3 ms·

This sounds like a good startup idea: A certification agency where they put you through the works, measuring your ability to write code, solve various challeng

This sounds like a good startup idea: A certification agency where they put you through the works, measuring your ability to write code, solve various challenges, complete complex projects, etc. Then they can issue a certificate to those that pass their examinations. Maybe in addition, they can offer training in various topics, include periodic assignments during those training periods, then have several days of monster examinations at the end of it. After which, you then finally get this certification. Of course, if this is done properly, it may take about 4 - 6 years of full time work to get through all the training and examination sessions.

thesehands 9y ago
Whilst I appreciate the tongue in cheek nature of this post, if merely having a degree was the answer, these types of application would not exist.
- WorldMaker 9y ago
  If a degree isn't sufficient, then what is sufficient? A Lawyer needs to pass a BAR exam in the state in which they expect to work, then maintain that certification (annual training requirements, etc). Software throws around the term "engineer" a bit willy nilly, but if you look to other engineering disciplines there is a distinct certification meaning to Engineer as a title: 1. You have graduated with an ABET-accredited degree 2. You have passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam 3. You have apprenticed for the necessary Engineer-In-Training period 4. You have passed your discipline's NCEES Professional Engineer exam 5. You maintain your Professional Engineer certification (annual training requirements, etc) That certainly sounds like a good baseline. NCEES has a Software Engineering Professional Engineering exam today and can certify Professional Engineers in Software. If I never again had to do another whiteboard interview or take home programming assignment, I'd start working on my PE tomorrow. What stops the Software Industry from recognizing distinctions such as a accredited degrees and PE certifications? The software industry doesn't want to stop talented software developers from entering the market without a need for degrees and certifications, because that drives down labor costs. But that doesn't have to stop the industry from at least acknowledging the existence of degreed and/or certified engineers and eliminating some of the BS.
Apocryphon 9y ago
We live in a time of dissonance between the two attitudes of "university is for learning how to learn first principles; if you want practical industry-relevant knowledge then go to a community college, you vocational student" and "businesses need to be fast and agile so we're not going to provide training; schools should be pumping out employees ready to be interviewed."
lyricalpanda 9y ago
This is essentially what TripleByte is doing. It doesn't have a certification, but they put you through a general software engineering interview (with multiple parts). If you pass it, then they work with their partner companies to by-pass the initial screens and straight to the on-site.
lyricalpanda 9y ago
This is essentially what TripleByte is doing. It doesn't have a certification, but they put you through a general software engineering interview (with multiple parts). If you pass it, then they work with their partner companies to by-pass the initial screens and straight to the on-site.

thesehands 9y ago

Whilst I appreciate the tongue in cheek nature of this post, if merely having a degree was the answer, these types of application would not exist.

WorldMaker 9y ago
If a degree isn't sufficient, then what is sufficient? A Lawyer needs to pass a BAR exam in the state in which they expect to work, then maintain that certification (annual training requirements, etc). Software throws around the term "engineer" a bit willy nilly, but if you look to other engineering disciplines there is a distinct certification meaning to Engineer as a title: 1. You have graduated with an ABET-accredited degree 2. You have passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam 3. You have apprenticed for the necessary Engineer-In-Training period 4. You have passed your discipline's NCEES Professional Engineer exam 5. You maintain your Professional Engineer certification (annual training requirements, etc) That certainly sounds like a good baseline. NCEES has a Software Engineering Professional Engineering exam today and can certify Professional Engineers in Software. If I never again had to do another whiteboard interview or take home programming assignment, I'd start working on my PE tomorrow. What stops the Software Industry from recognizing distinctions such as a accredited degrees and PE certifications? The software industry doesn't want to stop talented software developers from entering the market without a need for degrees and certifications, because that drives down labor costs. But that doesn't have to stop the industry from at least acknowledging the existence of degreed and/or certified engineers and eliminating some of the BS.

Apocryphon 9y ago

We live in a time of dissonance between the two attitudes of "university is for learning how to learn first principles; if you want practical industry-relevant knowledge then go to a community college, you vocational student" and "businesses need to be fast and agile so we're not going to provide training; schools should be pumping out employees ready to be interviewed."

lyricalpanda 9y ago

This is essentially what TripleByte is doing. It doesn't have a certification, but they put you through a general software engineering interview (with multiple parts). If you pass it, then they work with their partner companies to by-pass the initial screens and straight to the on-site.

lyricalpanda 9y ago