Why Get a Computer Certification?

Computer certification will open new doors and help you enjoy a successful career in the exciting world of information technology. Although most careers in the IT field are lucrative and lead to rapid advancement, you can move ahead even more rapidly if you have a computer certification. In fact, you often can earn a salary increase of 20% or more once you become certified.

In today's market, having a degree in computer science just isn't enough. Companies are demanding that their IT professionals be certified as a way to measure their skills and guarantee that they can perform their jobs successfully. In short, computer certification will help an IT professional get a good job and stay competitive in what is now a highly demanding IT environment. In fact, many professionals have more than one computer certification.

There are approximately 20 top computer certification programs in a variety of different areas. Below is a list of those that are the most popular and that lead to the higher-paying positions-those with average salaries in the range of from US$70,000 to $100,000 per annum

Networking Certifications:
» MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) by Microsoft
» CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) by Cisco

Programming Certifications:
» MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) by Microsoft
» OAD (Oracle Application Developer) by Oracle

Database Certifications:
» Oracle8 DBA by Oracle
» MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator using SQL Server) by Microsoft

The average cost of training to become certified is $2,000. The key to successful computer certification is selecting a program with a certified instructor, and official course material. The material should come directly from the company, such as: Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Cisco, etc. All official certification exams are computerized. The average cost per exam is $100 in the US, varying somewhat in other countries. Exams may be taken anywhere in the world at a VUE Testing Center or a Prometic Testing Center.

Facts about Computer Certification

• The average salary of a professional with an IT certification is $55,577.
• 53% of professionals reported they received a raise within the first year of attaining their primary certification.
• 37% of professionals received a promotion within the first year of attaining their primary certification. Of those receiving promotions, 83 percent felt their certifications played a major role in the advancement.
• 79% of those who already have technical certifications will seek additional certifications in the coming year.
• 51% of all IT and technical professionals invest in technical certifications every year.
• The average professional currently holds nearly four (3.86 on average) different technical certifications.
• The average professional reported a 10.2% salary increase, equating to an average of $4,477, within the first year of attaining their certification.

Statistics cited are from Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey