Value of MCITP: Database developer/administrator

Question

I'm targeting these two certificates. But I don't really know that how they affect my CV, and, of course, my salary.

Are they truly valuable? Do they make differences in your work and your position before and after you get it?

Answer 1

it depends on where you are in your career.

For entry level positions then it's definitely a yes. The courses cover enough material so that you'll know your way around SQL Server, but certs wont make you an expert. Having a certification also shows a basic level of competency.

If your further along in your career & you work as a SQL DBA or developer & have been with SQL for a few versions then they're probably less valuable if all your looking to do i to get up-to-date with the differences & new features.

Nonetheless if you want to go down the path of becoming a certified trainer, or your organization wants to become a microsoft partner, then certification is a must.

Then there's the I'm a member of an exclusive club bragging rights. According to these published microsoft numbers there's only 228 certified database administrators for 2008 and 3,233 certified developers for 2008.

Answer 2

They may be the tie breaker between you and another candidate for a job, which is far more relevant these days.

Your experience is irrelevant although the exams are easier the more you have.

The biggest issue is the detractors and nay-sayers: "easy", "worthless", "only Microsoft" etc

• If it's so easy, why not have it?
• If it's so worthless, why do so many people go for it?

It shows interest in learning and self-development, which is not as common as you think. As well as being prepared to invest your own time and money into your career.

BTW, I'm a SQL Server 2000 MCDBA since 2002, with 6 of 7 MCSE exams too: I must upgrade mine...

Answer 3

There's several parts to this question:

But I don't really know that how they affect my CV,

The cert is like icing on the cake, but nobody just wants to eat icing.

If it's the best thing on your CV, then it's a help. For example, if you're fresh out of college and you have zero experience, then these certifications show that you've learned a technology that's new and relevant. Colleges don't teach the same information footprint that these certs cover - college degrees are great for the theory behind what you're doing, and the certs are a little more applicable to what you're doing hands-on as a developer or DBA on that particular technology.

It's not as good as real experience, though. If you've got, say, 2 years of hands-on database development or administration, then that probably trumps a cert in most cases.

and, of course, my salary.

It's not going to matter significantly. If you have the choice between doing four weekends of consulting versus four weekends of studying for the cert, then you're going to make more out of the consulting. In theory, the certs will raise your billable rate, but if you're even asking that question, you're not at the point of your career where this is going to make a difference.

Instead, go ask your manager what they wish they could accomplish in the next two months. Tell 'em you're willing to take on their pet project in your side time to help both of you. Deliver some new piece of code, some new utility, clean up a database, save them licensing, whatever it is, and you'll be more likely to get a raise than if you go get a cert.

And when you're picking side projects, pick something that you can put on your resume. "Reduced licensing costs by $120k through a successful server consolidation project" says a lot more to employers than "MCITP."

Are they truly valuable?

Things that are easy to get are not valuable. Some certs (like the Microsoft Certified Master) are valuable. The ones you can get in a few weekends of studying - not so valuable.

Do they make differences in your work

No, but the studying that you do to PREPARE for these exams will make a difference in your work. In the course of studying, you'll learn tips, tricks and features that you can leverage in your development/DBA work.

and your position before and after you get it?

If you think you're going to get a raise simply by showing your MCITP, you're on the wrong track. Ask your manager for a frank and honest evaluation of your work. Tell them that you want to make sure your career keeps moving, and that you'd like their advice on what you should do next. If you don't like your manager, ask your mentor - find a programmer who's already doing what you wish you were doing, and ask 'em how they got there. It's probably not by getting a cert.