The credentialism trap: are IT certifications overrated?

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore whether certifications are sufficient for comprehensively evaluating the IT sector, focusing on DevOps, as this branch has the widest range of certifications. It examines the limitations of relying solely on certifications and highlights the gap between certified knowledge and practical competence in real-world settings. Design/methodology/approach The study includes a survey of 72 certified DevOps professionals with varying years of experience to gather insights on the impact of certifications. It also reviews existing literature on the origins, psychological aspects and role of certifications in recruitment within the IT sector. Findings The findings indicate that while certifications enhance technical knowledge and boost confidence among IT professionals, they do not consistently lead to career advancements and sometimes do not adequately assess practical skills and soft skills essential for DevOps roles. The survey revealed that only a minority experienced promotions postcertification, highlighting a disconnect between certifications and career progression. Research limitations/implications The survey sample was limited to 72 respondents, which may not represent the entire DevOps community. Future research with a more extensive and diverse sample could provide more generalisable results and deeper insights into the impact of certifications across different contexts. Practical implications Organisations should consider certifications as one component of a candidate’s qualifications, alongside practical experience and soft skills. Professionals are encouraged to pursue certifications for skill validation and knowledge enhancement but should integrate them with practical application and continuous learning to ensure effectiveness in DevOps environments. Social implications An overemphasis on certifications can contribute to a “credentialist” culture, potentially undervaluing practical skills and leading to stress and burnout among professionals. A balanced approach that values both certified knowledge and experiential learning can promote a healthier professional environment and improve team collaboration. Originality/value This paper provides a nuanced examination of the role of certifications in evaluating DevOps skills by combining survey data with a literature review. It offers original insights into the limitations of certifications and emphasises the importance of balancing them with practical experience and soft skills in the IT industry.