THE VALUE OF IT CERTIFICATION: PERSPECTIVES FROM STUDENTS AND IT PERSONNEL

Abstract

The value of IT certification has been a subject of debate for the past decade. Research suggests that IT certification can boost fresh graduates’ profile to get attention of the hiring manager. IT magazines suggest that certifications can bring opportunities for existing employees with better positions, promotion and salary increase. For years, educators have been suggesting to include IT certifications in traditional computing curricula of higher education. However, due to lack of knowledge and commitment, faculty members have been reluctant to include IT certification in traditional degree programs. In this paper, we report the results of integration of several IT certifications in a graduate MIS program of a U.S. university. It is found that almost all current or past students believe that IT certification can help them build a better career. Certifications from Oracle, Microsoft and Cisco are found to be most valuable to them. We recommend that educationists who are faced with the dilemma of whether or not to adapt IT certifications in their computing curricula, should take the positive steps. That will bring IT departments up to the par of IT industry standards.