Christopher Chan wrote:
I have both Solaris and RHCE certs. I like them because I'm self taught. The certs let me know I've gotten a fairly well rounded education along the way. The RHCE challenges me each time I see something I think I should know better and keeps me driven to maintain my skills.
Are you saying that you go for a new RHCE every time it is updated for the latest RH offering?
Sorry for the confusion, no. I'm well aware of my limitations and the broad skills required of the RHCE are not in my day-to-day work. So I need to continually practice and grow in areas that don't happen to be the current focus. I also have a poor memory so if I don't do something for a few months I completly forget how.
Broad knowledge requirements, I will give the test that but skills?
The test is very basic imho. Nothing spectacular. Tough enough to weed out those that the MCSE tests won't for those who take MCSE. Yes, I got my MCSE without having any experience in a related job. Just a two week intensive MCSE course was sufficient to help me get the 5 MCPs (ok the Network Essentials does not really count) within a month. A bit of tinkering on my own with MS Proxy Server 2.0 helped me get my sixth one. Now you cannot do that with RHCE :)
In my work, as far as I know, I'm the only RHCE. This gives me an edge, but it also lets me "set the standard". And I like high standards so I can promote linux. :)
Also looks nice on the business card when you go job-searching. :)
That depends. My boss held my RHCE as of no account. So it really depends on how clued your potential employer is.
Yeah, it still stinks that many employer's aren't as smart as we are. :)
Er...I had in mind that the none smart type would be the ones that give RHCE credit...my boss is VERY WELL CLUED.
However, it is a good selling point when you do happen along a clueful employer; especially one who needs to build linux skills in-house. Certification is not a single reference, but mixed with a good attitude and some experience it will, I think, get you more offers than others.
That depends on the level of clue here. There is a sweet spot where they know something but not enough to judge just how skilled you really are and so they depend on the cert to say something.
At least it might help your resume get past the first cut; these days one job announcement might get a couple hundred resumes. Bosses need whatever tools they can to sort through them. Those four letters might make the differece in getting you at least in the door.
I sure wish I knew if those four letters got me the first interview. I kinda got drilled gently on my second interview on stuff that is way out of the coverage of the RHCE. The RHCE would be much more credible if it covered a few more things but then those areas are specialized...
