In-Depth
Maximize Your Certification ROI
With more than 400,000 MCSEs at last count, does
it still make financial sense to become one? A
long-time MCSE consultant breaks down the costs
- course and exam fees, exam preparation materials
and your own sweat and blood - and shows you how
to calculate certification's return on investment.
So, you've decided to get certified. Now, some
big questions need answers:
- "What will it cost?"
- "Is it worth it?"
- "How soon will certification pay off?"
Exam
Fees |
Exam fees differ
by test and region. Most test
in the U.S., for example, are
$100 for the 70-210 Windows 2000
Professional exam. Most tests
are priced similarly, but some
exams may cost more. Exams outside
the U.S. vary by region and local
economy. Before you embark on
the exam, it's best to call your
local Prometric or VUE testing
center to get the latest exam
pricing.
If you've taken a Microsoft
exam in the past, Microsoft
may periodically send you an
offer to participate in a beta
exam. These exams, usually longer
than a typical exam (70-210
is about 90 minutes; the beta
version was double that). However,
beta exams are free. Nothing
beats free, especially if you
pass the exam. Invitations to
betas are only given to those
Microsoft exam takers who subscribe
to the MCP Newsflash.
To get it, go to Microsoft's
MCP Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp.
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I've put together this analysis to help you calculate
the cost and benefits over time for obtaining
an MCP title, what in financial terms, the certification
ROI (return on investment). By the end of this
article, you should be able to calculate your
own answers to these big questions.
A Tale of Two Candidates
I'll use two "composite" example certification
candidates throughout my illustration, based on
a compendium of technical professionals I've mentored
over the years and systems engineers and developers
I talked to. I'll also thrown in my own biases
as both an MCSE consultant and card-carrying MBA.
Our first sample candidate, who I'll call Linda
James, is a senior LAN manager in a Fortune 100
company. She holds a two-year degree in computer
operations and has over eight years of work experience
in IS. Linda decides to obtain her Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer credential. She informs her employer,
who agrees to pay half the cost of the certification
via the company's tuition reimbursement program
(this is a key point to my story). Together, they
agree that she will attend the seven MCSE courses
during working hours without loss of pay or vacation
time. These courses will map directly to the five
core and two elective exams needed to earn the
Windows 2000 MCSE.
Bob Jackson, in contrast, is an independent computer
consultant who installs and maintains LANs for
clients. He holds a four-year degree in business
and a master's degree in music. His company, JacksonLANs,
plans to become a Microsoft Certified Solution
Provider, and Bob intends to embark on the certification
track in late 2001 (when he'll likely hire another
Microsoft Certified Professional to meet MCSP
requirements). Bob has a loyal clientele and he
bills at $125/hour for his consulting services.
Bob intends to embark on a journey that combines
self study with classroom attendance. He plans
to earn his MCSE by using self-study to prepare
for four of the exams, since it's far cheaper,
combined with three courses at a Microsoft Certified
Technical Education Center. A CTEC is a company
"certified" by Microsoft to offer its technical
education courses. Microsoft has a formal curriculum
of courses; CTECs can offer whichever of these
courses they choose, as long as they have a Microsoft
Certified Trainer to teach the course.
Starting with the assumptions shown in Table
1, I'll calculate each candidate's initial costs,
then figure the payback over time, while factoring
in career expectations.
