MCSE Exams

MCSE Exams

A US-based magazine focused on certification issues, CertMag (http://www.certmag.com), has noted that "85% of IT managers surveyed by Gartner Inc. for a Training and Certification study agreed that there were benefits to having certified employees who have cleared MCSE exams due to higher productivity levels and higher service levels."

Indeed, in addition to not having the matching numbers, a number of local employers value experience and attitude over certification.

For instance, HSBC, which recently launched Internet banking services in the country, puts a premium on its own screening process over certification. "HSBC implements its own stringent screening process that is consistent worldwide," Laine Santana, HSBC public affairs manager, told BusinessWorld.

"The process identifies people with a higher degree of intellectual capacity and professional aptitude that will enable them to qualify for any IT certification given the training and exposure."

Judith Duavit Vazquez, chair of Mod.Net.Ph, which counts among its businesses an Internet data center and Internet security services provision, is more direct to the point.

"On Microsoft, the software crashes, expensive third-party servicing and delays, among others, naturally dictate the value of MS certified engineers," she told BusinessWorld.

She adds, however, "Certainly, an IT professional who has passed MCSE exams catches my eye before a non-certified engineer. However, we have found that test results do not necessarily relate to good employee performance," she said.

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer.

"Attitude, commitment, service orientation, the willingness to learn and grow are key performance drivers that a certification exam does not measure. We prefer to grow our people first, and invest in their certification if proven necessary to our business model," Ms. Vazquez added.

In lieu of corporate training, IBM's Ms. Africa points to another route IT professionals in this country may take in order to enhance their skills. "Some individuals tend to invest on their own. But you wouldn't see a lot of freelancers in the country. You would see a lot outside," she said.

"In the US, there are a lot of freelancers and a lot of consultants who have invested on their own. Why? Because there's so much demand. Companies really go for their titles."

MCSE Certification