Securing Insecurities: How Certifications Validate IT Skills
Jobs are abounding, and there is a need for skilled individuals to create and operate today’s innovative technology. Skills establish what work ethic can be adhered to. The Information Technology field has been growing at a constant rate. Educational institutions have introduced many students to the certs.
Some prominent certification programs provide platforms that enhance the competency of IT hopefuls. Many provide an interactive training platform with a cumulative exam towards the end. Upon completion, one receives industry credentials. Some certifications are stamped with expiration dates. Such certifications comply with the ANSI/ISO/IEC standard 17024. In turn, other certifications last for a lifetime. With these, certified individuals attain an achievement that attests to their overall mastery and expertise in their preferred field.
According to standards and regulations, organizations and individuals must show they have the appropriate knowledge and validated skills concerning Information Assurance or other job-related skills. Why does discredit loom over lifetime certifications?
The demand to "re-certify" averts the true validation of complex instructional platforms and their interactive experiences. This deters credible attestations and the qualified individuals to whom they are accredited.
The Value Of Lifetime Certifications
Certifications give credit and proof of input. Experience/expertise is not perishable, at best it's retired or shelved. CompTIA and some Microsoft validation relinquished lifetime certifications because of the re-certify "restriction". Although Microsoft still retains its MOS certifications which do not expire. Alas, this is a feasible expectation for those two entities respectively seeing, as they’re vendors. They provide hardware and software to consumers at a constant rate. There is a need for their direct affiliates to update themselves concerning incoming innovations. Some labor fields refresh technology at a slower rate. Moreover, there is a need for lifetime certifications. Hardware and software versions improve over time. Some, but not all previous versions are deemed obsolete. Consumer demand triggers the revival of previous builds. Windows 8 is an example of such. Some preferred the previous release and the later release of Windows 10 made changes but also integrated some Windows 8 features.
With this, some prefer not to re-certify. Skills are the same. Devices undergo upgrades, scrapping or integration. Knowledge is to be stockpiled, but available for integration. Prior knowledge is a "read-only" resource. How silly would it be to re-certify our high school and college diplomas yearly or bi-annually? Skills ensure the encryption of said knowledge and guarantee it for a lifetime.
Vendor credentials expire when their compatible products are discontinued or become outdated, including hardware and software. Lifetime certs and the holders thereof provide an interpersonal medium. A "technician" or any body of support will always be needed to assist customers and colleagues. Not everyone is able to interact with Artificial Intelligence. Lifetime certs uphold laborers who retain a timeline of technical competency. The authentication of non-vendors enables a troupe of individuals to oversee the entire collaboration of Technology as a whole. Their product expertise and consumer interaction justify their credibility.
Ultimately, lifetime certifications act as industry credit cards. They provide a secured line of benefits to a portfolio and help boost one's "assets". The guaranteed skills are the safe "deposit" that should determine a candidate's credit line. Think, these positive items remain in your credential history forever. Upon applying for future luxuries, any inquiries would be met with satisfaction. One wouldn’t want a lapse in their credential report because of an inadvertent renewal technicality, right? American society recommends that hopefuls provide proof of "experience" or special privileges from an outside power of authority. Although, the consideration of skills entitles potential candidates the lawful privilege to obtain labor and maintain experience, doesn't it?
Resources:
- Why Not Have Lifetime IT Certifications?
- Accreditation Program for Personnel Certification Bodies under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024
- Randall, M. H., & Zirkle, C. J. (2005). Information technology student-based certification in formal education settings: who benefits and what is needed. Journal Of Information Technology Education, 287.
