Demystifying Professional CertificationsAssociation of Information Systems Professionals A UW-Madison Student OrganizationPresented by Nicholas Davis, CISA, CISSP

What is a Professional What is a Professional Certification?Certification?

• Neutral third party testimonial to knowledge

• Sets a baseline (minimum)• Does not set a top bar

(maximum)• Good for popular careers• Not good for extreme

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I Have a DegreeI Have a DegreeWhy Do I Want a Why Do I Want a

Certification?Certification?• Resume searches – keywords• Job requirements, especially

government• Employers love certifications,

because it lowers their burden of verifying knowledge

• Increase your salary• Differentiate you• Professional recognition and

respect05/01/23 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN 3

How do I get aHow do I get aCertification?Certification?

• Meet standards for work experience

• Study, independently or via a professional course

• Pass exam• Demonstrate work experience• Testimonials from co-workers• Pay lots of money

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How Much Does It Cost?How Much Does It Cost?• Study materials• Cost of exam• Cost of classes• Study on your own vs.

enrolling in a prep course

• One time cost, vs. take the exam multiple times cost

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How Do I Keep a How Do I Keep a Certification?Certification?

• CPEs, continuing professional education

• Seminars• Guest lectures• Conferences• Articles• Classes• More certifications!

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What Kinds of CertificationsWhat Kinds of CertificationsDo I want?Do I want?

• In your area of expertise• Applicable• Look for trends in your

industry• What do your peers have• How common is the

certification

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What Certifications Do I What Certifications Do I Not Want?Not Want?

• Ones which go in and out of fashion quickly

• Ones which are so highly technical that you may become obsolete

• Ones which require huge amounts of CPEs

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Case in PointCase in PointVery Popular in 2000Very Popular in 2000

Not Popular NowNot Popular Now

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How Many CertificationsHow Many CertificationsDo I WantDo I Want

• One is nice• A few is nicer• Many makes you look like a

test taker with no genuine interest in the subjects

• Less is more, to an extent05/01/23 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN 10

How Do I KeepHow Do I KeepMy CertificationsMy Certifications

• CPE credits• Pay annual dues• Don’t lie about CPEs• Don’t do unethical

things

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Let’s Look at 10 Top Let’s Look at 10 Top CertificationsCertifications

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Questions and DiscussionQuestions and Discussion

Nicholas Davis, CISA, CISSPndavis@uwsa.eduTel. 608.347.2486

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