Information Technology Certifications

Information technology (IT) industry certifications are used as hiring criteria, but it was unknown whether vendor certifications, alone or in conjunction with years of IT experience, predict job performance. This book therefore provides an analysis of the contributions of Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification status and years of IT work experience to the self-reported job performance and competency of IT professionals. Although the name of the MCP certification has been changed, the concept and reasons behind certification remain the same. IT Professionals with higher years of IT-related work experience tended to have higher levels of self-reported job competencies. A difference in self-reported IT job competency between MCP-certified IT professionals and non-MCP certified IT professionals, with MCP-certified IT professionals having higher self-reported job competency was found. Higher levels of self-reported job competency were found for MCP certified professionals with more years of IT-related work experience. Findings from the book will be of benefit to IT stakeholders in making informed decisions on IT certifications.