When is the Right Time to Get an IT Certification?

Like every other IT professional in the world, you've probably asked yourself, "When is the right time to get an IT certification?" IT development moves at a frenetic pace so it makes sense to wait for the opportune moment to make the investment in training and certification. After all, you want to be as current as possible, right? Well the problem with this strategy is that IT development moves at a frenetic pace. There is always something new on the horizon. The key is to pick a horizon. Actually, you need to pick three.

If you harken back to that age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and look at it from your current life situation. Which IT discipline appeals to you the most? This is your first horizon. Then think about your dream job. This might not be your next job and you may change your mind at any point. The goal is to set a goal. This is your second horizon. Your third horizon is industry. Maybe corporate culture is your thing and maybe you're a mad-scientist contractor. Maybe you have an entrepreneurial flair and your passion is start-ups. You may be into healthcare or music. You may even be into finance. The point is to find where your career interests and dream job intersects with the industry you really want to work in. Then start your research to figure out the details:

• What are the common positions and salary ranges?
• Will you have to move in order to find the opportunities you want?
• How close are you to being in a position to make a move?
• What training and certification do you need to get started?
• What experience do you need on your resume to move forward?

At the end of the day, the best time to start is now. Start your research, start planning your future, start taking steps to get there.

No matter the IT certification you plan to pursue, remember that mindhub.com offers a wide range of study materials to help you prepare for the all-important certification exam.