I have read this article from Barbara Paech, where explain to us the where abouts of the Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering and I would like to share my thoughts about it.
First of all, maybe it is helpful to know what I’m talking about with this introduction on wikipedia Requirements Engineering , that since now on I will abbreviate as RE.
I’m not a big fan for certified, but I must admit that now a days they seem to be pretty useful when you seek for work.
When you are certified and for my experience (Master in Java architecture), you have already an advantage over the rest of the candidates, Why? normally Human Resources are not qualified IT people, been certified makes for them easier this “first” selection over other selective points.
We should not forget that once you are certified means that you past a test that you studied for it, you will share common language and is supposed you have same knowledge as any other.
I never liked exams at all. I’ve been a good student always and I had great scores, but come on, because you have good scores doesn’t mean that much, I explain: I rather do an small “work” where I can use what I’m learning and that may be useful in the future than doing an exam where you study, normally without understanding, you do the exam and you may forget. If you did a “work/project” you will always have it and the research you may do, brings to you much more.
Other point why been certified is not fair at all comes when you have an innate talent, there’s this people that seems to be so good at RE, but they have the same certified as one that really have no idea. Your innate talent may be communication skills, good speaker for example, or good at understanding problems and listening. This things hardly you will learn them.
Same happens if you have been working for 10 years or a newbie, you have the same certified.
Finishing my point is: It’s up to you to be certified or not, but I’ve been involved in few work position selections and there’s things that are more important, experience, talent, work dedication… that are far more important than been certified.
As a resume from my perspective:
Pros:
- Certifies your knowledge about RE.
- Usage of common syllabus.
- It may be useful for seeking work.
Cons:
- Knowledge can be forget.
- Doesn’t demonstrate work experience.
- Not value for innate talent.
- Not certified for your communicative skills.