Re: Certification Available +Pronounce - Mailing list pgsql-advocacy

David Fetter wrote:

>On Tue, Oct 04, 2005 at 04:51:01PM +0100, Robert Cleary wrote:
>
>
>>David Fetter wrote:
>>
>>
>>>On Tue, Oct 04, 2005 at 11:39:30AM +0100, Robert Cleary wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>1) Is there a PostgreSQL equivalent certification to the MySQL
>>>>Core Certification (btw drawn #8 in certcites.com hottest 05
>>>>certifications list)
>>>>http://certcities.com/editorial/features/print.asp?EditorialsID=86,
>>>>If not, maybe this could be another target to increase pg's
>>>>popularity?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>I'm not sure I understand this question.  Could you explain what
>>>purposes and whose interests such a certification, if it existed,
>>>would serve?
>>>
>>>Cheers,
>>>D
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>Well, if those completely-new to databases - see, that outside of
>>Microsoft Access, SQL Server, and Oracle - MySQL is the most widely
>>downloaded _open-source_ solution
>>(http://www.mysql.com/why-mysql/marketshare/); and also, that, by
>>learning to become proficient in this, they can also get a
>>certification (recognised by managers etc.) - then, why not become a
>>mysql guru.
>>
>>
>
>If this certification makes a person a "MySQL guru," that's great for
>MySQL AB, the corporation, especially in meeting their fiduciary
>responsibility to their shareholders.
>
>However, in my experience, there is, if anything, a fairly strong
>*negative* correllation between actual skills and acquiring
>certifications.  It is far from obvious to me that stamping out a
>bunch of "Certified PostgreSQL Professionals" would do any good to
>PostgreSQL project, however profitable it might be to the certifying
>authority.
>
>
>
>>My point being, that with the latest developments with pgsql, and
>>the media awareness EnterpriseDB has brought by winning the
>>SanFrancisco LinuxWorld 05 Best-Database-Solution award, people will
>>begin to become aware of pgsql, as a more advanced  open-source
>>solution with  all the readily seen  advantages thereof.
>>
>>
>
>Those marketing advantages can quite quickly vanish, or even go
>turn into a liability, should a cadre of incompetents brandishing
>certificates appear.
>
>
>
>>Now, if I can also get certified in that, then why not go for pgsql
>>instead.
>>
>>
>
>See above.
>
>
>
>>The more DB beginners going for pgsql the better for it's future,
>>no?
>>
>>
>
>Not when those beginners are labeled "professionals."
>
>Cheers,
>D
>
>
Fair-point!, the only reason I came to this query - is that i'm
currently looking up proffessional certifications at work; there is also
mixed opinions about  certifications for most other IT areas.

I agree with you, a certification doesn't tell much - experience is
allways the telling-point someones ability; but when you hear that some
one is CISCO certified proffessional, or Sun Certified Java programmer,
or Red Hat Certified Engineer for example - a certain air of respect
carries with these titles.

I'm of the opinion, that good certifications are  worth while, and
provide a foundation on which quality of design - and work - results
etc., but then certain-people have this ability naturaly, by interest
and dedication.