The American Freedom Network

Certification Silliness

As I sit in a certification “Review” Seminar (long boring talking) I appreciate the earnestness of the trainer and wonder at the cost to productivity and in dollars to the companies using it.

As an Information Engineer across many technology platforms “certification” is necessary to be considered for work.  That is the ONLY benefit I can determine.  Similar to diplomas from “prestigious” Universities, certifications provide “proof” of knowledge.  Particularly to people too lazy or ignorant to be able to vet a skill set by interview or demonstration.

So I have accumulated numerous “certifications”.  Give me the course materials and spare me the “seminars”.  I’ll pass any tough test if I know what the subject matter is and I have source materials.

I know, everyone isn’t me but when I need talent I want proof.  Not a scrap of paper but the ability to verbalize and demonstrate the skills I’m seeking.  I can’t tell you how many diploma bearing and/or certified nincompoops or incompetents I’ve run in to in years of work.

Simple rant for a simple guy