To the Certified Go the Spoils

The demand for IT professionals who are lifelong learners is stronger than ever, according to a recent survey of nearly 18,000 IT managers. The study, released by Comp TIA, Prometric and the Computer Technology Industry Association, found that ongoing training helps IT employees keep their jobs in a competitive marketplace and opens up doors for advancement and increased salaries.

Some 34 percent of those IT employees who achieved certification in 2000 were rewarded for their efforts, up from 24 percent in 1999, according to the findings. The survey also showed that such recognition takes many forms: Of the IT professionals receiving recognition, 66 percent received a pay increase in 2000, up from 43 percent in 1999; 48 percent received new responsibilities, up from 35 percent in 1999; and 26 percent received promotions, up from 17 percent in 1999.

"Companies continue to stress the importance of ongoing training as an employee differentiator and competitive business advantage," says Michael Brannick, president and CEO of Prometric, a Baltimore-based provider of technology-based testing and assessment services. "Individuals are realizing that the benefits of training go way beyond keeping up-to-date with current technology applications," he says. "The benefits for employers and employees of combined job-specific IT training with certification are limitless." —J.S.