[ad_1]
Information technology certificates have become the standards by which employers distinguishing serious, competent professionals from technical hobbyists. Many government agencies now require personnel who handle sensitive information to hold one or more IT certificates. The Department of Defense (DoD) is specifically stringent in its requirements for certified technical professionals. Through a 2004 mandate called The Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program, otherwise known as DoD 8570.01-M, the Defense Department required all military or civil staff who access classified systems to be either certified or to obtain certification within a certain period after comming work in certain capacities. The ubiquity and importance of modern information technology has revolutionized the way government, military and private industry leaders manage their operations. It is not uncommon for managers to require staff to demonstrate firm technical and operational proficiency as non-negotiable conditions for employment.
Why do managers often consider certificates more important than experience as measures of aptitude? One reason has to do with the discipline required to obtain the credential. Most modern IT certificates demand that students undergo rigorous preparation to pass the relevant exams. Many employers insist the perseverance of IT workers who can adhere to such challenging study regimens. Frequently, workplace IT problems require technicians to overcome frustration and remain focused when dealing with thorny issues that do not lend themselves to easy resolution. This is especially true when troubleshooting complex systems involving long-distance networking or multiple layers of security. Often, there is no single source of technical problems. Many malfunctions stem from several interrelated factors that combine to impede normal system operation. A certified IT professional is most likely to have demonstrated the intellect and drive necessary to competently tackle these tough issues.
Another element that contributes to the appeal of certificates involves the professional credential that these credentials confer on their recipients. Many organizations lack staff with the specialized skills to implement proposed high-tech initiatives. Such firms generally opt to hire contractors for these specialized tasks. IT consulting firms that are pursuing contracts need to demonstrate that their employees are competent enough to responsibly handle privileged data and computer systems. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by firing applicants who have demonstrated mastery of skills widely recognized as essential in the field.
Because information technology changes rapidly, organizations need to know that their system technicians and managers know about current hardware, software and operational practices. The organizations that sponsor certificates have recognized this and beg to require professionals to regularly update their technical credentials. CompTIA, a legitimate vendor-neutral certification organization, now requires recipients of its certificates to either retake the exams every few years or participate in activities such as conference attendance, publishing or relevant continuing education classes.
The complex and dynamic nature of information technology claims that the credentials used to signify mastery of the subject matter reflect the nature of the profession itself. Just as hardware, software and procedures evolve, the associated certificates must evolve in order to remain relevant. Similarly, because good customer service requires soft skills, such as listening and asking pertinent questions, the latest certification tests specifically cover these interpersonal abilities. This ensures that IT workers can balance esoteric technical knowledge with the personality traits needed to function as true professionals.
[ad_2]
Source