TweakHound: Taking The Linux+ Exam

“Since the time I started studying for my first cert I’ve read
the debates about certs in general. Going through various forum
posts over the years one thing has become clear (and I’m sure this
will anger more than a few of you), those with certs know their
value, those without only think they do. What do I mean by that?
Simple, I hear from and know people who claim they know all about
‘X’ or claim to have ‘X’ amount of experience. That is all well and
good, but how do I know you know what you claim to know??? (read
that 10 times fast) Certs are a way to show that you do know
‘X.’

“Now I know there are lots of ways to cheat at a cert. I agree
that those who cheat and the companies that deal in the ‘cheat
sheets’ do cheapen the certs to an extent. Indeed, I dislike
cheaters almost as much as I dislike the dishonest companies
dealing in exam cheating. However, I believe the vast majority of
people with certs have obtained them honestly through hard work. I
also believe that the certs themselves are valid representations of
not only the knowledge a certified person has, but their potential
to learn more about the subject at hand.

“I also know there are lots of companies that claim that a cert
is the way to get ‘the career you’ve always wanted,’ you can’t turn
on the TV or radio without being exposed to the ads. I’m living
proof that this is a flat out lie. Certs, in and of themselves,
will not get you a job. They can be a deciding factor, among other
factors, in getting a job or promotion. My point is this, don’t let
anyone mislead you into thinking that cert = job…”

Complete
Story