Microsoft Certification?

Is anyone certified by Microsoft for software development or hardware or systems administration? Is it really a big thing? Will it very helpful in getting a job if I have an MS certification?

Hi there

I'm certified for hardware (Microsoft Certified Desktop Technician - MCDST), software development - or solutions developer (MCSD), as well as Systems Administration (MCSA) and Systems Engineer (MCSE).

Certification has its pros and cons. Mostly, it depends on the employer. I've had some employers pass me over because they thought I was over-qualified. I've been in interviews where the employer spent the whole time telling me how useless certifications are. And finally, because there are brain-dumps and other test crams available, some folks believe the certifications aren't a valid determination of your skills.

On the other hand, as a contractor, having these credentials has proved very lucrative, and has been worth the time and expense several times over.

The key is making sure you really earn the certifications. You'll need to back them up with real knowledge and expertise.

If you don't have much experience, getting certified will also show you have some amount of dedication - enough to invest some time and money into your career.

If you're already working in the IT industry, your employer may pay for training and testing.

Of course, there are no guarantees. Just having the certifications isn't the only thing you'll need. Like anything else, you'll have to "pay your dues." Education and certification go a long way and will increase your job opportunities and pay, but there really is no substitute for experience.

The good news is that experience in IT comes quickly. My advice is to simply find what you like, and pursue it to best of your ability.

Good luck!

I am just glad to be of service! Report It

Certainly, it means that you are qualified in Microsoft Applications, and you have to take the test or used to have the test taken by a Microsoft acredited centre. Just because you took a course at a college regarding Microsoft Business applications does not make you MS Certified.

It is something like the difference between a bookeeper and a certified accountant.

It does not carry the weight it used to. Most want exspecience as well as certs. Many contracting houses like certs for use of stats. The problem is there are so many sites you can get the test that many people dont really know what there doing.