Certification - Worth it? 1

[gav12345]

I know that any answers to this are much more a reflection of a persons personal opinion than a yes / know answer, but can I have some overall thoughts on this?

I studied long and hard for my Microsoft certification (MCP in VB6) a couple of years ago, and the rewards of my hours of study were extremely limited. I'm now thinking of following the Crystal certification route, as much to get better at my job as to hopefully earn more money. Before I resign myself to the long hours at my desk after work, can I get some thoughts on this from you good people?

For instance, do you think you learned a lot from studying for the exams? Have you seen many job advertisements looking for certified CR / CE developers?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, much appreciated.

Gavin

 

[bdreed35]

...do you think you learned a lot from studying for the exams?

I think I learned a few things while studying for the exams, but I also had the BO WBT's to help with that. Depending on what your knowledge level is already, you may learn alot, or you may just be brushing up on what you already know.

Have you seen many job advertisements looking for certified CR / CE developers?

I am not currently looking, but the only jobs that I have heard of that mentioned anything about certification were jobs working for BO Partner companies. Even with those, it stated that it was preferred, not required. You may see it in the future, but the certification is too new for employers to be requiring it now.

...can I have some overall thoughts on this?

I completed the CRCP last month, and I think that it was a good process to go through. I feel that my knowledge level is somewhat validated now. I had never been certified in any software before, so it was nice to finally do it. One thing I would stress is that you should have a good working knowledge of Crystal before trying for the cert. Some of the questions require you to have had time spent using the tool and all its options, not just memorizing topics from a book or help files.

~Brian

 

[gav12345]

Thanks Brian, that's very useful. - I've got a pretty good working knowledge of CR 8.5 and CE 9/10 so for me it would probably be a mixture of learning new stuff and brushing up on the old. Its just the thought of the hours of home study at my desk after work (not my ideal way to spend a summers evening) that makes me a little hesitant...
Thanks again, Gavin

 

[MJRBIM]

Like most people here, I will take experience over training any day...but that's not the way a lot of organizations see it.

I am only doing the Certification path, because I freelance through various Head Hunters who respond to RFPs from Government and Institutional clients.

These RFPs usually allocate points to each bid based on a combination of CERTIFICATION and EXPERIENCE. They then divide the rate/points to come up with a lowest cost per point - and the contract goes to the compnay with the highest points at the best price.

Under this point system of approx 150 total points per position, having CERTIFICATION may be worth 30 - 50 points which is equal to two or three years practical experience.

Each course/exam that I complete adds to my "bidding value", and usually teaches me one or two things I never took the time to learn or use in the past.

 

[gav12345]

Thanks MJRBIM - I was also considering certification with a view to possibly contracting at some point in the future (not sure if thats basically what you do?). - Anyway I think that in that sort of situation a few more letters after your name will help convince a potential employer you're a bit better than the rest of the guys going for the job.

In any case, I have decided to go for the certification. My main reason for this is that I find its the best way to learn stuff (having a goal at the end of it), but I'm hoping that when the certification becomes better know, it will help with job prospects. I'm going to do the CRCP first and, if that all goes well, move on to the CECP sometime next year. Thanks for the input, Gavin

 

[benaround]

I have a very basic question to ask, with the merge of BO and Crystal, is there going to be a Crystal Enterprise or Reports certification in 3 years?

I think the answer is no, but any comments, rebuttals, etc. please let me know.

Assuming no which has at least a 75% chance of happening, then why get the certification?

 

[MJRBIM]

Both the Crystal Enterprise and Crystal Reports products are a core-part of the intergrated "BusinessObjects XI" tool that is expected in Q1 of 2005.

The Crystal name may even stay as part of the product line - eg. Business Objects Crystal Reports XI - since it is so well known.

The current CRCP and CECP certifications will probably be renamed and revised under the new framework - but people with current CRCP or CECP designations will probably be able to sit a single recertification test for the new release, rather that sit each of the single exams.

If you are a contractor/consultant (or would like to be) then it's probably worth taking the exams.