There are countless options for enhancing your CV, from proctored certification exams to diplomas for completing MOOCs. Some employers are considering your strengths, determination, and achievements within your economic context, others are looking only to your papers.
It's understandable that in construction, transportation, medical or other highly regulated areas maintaining the required study points is a must, but in several countries the certification mania is a cultural thing.
The globalization has increased the demand for internationally recognized skill assessments - numerous multinational companies and startups have been considering the certified task force more attractive for their staffing needs.
As always, the market demand has brought onto the scene the good, the bad and the ugly: from middle priced exams and expensive weekend trainings to a question bank selling industry flourishing in the grey area.
Developed analytic and synthetic thinking, spontaneous reasoning, experience, good time management and prioritization skills, focusing on problem solving under pressure are all needed for getting highly qualified jobs done well. A bank of multiple choice questions elaborated by seasoned practitioners may mock more or less common situations, but real-life experience is key for growing professionally.
Between others the Microsoft and ISTQB certification exams have only syllabuses, and the candidates are supposed to acquire significant practical experience and to do research for readings, trainings, study groups for covering the subject matters mentioned in their syllabuses. Then the intentionally tricky exam questions are trying to measure the candidate's skill level and preparedness to act in unexpected circumstances.
Their exams have been taken by millions and consequently they have been receiving a lot of criticism. For example most software developers are avoiding a closed book exam, because dealing with code written by others is essential for doing their jobs, and memorizing too much details is considered a bad thing - due to the millions of objects and features present in their tools.
While I agree with the developers, I consider that the other IT&C specialists many times need to act rapidly in unexpected situations, so memorizing intelligently a considerable amount of information is crucial for diagnosing and solving problems on time and on budget.
With regard to pricing I consider that Microsoft has a very good understanding of the globalized market. Their tiered pricing model is suitable to many countries, and their price level is rather inclusive than exclusive.
The bottom line is that answering correctly 70%, 80% or more of a set of quiz questions does not transform anybody in a skilled professional, and pushing juniors to take exams demanding diversified experience won't add value to the company.
