examination indicate a practical, working knowledge of that technology? Or does it just indicate an ability to pass a test. Are today’s performance-based certification tests better at determining ability than their multiple-choice counterparts were in days past? Or are they just more of the same – indicators of a candidate’s ability to study for and pass a test? The debate rages on…

Your task in this activity is to choose two (2) separate certifications from two (2) different vendors. Some possible choices are as follows:

Microsoft

Cisco

CompTIA

ISC2

You are to research each certification, determine what training is required to pass the certification in time, effort and money. Then, using job searches, determine what the benefits of that particular certification are in the market today. How can this certification benefit you as an IT professional?

Answer 1

Certification Name	Trainings Required	Time	Effort	Money	Benefits
Microsoft	Windows and Microsoft Office training for the product of your choice (MOS)	90 min	Microsoft study guide is available for the certifications	$ 99	Learn basic computer skills Increased credibility Career opportunities
Cisco	CCNA	4 months	Get equipped with quality study material and schedule practice tests	$300	Learn cisco networking Career growth Recognition Global acceptance
CompTIA	A+	3 years	Choose and learn from traditional study guides and online training material	$219	Increased salary and satisfaction Larger base of career choices Better pay
ISC2	CISSP	3 hours	ISC provides official books for the certification	$125	Increases earning potential Career potential Largest association of cyber security professionals