What you need to know about certifications in 2009

According to an experienced IT consultant, IT pros should be aware of the importance of IT certifications in 2009. He also explains some of the changes you can expect to see in Microsoft’s certification program. 

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In troubling economic times, there is some question as to whether having certifications will offer the IT pro an edge in the IT job market. The answer to that question is yes, according to IT consultant Erik Eckel.

Eckel says, “IT certifications will provide more relevance than ever before. With unprecedented bailouts, widespread cost and workforce reductions, and a slew of new platforms being released, IT accreditations will assume renewed importance in 2009.”

In the TechRepublic download, 10 reasons IT certification will be important in 2009, Eckel offers some ways certifications will be more beneficial in the coming year:

In the case of the job search: “If your resume is bolstered by new and timely certifications, you’ll gain an advantage over others applying for the same role. For better or worse, in cases where two otherwise equal candidates are competing for the same lucrative job offer, one applicant’s certifications could prove the deciding factor.”

Advantage to the business: “By ensuring that technicians have specific skills via training and certification programs, whether those skills target desktop support or network design and optimization, organizations know that IT certification efforts help maximize ROI.”

For the rest of Eckel’s reasons certifications will be important in 2009, click here.

In another piece, 10 things you should know about Microsoft’s revised certification program, Eckel talks about the sweeping changes Microsoft has made to its own certification program:

“Redmond executives say IT managers indicated that the number and variety of credentials made it difficult to understand which best suited their organizations, while individuals pushed for accreditations that enabled them to better stand out. Microsoft’s new generation of certifications aims to address these concerns with accreditations that more accurately measure and describe an individual’s real-world skills, making it easier for hiring managers to identify the specific talent they require. The changes kick in with the client and server products succeeding Windows Server 2003. Keeping the changes straight can prove confusing.”

To get up to speed about the changes in Microsoft’s certification program, download the article here.