April 2003 — Industry Perspective
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Certification: Your Return On Training Investments
Certiport's Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) program, a certification covering broad-based computer and Internet literacy, is an example of a certification that has gained wide acceptance through support of a number of credentialing authorities. IC3 is supported by CompTIA as the gateway to additional computer certifications, with certifications on desktop applications or higher-level technical skills, such as A+, being the next logical step for IC3 graduates.
IC3 has also been approved by the National Skills Standards Board to establish a recognized baseline for computer and Internet literacy. Academic support for IC3 has come through a credit recommendation from the American Council on Education (ACE), which allows IC3 certificate holders to obtain college credit from hundreds of two- and four-year colleges that base college credit decisions on ACE credit recommendations.
Beware of 'Pigeons'
While testing specialists recognize the difference between a true certification and other forms of assessment tools, a number of products exist that present themselves as "certifications," but don't have the strict developmental process or institutional backing that underpin more established certifications such as A+, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Office Specialist and IC3.
When trying to determine whether a testing solution represents a true certification or if it is a "pigeon" certification - an assessment masquerading as a certification exam - customers should ask the following questions:
What is the validation behind the certification? D'es the certification meet industry standards for test development, rigor and relevance? What supporting documentation, including research methodology and statistical evidence, can a test provider supply to support their contention that a particular test represents a true certification?
Who supports the certification? Is it just the test vendor? If so, you may be talking about an assessment rather than a true certification. While assessments have their role to play in the training and employment process, they are not an equivalent substitute for a true certification in terms of rigor or acceptance as a true standard.
Is the test truly standardized? A+, MCP, Microsoft Office Specialist and IC3 certifications all provide the same standardized exams, localized for specific markets, worldwide. This level of standardization is another key differentiator between a true certification and a "pigeon" certification.
Is the test widely available? Is the test delivered in a large enough network of standardized test centers to ensure that the certification can be taken easily and conveniently? Vendors such as Microsoft and CompTIA make use of the established professional testing networks provided by companies such as The Thompson Corp.'s Prometric and NCS Pearson's VUE to deliver testing, while Certiport delivers both Microsoft Office Specialist and IC3 certifications through a global network of thousands of testing centers.
Is the test delivered in a professional, proctored environment? Prometric, VUE and Certiport all guarantee that testing is taken under the supervision of proctors to ensure candidates do not cheat or misrepresent their identity. The same cannot be said for certifications delivered via the Internet or through some other unsecured environment.
