Top Programming Certification for IT pros

It cannot be gainsaid that programming has always been the in-thing from Mobile Application Development to high-end robust software Engineering. It's for this reason that developers need to put their best foot foward and distiguish themselves from the copy pasters.
Programming certifications may give you an edge over other developers in the job market.

Here is a list of the most demanded programming certs in Kenya and beyond.

1. MCPD - Microsoft Certified Professional Developer. 

This is a Microsoft Certification for programmers and Application Developers. The recent MCPD covers Visual studio versions 2010, 2008 and some elements of 2005 and Windows phone, Sharepoint 2010, and Silver light 4 within each specific credentials.

• An MCPD on Ms Visual Studio 2010 earns you Windows Developer 4, Web Developer and windows Azure Developer credentials.

• An MCPD on Ms Visual studio 2008 earns you Windows Developer 3.5, ASP.NET Developer and Enterprise Application Develpoper 3.5 credentials.

More on MCPD.

A single exam costs Ksh: 8,500


2. Zend Certified Engineer - In PHP Programming

PHP is a scripting language based on perl that supports development of dynamic webpages. It's free and works with most webservers. Zend is the name of the core Php scripting engine. php certification represents a great entry point for programmers in entry stage of their programming careers.

More on Zend

3. Oracle (Sun) Certified Java Credentials.

Java programming certification is arguably the best recognised and most widely known and respected programmer cert. It focuses on key job roles in Software Application development and Enterprise Architecture.

Java certified is offered by Oracle with the following beginner certs:

• The Oracle Certified Associate formerly Sun Certified Java Associate - it's a beginners entry point in a career in Application development and project management using Java technology.
• An advancement of OCA is a Oracle Certified professional and Oracle Certified developer.

You can bear me witness that atleast half of the programming jobs available today require a sound knowledge of Java skills.

Coders rule the world!

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Certification Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors and get the most out of your certification

 1. Studying for a 'HOT' cert, rather than something you love doing.  

People in IT tend to pursue a certification based on it's popularity at that moment. Many will often ask for advice on the hottest cert to study for.
pursuing a hot cert is a bad strategy. An area perceived to be hot right now might be glacialy cold in six months. These trends are impossible to predict. This too may lead you to an area thats not of your interest. if you like Systems administration, why go for a developer cert.

Determine what you enjoy doing in IT and find a certification that will support you on the same.

 2. Don't use one study Method.

Books can be helpful certification prep tools. so are simulation labs, classroom-based training and online training.
Do not confine your studies to just one of these types. Variety is not only the spice of life but it can kick you certification prep to the next level.

3. Assuming a certification will fast-track your career.

People expect an immediate raise or promotion the moment they bang that cert. The more acronyms after their name i.e MCSE,RHCE,CCIE, the more they feel they deserve the corner office.
Certification are an indication of an employee worthiness, which coupled with other skills i.e. communication skills, team-player and experience, make an excellent techie.

4. If you are not ready, don't test.

You need to be thoroughly prepared for your exams before testing. if you feel you need an extra week or month be patient take your time.

5. Avoid Braindumping.

Braindumps are exact questions and answers from certification tests provided to test-takes for a fee or free. Braindumps are unethical. It's not different from getting a test ahead of time and swotting the answers.
Another drawback of braindumps is you never get to understand the material so you'll be half baked on the job.

Read widely, know your stuff, GO get Certified.
  

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New VMware certification: VCP5-DT

VMware have now released the VMware Certified Professional - Desktop certification for vSphere 5 and View 5, shortened to VCP5-DT The exam is aimed at those who are responsible for deploying, administering, and managing View 5 on top of vSphere 5.

There is no formal training requirement for View 5 to qualify for VCP5-DT, the View 5: Install Configure Manage course will be a big help, but you must hold VCP5 in order to qualify for VCP5-DT certification - and of course VCP5 does have a vSphere 5 training requirement.

So, if you're starting out with VMware certifications your minimum requirements to VCP5-DT look like this:

Attend vSphere 5 training > Pass VCP5 exam > Pass VCP5-DT exam

If you already have your VCP5 certification you will only need to pass the VCP5-DT exam. If you are a VCP3 or VCP4 you will need to gain VCP5 and pass the VCP5-DT exam.

VMware have not shortened the path to VCP5-DT for those that already hold VCP4-DT, and it now looks like there will be no VCA5-DT certification at all - VCP5-DT will be the foundation-level certification for View 5.

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