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Are IT Certificates as good as a degree?
Posted by cadencehart • 3/25/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: careers, computer studies, employment, information technology, it career, it discussion, jobs
Hi Friends!
I hope someone can help me gain some insight on this dilemma or perhaps recommend a blog or a forum that has significant information.
I want to pursue an IT career but I do not have a degree. Due to my full time job, it gets very hectic and stressful to pursue a degree while working.
So I'm thinking...a lot of schools offer workshops / training programs / certifications on major IT skills...or popularly known as short courses. They have a more flexible schedule. I can take up a skill one at a time and during my most convenient time.
My question is: are these certificates when earned as good as a degree when it comes to employment?
User Comments
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Do you have any IT knowledge currently? Do you know how to troubleshoot, do you understand dependencies and how it all works together, would you be able to answer technical questions if an employer were to ask you? As a Sr. Tech, I have assisted management with selecting IT candidates for the company, and what gets a person selected is if they can demonstrate thorough job knowledge, that they know what they are talking about, and have a good character to go with their skills (too much ego, for example, can be a turn off). But first and foremost what they look for is your knowledge and abilities, even more so then degrees. Depending on what you want to do in IT, there are different tests to take. For networking, you should get Cisco certified, for Server and desktop work, you should get your MSCE and A+. But even these can be obtained by studying transcendors or the like, that will get you through the test, without really knowing the information. It shows real quick in the interview though if you don't really have the knowledge. If you really do know the material and pass with real knowledge then I think these are more impressive then a computer science degree.
However, all certs and degrees aside, when getting interviewed, you have to be able to talk and walk tech, know the acronyms, show that you'll be able to jump in their environment with little friction as possible. And what shows this is how you are able to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable.
I got my IT training in the Marines, Quantico VA, and served the Marines for four years doing nothing but computers, routers, networks, etc... When I got out, I had the knowledge, and some experience. I was able to demonstrate my knowledge in my interview for a civilian job. Now I have been in IT for 13 years. I joined the Marines when I was 18, and now I am 32.
Certs as good as a degree, definitely! As long as you can support your certs by demonstrating the knowledge to back up what the certs are supposed to prove you know.-
Thanks. This is very useful information. The IT field I'm interested in is Multimedia and Web Applications Development. I have experience in Tech Support where I acquired knowledge in Mobile Communications and Computer Networking. I have zero knowledge in basic programming (C, C++, Java, etc.) although HTML and CSS is pretty familiar to me. I can make sense with PHP and MySQL in Wordpress. So from a range of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, I guess my current IT proficiency is 3.
I am currently collecting some syllabus from different schools so I can compare courses and know which skills I should work on.
Thanks for the tip. I appreciate it. -
As a rough guide, certificates will give you a hands-on background whereas a degree gives you a more theoretical foundation, as well as the hands-on experience.
There's nothing wrong with certificates, but it depends on what you want to do with it. If you're thinking long term, in terms of promotion etc. I'd suggest you bite the bullet and do a degree. If you really enjoy the technology side of it and you're quite happy doing web dev, then the certificate route is better.
Either way, just ensure that your courses are accredited. There are quite a few quacks who offer week-long certificate courses that aren't really worth anything.
The multimedia field is HUGE and you would need to be familiar with many technologies. Sounds to me that you would need a degree.
Have you considered doing a degree through correspondence, even if you only do a couple of modules per year?
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A certificate might be good enough to become an IT tech. A lot of companies won't hire anyone without a four year degree, though. And if you want to become a software engineer, you definitely need a four year degree. Check the want ads and see if there are jobs you'd be qualified for with a certificate.-
Yes...I did check them out. Most job postings require a degree.
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You need to look at each specific job ad; they list requirements. Also when there is shortage of workers, companies will hire just about anyone who can demonstrate they have basic understanding of the concepts. In this economy I think there are a lot of truly skilled and educated professionals who struggle finding a job. -
I don't know about your country, but in Indonesia, the degree is most important to get jobs. Not having one makes me lost lots of opportunity just to get interviewed.
Having certificate will help you in certain way but you must have a degree for it.
It sucks, since I never went to college ... -
For Malaysia, experienced people get attention much than fresh graduate. But now, the company looking for fresh graduate so that they can pay less. Even as if you got 6 or 7 years maybe your salary will be like 2-3 years experience. Having a certificate is a bonus but still the mind of the company still want experienced people but less salary. That sucks me.-
That's right and it's really frustrating. I do not have an IT degree but I have a degree in Business. Would certificates suffice in this case? Or I still have to get another degree for it?
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If you already have a degree in business, getting another degree in IT wouldn't require that much more work since IT programs are usually offered through the business school. That's not the same as a computer science degree, which is usually through the engineering dept. I know some people with IT degrees who are software testers and make good money. There's also a project management program through many business schools.
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Long ago I was told a "certificate" was equal to a 2 year degree. Some companies want a 4 year degree, some want a 2 year or certificate, and some just want related experience.
I once worked for a company that required everyone to have 4 year degree but they didn't care what it was in at all. What the heck?! They said it showed that the person had "stick-to-it-ness" and persistence which they valued.
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