Last time we discussed marketplace salary trends for Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP’s). One question we didn’t discuss last time was the value of certification to your career. How does certification affect your employability, salary, and advancement opportunities?
According to RedmondMag’s annual salary survey, the average salary of an MCP or better is $77,244 USD, and the average salary of a similar skill set without certification is $84,839 USD. Later, the survey stated that 41% of the survey respondents were unsure that certification had any positive financial impact upon their salary. On the other side of the coin, 15% of the respondents felt that certification helped their salary by at least 11%. These stats seem somewhat unclear.
Even if certification has an uncertain impact on your salary, there are some things it definitely does demonstrate. For example, certifications such as MCSE and MCAD and MCA required a series of classes and exams over a time period often exceeding one year. It shows dedication and commitment and focus for the individual who can persevere long enough to finish their certification. There will certainly be low points (failed tests, difficult subject matter, missed time with your family, etc.) and quitters don’t get certified.
Certification also gives you credibility. You get some nice letters for your business card and for your resume, and you are supposed to be at least semi-competent if you are certified. Certification can definitely help at the entry level to open a new door for you if you are just getting started with your I.T. career.
But once you are hired, only a small percentage of employers place much emphasis on keeping your certification current and acquiring more certifications. As a former corporate I.T. manager, I was actually happy when my good employees did not pursue certification, because I thought that if they spent a lot of time and effort getting certified, they would want pay increases. And if my company was unable to give them the $$ that they thought they were worth (based on their shiny new certification), they might be more likely to leave my company for a “too good to refuse” opportunity elsewhere.
The best analogy I can make is that certification is similar to a college education. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to reach the goal. When you complete your college degree or certification, it may open up an entry level job opportunity for you. If you keep your certifications up to date, that sends the message that you are current on technology and that you view learning as a lifelong commitment. It shows that you’re focused, that you’re not afraid of a tough challenge, and not afraid of failure. Most of all, it shows you can learn and think.
Next time we will look at some common interview questions that come up surrounding certification, and how you can handle these questions effectively.
