A technical certification is like a diploma, it’s proof that you have the technical expertise in a particular subject area. Much like how you’d get a diploma from a college after you’ve demonstrated competency in the subject matter, you get a technical certification when you’ve passed the certification’s exam.
The origins of technical certifications go back to the late 1980′s and early 1990′s, when companies would offer technical courses for their staff. Novell Networks wanted their technical support staff to be competent in Novell products, so they put them through rigorous training programs and tested them on their ability. Those who passed were given technical certifications. They demonstrated technical competency.
This soon expanded to other companies like Cisco, Microsoft, etc. Companies wanted their technical support staff to be complete in their technical knowledge. Gaps would prove costly for customers, so each company wanted to make sure their stuff was 100%. As these programs expanded, they were outsourced. As companies learned the value of this technical expertise, they began asking to send their own support staff to these programs. This is how the technical certification business was born.
Nowadays, technical certifications are a requirement for many job roles. A diploma has value, but a technical certification with a product or class of products is worth far more. It demonstrates someone’s ability to work hands-on with a particular system, which a diploma cannot prove. Recertification, which involves retesting the candidate, ensures that they are up to date with the latest technology and trends.
Technical certifications have become so important that employers will put them as requirements on a job listing. It’s not uncommon for a job listing for a candidate working with Cisco products to list Cisco technical certifications as a pre-requisite. They know they can save money by hiring someone who is already well versed in Cisco technologies, they don’t need to spend the time and money training them.
If you want to put yourself ahead of your competitors, get a relevant technical certification!
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