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That isn't logical. You are being ageist, and suggesting that because a five year old was capable of acquiring a certification, that the certification has less

That isn't logical. You are being ageist, and suggesting that because a five year old was capable of acquiring a certification, that the certification has less value. It's also entirely possible that this incredible kid is supremely skilled, and would do a great job configuring your network/IT system. Put another way - if I can find you a five year old ranked 1200 on the ELO system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_rating_system http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_rating_system) (the equivalent of "Basic Competence" in chess) - does that say more about the ELO system, or the five year old?

GeneralMayhem 12y ago
Bad analogy. ELO isn't really a rating system, it's a ranking system. In order to be ranked 1200, you have to be able to beat people ranked below 1200. A 5 year old being rated highly (and I'd believe there are 5 year olds significantly above 1200) against adults proves by definition that he's extraordinary on an adult scale. Microsoft certs, on the other hand, are fixed. It's possible (although unlikely) that they're passable by someone at a 4 year old level.
mikeash 12y ago
The difference is that the ELO score is determined by measuring exactly the same thing that the score is meant to indicate: competence in chess. Whereas a Microsoft certificate is supposed to indicate competence at various real-world IT tasks, but there's no direct link between the two. It's likely that this five-year-old would not be able to perform effectively in the professional capacity that this test is supposed to be for. Whereas a five-year-old with a 1200 ELO score is guaranteed to have basic competence at playing real chess.
- cheepin 12y ago
  On a sidenote, there are 5 year-olds within spitting distance of "basic competence" in chess. http://www.chess.com/forum/view/scholastic-chess/benjamin-hamp-highest-rated-5-year-old-by-uscf http://www.chess.com/forum/view/scholastic-chess/benjamin-ha...
gregd 12y ago
Calling me "ageist" is a bit extreme. I'm not aware of any law in this country (US) that allows one to hire a 5 year old, regardless of certifications. What I am suggesting is that companies (who may or may not know the value of particular "certifications") stop putting so much emphasis on them. The fact that a 5 year old has now set the bar for the MCP, highlights that very issue. I put more value on 1-5 years of work experience than I do on the MCP.

GeneralMayhem 12y ago

Bad analogy. ELO isn't really a rating system, it's a ranking system. In order to be ranked 1200, you have to be able to beat people ranked below 1200. A 5 year old being rated highly (and I'd believe there are 5 year olds significantly above 1200) against adults proves by definition that he's extraordinary on an adult scale. Microsoft certs, on the other hand, are fixed. It's possible (although unlikely) that they're passable by someone at a 4 year old level.

mikeash 12y ago

The difference is that the ELO score is determined by measuring exactly the same thing that the score is meant to indicate: competence in chess. Whereas a Microsoft certificate is supposed to indicate competence at various real-world IT tasks, but there's no direct link between the two. It's likely that this five-year-old would not be able to perform effectively in the professional capacity that this test is supposed to be for. Whereas a five-year-old with a 1200 ELO score is guaranteed to have basic competence at playing real chess.

cheepin 12y ago
On a sidenote, there are 5 year-olds within spitting distance of "basic competence" in chess. http://www.chess.com/forum/view/scholastic-chess/benjamin-hamp-highest-rated-5-year-old-by-uscf http://www.chess.com/forum/view/scholastic-chess/benjamin-ha...

gregd 12y ago

Calling me "ageist" is a bit extreme. I'm not aware of any law in this country (US) that allows one to hire a 5 year old, regardless of certifications. What I am suggesting is that companies (who may or may not know the value of particular "certifications") stop putting so much emphasis on them. The fact that a 5 year old has now set the bar for the MCP, highlights that very issue. I put more value on 1-5 years of work experience than I do on the MCP.