RE: Not again: certification

["Giordano, Connie" <Connie -dot- Giordano -at- FMR -dot- COM>]

In many companies, certification in a single product is completely
insufficient in anything related to the software development arena.  Our
network,  installation and database people have at least two certifications,
and many have three or four.    It is not a requirement, and the great
managers here don't rely on it as  the sole reason to hire or not hire
someone.  The importance of certifications to hiring/promotion decisions is
probably directly proportional to level of bureaucracy within the
organization.

The reality is that certification is no more a predictor of true ability or
productivity than a college degree-which these days doesn't even guarantee
literacy.  I get them when they interest me, primarily to learn a new skill,
or have something to talk about with visitors to the cube.  But the toys
laying on the shelves in my do a lot more to open up communication, prove
ability to work well under pressure, and demonstrate a sense of humor,  than
a stack of certifications a mile high.

MTC

Connie Giordano
Who over the years has become a certified trainer, project manager, MS
Office Power User, public relations practitioner and professional shoe
fitter (really)

-----Original Message-----
From: Lurker writer [mailto:lurker_writer -at- hotmail -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 8:16 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Not again: certification


I have researched, written, and presented on certification for technical 
writers in the past. Bottom line: any kind of generic "certified technical 
writer" generated zero interest with hiring managers in my informal survey 
conducted back in 1996. A "CTW" designation would not make any difference in

hiring or promotion. The respondents argued that a bachelor degree should be

sufficient and they expect TWs to already have the basics. But, what would 
"influence" their decision to hire or promote would be specific 
certification in a product (Adobe FrameMaker Expert as one example) or a 
methodology (Information Mapping, ISO 9000, etc.).

Seems like the only people who think certification has merit are those who 
are still looking to validate what it is they do. STC involvement? My 
feeling is that the STC should stay out of the certification thing 
altogether. But, if people really need to have another plaque hanging on 
their cube wall to justify their existence, then a certification program 
must provide for the short-term and long-term job prospects for those 
holding the certification. It must be robust enough to differentiate the 
skill levels from those who don't have certification. Overall, it must 
benefit those who have paid for it (through training and exams) by providing

actual (versus perceived) value-add for career development.

Let's also not forget that certification represents a snapshot it time of 
knowledge and skill level. Things have a habit of changing rapidly in this 
environment, and a certification program (a viable one anyway) would have to

undergo continuous evolution to stay current.

Lurker_writer

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