| When we think of technical certification, most of us | | | | project life cycle." In addition to project management |
| think of the seemingly endless jumble of letters that | | | | basics, the exam includes skills such as conflict |
| follow the names of information technology | | | | resolution, negotiation, and team building. In short, |
| experts-MCSE, MCSA, A+, CCNA, etc. These | | | | holding Project+ certification demonstrates that you |
| certifications serve as standardized, objective | | | | know how to do what the typical MBA graduate has |
| validations that the person holding them possesses a | | | | only learned about. Yet, there is no academic |
| certain set of skills and a certain level of professional | | | | requirement for the Project+, and the exam, though |
| competency.In today's increasingly competitive | | | | rigorous, is definitely passable for those willing to |
| business environment, however, certifications aren't | | | | study. Sitting for the Project+ exam costs $207 |
| just for "computer geeks." There are now a number | | | | USD, but you can almost always find discount test |
| of highly valuable certifications available in areas | | | | vouchers online for about $150.CompTIA's e-Biz+ |
| beyond information technology. If you are a | | | | certification demonstrates a degree of proficiency in |
| work-at-home parent or a freelance professional in | | | | the concepts, issues and technologies of IT-enabled |
| any field, investing the time and effort to get a | | | | business processes. Don't panic, though-you won't |
| non-technical or semi-technical certification can reap | | | | have to memorize html code! Rather, e-Biz+ |
| tremendous benefits.Why get certified? I believe that | | | | demonstrates knowledge of e-commerce, |
| there are three fundamental reasons for you to | | | | e-marketing and other issues related to maximizing |
| consider adding a professional certification to your | | | | the benefit of utilizing technology in a business |
| freelance portfolio.First, just like the classic IT | | | | environment. This certification could be highly valuable |
| certifications, holding a professional certification | | | | for freelancers and work-at-home professionals |
| demonstrates that you are competent. It's one thing | | | | working as business consultants, or for those with |
| to state on your resume, website or promotional | | | | Internet-based businesses. The retail exam fee for |
| materials that you know how to use Microsoft Word, | | | | the e-Biz+ test is currently $225.CompTIA also offers |
| but it's quite another to state that you are a | | | | the i-Net+ certification. This exam covers Internet |
| Microsoft-Certified Office Specialist in Word. The | | | | basics, web development, networking and security |
| difference is just one passable exam, but to a | | | | issues. Don't let the word "networking" scare you, |
| business considering who to hire for a freelance word | | | | though. This is a semi-technical certification that is of |
| processing or data management project the | | | | far more value to e-commerce and marketing |
| difference is significant.That brings me to the second | | | | freelancers than to network administrators. The |
| advantage. As a freelancer (or the owner of an | | | | i-Net+ exam currently costs $207.MicrosoftYou don't |
| at-home business services business), being certified | | | | need to be a networking guru to benefit from the |
| always gives you a "leg up" on the competition. This | | | | prestige and recognition of official Microsoft |
| is particularly true if you are fairly new to the | | | | certification. The company also offers |
| freelance market and haven't yet acquired an | | | | universally-recognized certification options for end |
| impressive list of satisfied clients. Holding a | | | | users of the Office suite and Microsoft |
| certification is a quick and reliable way of letting | | | | Project.Microsoft Office certification is available at |
| prospective clients know that you are a | | | | three levels. For certification as a Specialist, you must |
| professional.Finally, certification in a relevant field can | | | | pass an exam in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access. |
| enable you to parlay entry-level freelance jobs into | | | | That's right-you're just one test away from being |
| more lucrative contracts. Data entry work, for | | | | Microsoft certified!The next level is Expert |
| instance, is typically one of the most available | | | | certification. That requires the passage of a |
| freelance opportunities; unfortunately, it is also usually | | | | somewhat more rigorous exam. Currently, the |
| the worst paying. Microsoft certification in Access or | | | | expert-level tests are only available for Word and |
| as a database administrator can help a data entry | | | | Excel.To attain Master certification, the candidate |
| freelancer transition to a database design and | | | | must pass a total of four exams: Word 2003 Expert, |
| management contract. Today, there are professional | | | | Excel 2003 Expert, PowerPoint 2003 and either |
| certifications to facilitate such a business | | | | Access 2003 or Outlook 2003. That's a lot of tests, |
| development strategy for freelancers in virtually | | | | but holding Microsoft Office Master Certification can |
| every field.Here's a look at the best certifications for | | | | really set a freelancer apart in the eyes of a |
| freelancers and work-at-home | | | | prospective client. Test vouchers for each Microsoft |
| professionals.CompTIAThe Computing Technology | | | | exam can be found online for approximately |
| Industry Association (CompTIA) offers the most | | | | $70.ConclusionLike the rest of the global business |
| widely-recognized vendor neutral certifications in the | | | | climate, the world of freelancing and self-employment |
| world. As the name suggests, most of their | | | | grows more competitive every day. Professional |
| certifications are in the IT field; however, many are | | | | certification is not a panacea that will guarantee |
| valuable for freelancers of all stripes.For general | | | | success, but it can certainly help you stay ahead of |
| business services, including any type of consulting | | | | the competition and win new clients.Sean Dunagan is |
| service, CompTIA's Project+ is invaluable. Project+, | | | | the president of Pinnacle Associates ( a web-based |
| as the company's website states, is "a global | | | | resource for freelancers and work-at-home |
| credential that validates the knowledge required to | | | | professionals. |
| effectively manage projects throughout the entire | | | | |