Computer Certs

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Maniac Craniac, Oct 28, 2011.

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  1. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    First, I'm sorry about the vague title, I have somewhat of a vague topic. Please don't pelt me with tomatoes :blindfold:

    I'm wondering what kind of computer-related certifications are out there that can serve as nice resume boosters for people that don't work directly with computers. I'm talking for people who work ON or AROUND computers rather than inside of them and where the demonstration of high competency would be useful.

    These could be professional certifications, so long as they don't look out of place and excessive on resumés for other jobs. I guess this also brings up another question of just how out of place something like A+ or Java would look on a resume for someone looking for an office or human service or management job. Does it usually jump out as being unique and indicative of initiative, or does it look odd and confusing?
     
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    How about this -

    Stanford - IT Benchmarking Certificate
    Cost - $500

    Who Should Enroll
    IT professionals, managers, CIOs, and CFOs in financial services, consulting services, and IT management interested in implementing benchmarking within their organization

    IT Benchmarking Certificate | Stanford University Online

    I think A+ would look really out of place, like you tried to get into IT but changed your mind or could not.

    Maybe a Microsoft cert like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint would look good and actually come in handy. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mos.aspx

    No tomotoes thrown...
     
  3. BrandeX

    BrandeX New Member

  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I have certs from back in my time in IT, but for management positions unless we're talking IT management I'd think they'd be a little confusing. IT and management are not similar professions. It would be like saying you're CPR certified if you weren't a manager in a healthcare setting. Nice, sure, but... so what?
     
  5. Jonathan Whatley

    Jonathan Whatley Well-Known Member

    Project+ is the project management certification from CompTIA, and this might hit the spot. It was originally called IT Project+ but was rebranded to be general and non-computing-specific. It doesn't have the years of experiential requirements to qualify as does the PMP; it's entirely tested-out. (If you can take a formal short course, there's also the CAPM for this.)
     
  6. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Project+ is a great option. It was a great test and covered the basics of project management.
     
  7. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    +1 for Project+. I'm not sure how much it will help, but it's not expensive and it can't hurt.
     
  8. Petedude

    Petedude New Member

    I'll second this. Project management certs are always good to have, even if they're not from PMI.

    Security+ is also good to have.
     
  9. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    Microsoft offers user certs for the Office suite.

    Phillip
     
  10. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member

    ITIL Foundations.
    CAPM (Skip the Project+) More demand for the CAPM.
    Security+ is a good one if you think you might work for DoD or their Contractors.

    Some of the more advanced MOS certs would be OK too. You can sometimes head towards management if you are a wizard with excel or access.

    IT is a tough nut to crack. Especially as you get a little older and are not obsessed with it.

    Some certs certainly would help the resume, but might raise some eyebrows if you are applying for a social services position with bunch of IT certs.

    Good luck.
     
  11. jaer57

    jaer57 New Member

    Does anyone in IT know if Brainbench certifications carry any value? I noticed that IEEE student members can take them for free.
     
  12. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    I for one would not waste much time on a Project+ (yeah I know I'm going against the grain). I work in IT project management and just recently completed my PMP and this marginally qualifies me for a technology PM job (which I do currently). Instead I would seek ITIL Foundations V3 assuming they do not have a more recent version.

    Also if you qualify a PMP if not try the "associate" level certification (same test but without the requisite experience) as it would be better received than a Project+. The reason why is the PMBOK is the industry standard in project management, the PMP/CAPM is 100% in line with the PMBOK, the Project+ is not. Also you might consider SCRUM Master certification if you want to be a software development PM (this is an emerging area) or you could try IBM's Rational Unified Process or some other Agile methodology certification (again if you want to manage software development teams). These jobs are in cutting edge technology areas but are non-technical jobs. To see if you'd be interested pick up a copy of Headfirst "Software Development" an easy to follow read on Agile software development.

    As for IT benchmarking...this is important in all aspects of IT and may be important for analysts and managers but I would imagine this would be a very specialized skill set and not as diverse in utility as a PMP, ITIL, etc.

    Lastly you could try the Security+ or if you qualify the CISSP certifications.

    Truthfully I worked my way into a project analyst and manager position but I feel "held back" by lack of technical expertise. I am learning the language of IT and more importantly the processes but it is a moving target and takes constant work. Sometimes I feel like I'm catching up to everyone else. I have ITIL Foundations V3, PMP, A+, Network+ and a handful of Brainbench certifications (which to me the Brainbench certs hold little to no value in the job market).

    I personally will be seeking some type of security certification within the next 12 months and would like to become proficient enough in Sharepoint to be able to develop webparts in it. These are my 2012 goals…but these goals are in line with what my job.'

    Oh and before I forget, Lean and Six Sigma would be good too...especially Lean.
     
  13. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member

    Tell the truth Cajun, you just copied my post and made it sound more intelligent, right? Just messing with ya, I said the same thing. No Project+, Yes CAPM, Yes ITIL, and Yes Security+.
     
  14. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    I would say A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA, LPI for basics... then moving into CISSP, CCNP/VP/IE... I'd also include GIAC (GPEN, GSEC and others)
     
  15. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Not zzzactly. ;)

    I'm a big fan of cross functional credentials like PMP, Six Sigma, Lean, etc. Ones that make sense in any industry and since these are some of the "big boys" in certifications I'd start there.
     
  16. learningone

    learningone New Member

    Every IT professional should have Cisco network certifications, Microsoft, VMware, Dell or HP certifications.
     

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