THE GAP BETWEEN PERCEIVED VALUE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATION AND THE PERSISTENCE APPLIED TO ACHIEVE SUCH CERTIFICATION

Igwe E. Udeh
Southern University at New Orleans

ABSTRACT

This study is an attempt to examine the gap between the degree to which a target group valued information technology (IT) certification as important to their professional advancement, earnings, and job security with the level of the group’s participation in programs aimed at preparing them to master key IT concepts which will prepare them to take and successfully pass specific IT certification exams. Based on various motivation theories, the author assumed that individuals who indicate that IT certification is highly important for them to achieve job growth, career advancement, professional recognition, greater responsibility, and the opportunity to take on challenging jobs would be highly motivated to enroll in, attend, and complete free or subsidized IT certification preparation programs and go on to pass those certification exams. The result of this study found a negative relationship between the level of expressed value of IT certification and the level of persistence in preparing, training and taking and passing the IT certification exams.

Keywords: Information technology, certification, job growth, advancement, earnings, job security