Is Certification a Waste of Time?
Certification: Don’t Waste Your Time!
In this short piece, Uncle Bob makes some very good points about the value of certifications and why the process to obtain them can be a waste of time. Although no particular credentials are mentioned, the web site focuses on IT software practices, so we assume that the article is about certifications for that field.
For the full article, Certification: Don’t Waste Your Time! ….
Everybody Wins In The Certification Game
Everybody Wins In The Certification Game
by Davy Brion
You often hear developers complain about the value of certifications. Most certifications are worthless in my opinion, and you sure as hell don’t need to be smart or talented to be able to get certified. The only thing you really need is time. That’s it. So i can understand why so many people in this industry are frustrated with people who are either too hung up on their certifications, or the companies and/or customers who value them so greatly. But fear not, my friends, for the truth is that we can all benefit from the software certification game.
If you’re a company or an individual who’s looking for an easy way to make a few extra bucks, just create your own certification! The only reason certifications exist is to make more money and there is no reason in the world why you wouldn’t be able to do the same. Want some proof? People are paying money to go to a 2 day course which ends with them being proclaimed Certified Scrum Master. Obviously, most people who’ve actually given it some thought know that it’s a pretty meaningless certificate but hey, plenty of people are willing to pay for it, so why not take advantage?
IT Certification Credibility Shot, Vendor Action Needed!
Web sites selling actual certification exam questions, brain dumps, paper qualifications attained through certification boot camps, and 100% pass rate guarantees continue to debase the value of many IT certifications. Although many professionals are aware that the certification credentials they hold may have little or no credibility, they often feel forced to pursue them anyway or else be put at an disadvantage in a competitive market. This article not only describes the conditions affecting the integrity of IT certifications, but it’s also a call for action by IT certification vendors to restore credibility to their programs.
For the full article, IT Certification Credibility Shot, Vendor Action Needed! ….
Certifications: Selling Credibility For Passive Income
Certifications: Selling Credibility For Passive Income

That may sound like a hustle—and it can be—but distributing credibility via certifications is totally legitimate and so common that it’s almost invisible. Whether a high school diploma or a college degree, state board license or driver’s license, Social Security card or passport, or any industry certification, the structure is the same:
- A trusted industry expert or organization or company or entity requires a minimum standard for identity, knowledge and/or performance and offers a certification that, if achieved, sprinkles Magic Credibility Dust on the heads of…
- Folks meeting the minimum standard and proving their abilities, who can then show the cert to…
- Other folks wanting third-party verification
Bogus Credentials, Fast Food, And The Rise Of The Pseudo-Professionals
Bogus Credentials, Fast Food, And The Rise Of The Pseudo-Professionals
by Chris Berry
In virtually every profession, charlatans and frauds occasionally attempt to pass themselves off as legitimate practitioners. Strict licensing requirements make it more difficult in some fields than others, but that doesn’t prevent the truly dedicated scam artist from attempting to cash in on a potentially lucrative business. It doesn’t happen very often, but the sheer audacity required to pass oneself off as doctor or lawyer is almost mind boggling.
In the interest of protecting the public, states have put in place strict licensing requirements for certain occupations. This is particularly true of the medical, legal and accounting professions. When you see MD, JD, or CPA behind a name, you can usually rest assured that this person has years of specialized professional training, and has passed a rigorous licensing examination.
Do Certifications Prove Anything?
Certification Demand and Quality is a well thought out analysis on the value of IT certifications. The author’s experiences as an independent developer and employer make his viewpoint particularly interesting. Although generally critical of most IT certification programs, a few high-quality programs are praised and it’s explained why these particular programs reflect real value in comparison to the majority of programs that do not. Most importantly, the author provides possible solutions for improving the quality of IT certification exams so that they could more accurately test knowledge and talent.
This is a must read article for anyone considering IT certification, but particularly for those considering certifications in SW programming.
Geek Squad Certification Test Is Absolutely Stupid
Can you really say that? Well, Jesus Diaz did and backs it up with examples. It appears that most of his readers agree with him too.
For the full Gizmodo article …..
Are Certification Programs a Scam?
Experienced professionals sound off on the value of IT storage certification programs in this article from ComputerWorld. Read what working pros have to say about the role of certification in hiring, its value as a career enhancement tool, and whether current certification programs are adequately addressing the needs of the IT storage industry.

