Certifications - increase your relevance in the job market.

As I will be getting back into the job market in the next couple weeks (after I graduate on May 7th), I decided it would be a good idea to post a few tips and tricks for those wanting to become more relevant in the job market.  Today, I am focusing on certifications.

In the IT industry, certifications often require no specific education, and can be obtained by anyone from high-schoolers to college graduates.  Instead of requiring attendance at an institute of higher learning, applicants must generally pass a difficult examination to become certified.

Recently I acquired my COMPTIA A+ certification.  This particular certification requires one to take two tests (the 220-701 Essentials and the 220-702 Practical Examination).  A score of 675 or higher on the first test and 700 or higher on the second merits certification through COMPTIA.

While being able to pass these tests comes easy for some who have worked in the field for years, not all of us have such an advantage.  I have found a few resources that proved invaluable to becoming certified:

www.getcertify4less.com - Money is often the largest obstacle preventing people from taking the test.  The COMPTIA A+ exam costs $173 for each test--a total of $346 for a single try at each test.  Failure at each means that the test-taker is not certified.  This website provides several discounts and vouchers to allow test takers to reduce the risk of taking the test by at least a few dollars.

http://www.visualcertexam.com/ - This website offers the Visual CertExam Suite - a software package that allows you to create and take practice tests at home, simulating the test environment.  The best way to know you're ready is to be able to pass a similar test in a similar environment, and this program allows you to use the many practice exams available online in the comfort of your own home.  Failing to pass the test is no longer a financial burden, because you can simply click a button to retake the test.  Once you are able to pass the practice exams without difficulty, you know you're ready to try it for real.

www.comptia.com - Of course, I can't leave out COMPTIA itself.  The COMPTIA website provides many tips and advice for passing their own examinations--even providing some practice tests as well.  Once you pass a certification test, COMPTIA provides resources to allow you to print your certificate, get a copy of a COMPTIA logo to place on your business card or resume, and more.

Remember, a college degree is not the only thing a potential employer looks at.  Getting certifications shows that you are willing to study on your own in your free time to further your knowledge.  It shows that you were willing to take the risk to increase your knowledge in a subject, and that you came out ahead in the end.  The more you are willing to invest to further your own knowledge, the more a potential employer will be willing to consider you for a position.

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