Information technology is an ever-changing field, and as the industry advances, various types of Certifications also appear. Due to the high number of certificates, specializations and different providers that are in the industry, it is very easy to be confused, especially if you are a newbie in the IT sphere.

When it comes to getting a certification, the first question to ask is which vendor should I choose to earn a prestigious and beneficial certification? Really, you need to know the reason why you want to get a credential.

Why should you get certified?

There are many reasons why you should consider getting a Microsoft certification as a computer professional. There are different options available to you, depending on your specialization. The three important reasons to consider obtaining certificates are Professional and Personal Development, Credibility, and Marketability.

Professional and Personal Development

There is no doubt that the IT industry is very dynamic, and innovative technologies are being introduced on a daily basis. To keep up with these innovations, you need to get certified. Certifications are very crucial to ensure that you are up-to-date with new developments in your field and that your skills and knowledge are updated regularly. Training for a credential will open you up to new concepts while strengthening the skills you currently possess. Another importance of certification for your professional development is that it allows you to network with other specialists in your field. As a professional, you absolutely understand the importance of having the right people in your professional network. Your next project, job, or endorsement could be from another expert you met at a technical conference or a study group for a specific certification exam. Enrolling for a Microsoft certification is definitely a great way to meet other IT professionals who share same specialities and interest as you.

An IT certification also gives you access to professional resources that naturally wouldn’t be available to you. These resources include training materials, online forums, and other resources provided by certificate providers like Microsoft. You are therefore able to learn new things and be exposed to innovative ideas in your industry. Getting a certification also gives you a sense of fulfilment. There is nothing that feels so fulfilling as knowing you passed a seemingly difficult exam and having a credential to validate it.

Credibility

Microsoft certifications are a validation of your proficiency and skills in particular areas. Having a credential in a specialized area indicates that you have expertise in that area and that your employer can trust you to deliver on the job. This is one of the most important reasons why professionals in the industry pursue IT certifications. Certifications validate your expertise and skills in your current job.

Marketability

There are different levels of Microsoft certifications that are relevant for different levels of career stages. For instance, if you are new in the IT industry, it may be a good step towards your career advancement to purse a basic certification like Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). This may land you a good entry level position in a big corporation.

Pursuing a certification in your area of speciality will validate your expertise and skills as well as boost your career growth. Irrespective of where you currently are in your career, Microsoft certifications will definitely give you an edge over your non-certified peers.

It is important to mention that over and beyond validating your experience and skills, certifications also shows your potential employers that you are passionate about the IT industry and you are willing to invest in your career to get your certifications. What this does is that it builds a level of trust and respect for you before your employer. Another important outcome of obtaining a Microsoft certification is that it makes career growth very possible. With this credential, you can easily get a promotion or a pay rise at work. And if you would rather change job, a Microsoft certification makes the job switch easier.

When it comes to pay rise, having the right certifications could earn you anything from an eight to sixteen percent increase in your salary. There are many IT certifications that mean higher pay. All you have to do is know the specialization you want to focus, and do everything possible to be at the top of your game. There are many Microsoft certifications that will help you achieve your career dreams.

If you really want to go far in some sectors in the IT industry, you need certifications. It is also important to mention that self-employed and consultants in the IT industry should not ignore them. Obtaining certifications keeps you in good light with your clients because it boosts your image and credibility before your clients. Having certificates will definitely earn you more clients. In addition to this, if you want to earn an IT position in a government owned corporation, you will be better off with some Microsoft certifications.

There are numerous certifications offered by Microsoft that you can pursue. Some of these are Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), MCSA, MCSE among others. Before you enrol for any of these certifications, it is important that you get prepared for all that is required. Planning ahead of your certification is very important so as to earn your certification with as less ddifficult as possible. First, you need to plan ahead and set your study time. If you are taking a professional certification, you probably have a job that you attend to on a daily basis. Studying and preparing for a certification while keeping up with the demands of work can be really tasking. However, if you put a realistic plan together, you will be able to handle your work and study in a smooth flow of the event.

Another thing that will help you in preparing for your Microsoft certification exam is to get involved in a study group. When you are part of a study group, you get to learn from others, share ideas and help each other in areas of weaknesses.

In summary, Microsoft certifications are what you need to move ahead in your career path.

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