Certifications are about as optional as they've always been: Some IT positions they're helpful for, particularly going into government work, but they're not a g

Certifications are about as optional as they've always been: Some IT positions they're helpful for, particularly going into government work, but they're not a guaranteed path to success. A consultant I've worked with (as a journalist) in the past actually tracks real wages for certifications vs. wages for area expertise and experience, and experience and real-world practice win out almost every time. Source: http://www.footepartners.com/ http://www.footepartners.com/