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Join the Discussion "I am looking to get more information on certifications, particularly those relating to security. " ANON42C6

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2. Underestimating the real cost of certification.

How much does it cost to get certified? Too often we underestimate the costs involved. Most people believe it is just a matter of the funds required for training, books, training CDs, manuals and the certification exams. A good certification is built on the realization that money is not the only resource you need to get happily certified. I know quite a few people who register for courses but who keep on dropping out due to one commitment or the other. You've paid for the training and you've bought the books, but how committed are you? Do you have the drive and zeal that requires reading, attending training sessions, and practicing? Do you love studying? How will you handle your other commitments, social, work or family? When it comes down to the crunch, can you make the effort? Sometimes, it even requires extra effort. Most especially if you already have a tight schedule. Are you capable or ready to read and master (not cram) your certification objectives? Sometimes with certification, the going gets tougher. It is a shame that many spend so much to acquire certification resources, but they never really get off the mark when it comes to effort. Candidates who are successful in certification ALL possess the drive and motivation to succeed and advance their careers. Success with certification costs more than just training, certification tools and materials; without effort you're going nowhere.

3. Going to sleep after getting certified.

Many certification candidates believe that once they are certified they no longer have to work to increase their skills. It will be a big mistake for any professional to simply bask in the euphoria of getting certified and forget about continuing requirements. Once you achieve the certification you must set new goals. As stated earlier certification is not an end in itself. It is a career development driver. At each stage in your career you have to ask yourself: Where am I? Where do I want to be? How do I get there? If you stand still, your technical skills will stagnate. To stay ahead, you have to keep on learning. If you don't continuously develop your self the value of your certification falls. How can you hate continuous self-development and hope to succeed in the IT industry? It's no wonder, re-certification requirements are becoming more common. Going to sleep after getting certified means you wasted your time and money.

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