Microsoft Certifications - Worth it?

[Paul2412]

I passed an MCTS exam in April of last year. Although i've had no problem finding jobs, frequently employers at interviews ask of why I took the MCTS. When I was studying for it, I thought it would make up for my lack of education and academic qualifications to prove to employers that I have what it takes.

 

I'm now thinking of stepping up to the next level, and gaining MCITP for databases (its basically the old MCDBA qualification). This would require 2 more exams at a cost of around £200.

 

The question is, is it worth doing this?

[Ghozer]

I find the more paper you have the better, I can do the tasks that jobs require, but often dont even get to interview stages as theres no paper on my CV that says I can do it (even though its all covered under previous experience)

[md25]

IT certs are much like any other exam: the harder the subject, the bigger the payoff. Low-level MS certs are reputed to be easy, so they don't count for that much; going up a level is probably a good idea. Especially if you ever want to change jobs; having more letters after your name can only help.

[JoeP]

I have no paper qualifications in IT - nada, nuffink.

 

I've been an IT contractor / freelance for 20 odd years and have never really gone without work.

 

When I've been recruiting, I go more by how someone handles technical questions in an interview, than whether they can regurgitate the Microsoft Certs. They can be useful if you're recruiting in an area that you know nothing at all about, and also they can be used to differentiate candidates who are equal in all other respects.

 

Whether that will be worth the hassle and cost of maintaining the certifications year after year is up to you, I'm afraid. I've not bothered so far and to be honest doubt I will in future.

[Paul2412]

I'm still unsure as to whether its worth it. Its in SQL Server which is a little more specialised than say just on the .NET Framework. Ultimately, I want to get into DBA work and without much experience I thought if I could get the MCITP in Database Admin i'd stand a better chance than with just a bog standard MCTS

[md25]

Have you tried speaking to a recruiter (either at a company or one of the agencies)? If anyone knows just how helpful a MCITP would be compared to your MCTS it would be them. Remember that most recruiters are HR drones who know nothing about technology and everything about acronyms. Certainly an MCPD makes getting a coding position much easier.