Table 1. MCSE curriculum
and direct costs for Linda and Bob. NOTE:
Courses 2151 and 2152 apply to exams 70-210
and 70-215. You should take both courses before
taking either exam. For simplicity, I've broken
each course out into a row associated with
each of the exams. |
Exam Numbers |
CTEC Course |
Microsoft Press self-study
book |
70-210, Installing, Configuring
and Administering Win2K Professional |
2151: Win2K Network and Operating System
Essentials (also parts of Course 2152)
$1,195; 3-days
|
MCSE Training Kit - Premium Edition:
Exam 70-210
$99.99
|
70-215, Installing, Configuring,
and Administering Win2K Server |
2152: Supporting Win2K Professional and
Server (also parts of Course 2151)
$1,995; 5-Days
|
MCSE Training Kit - Premium Edition:
Exam 70-210
$99.99
|
70-216, Implementing and Administering
a Win2K Network Infrastructure |
2153: Supporting a Network Infrastructure
using Win2K
$1,995; 5-days
|
MCSE Training Kit - Premium Edition:
Exam 70-216
$99.99
|
70-217, Implementing and Administering
a W2K Directory Services Infrastructure |
2154: Implementing and Administering Win2K
Directory Services
$1,995; 5-days
|
MCSE Training Kit - Premium Edition:
Exam 70-217
$99.99
|
70-219, Designing a Win2K Directory
Services Infrastructure |
1561: Designing a Win2K Directory Services
Infrastructure
$1,195, 3-days
|
(Bob takes class for this exam,
although many good self-study books exist
for this topic) |
70-220, Designing Security for
a Win2K Network |
2150: Designing a Secure Win2K-based Network
$1,995; 5-days
|
(Bob takes class for this exam,
although many good self-study books exist
for this topic) |
70-221, Designing a Win2K Network
Infrastructure |
1562: Designing a Win2K Networking Services
Infrastructure
$1,695; 4-days
|
(Bob takes class for this exam,
although many good self-study books exist
for this topic) |
In figuring costs, here are some basic numbers
you can use. If you'll be taking courses at a
CTEC, budget for a class tuition of approximately
$2,000 and an exam fee of $100 per exam. Self-study
candidates should budget for $300 to $400 in courseware
costs and $200 in exam fees. That's based on the
assumption that self-study candidates may want
to retake an exam to earn passing marks. That's
not a bad strategy, by the way: Using self-study,
then taking an exam once to see what's on it,
then taking it again to pass, is still far less
costly than taking a CTEC course and taking the
exam once. Of course, a course presumably offers
additional learning for the price - it's up to
you. Also, be sure to consider lost revenue days
for attending classes.
Tip: Online education is a learning option not
explicitly reviewed in this article. To learn
more about them, read Barry Shilmover's roundup
in the May 2001 issue.
Assumptions
I've made the following assumptions in
preparing this table: Linda and Bob study the
same curriculum, earn the same MCSE title; and
to maintain their certification, Linda and Bob
each attend two additional courses and pass two
new exams over 36 months.
A large part of the cost of preparing for an
exam isn't the cost of the course, but the time
spent studying and attending classes. Each candidate
must somehow account for this time. Because Bob
is self-employed, attending a five-day class means
he loses five days of revenue (Bob considers each
revenue day to be $1,000 which is his bill rate
multiplied by eight hours per day). Since Bob
plans to attend classes for the three designing
exams, he needs to recognize 12 days of lost revenue
(the duration of class days for Courses 1561,
2150, 2162 and totaling $12,000).
Linda doesn't have that cost, as her employer
still pays her salary when she's away from the
office (now that's a nice hidden job benefit,
eh?). Note that for any certification candidate
attending all of the courses listed in Table 1
would be in-class for a total of 30-days (note
this really amounts to 1.5 months away from the
office, as a normal month has 20-business days
when weekends and holidays are accounted for).
Based on my certification experience and that
of others, candidates who take a CTEC course often
pass the exam on the first try. However, I've
added one more exam fee to each candidate's costs
to account for one failed exam over the life of
their CTEC-based Windows 2000 MCSE journey. Candidates
like Bob who employ self-study methods, by contrast,
more often have to retake an individual exam because
they tend not to be as thoroughly prepared as
their CTEC-trained counterparts. I assume that
they then pass the exam when they retake it. (When
I've used self-study methods, I've used the first
attempt at a new exam as a study tool.)
Note: Prices for courses and self-study kits
are set individually by CTECs. Microsoft says
that an average cost for a course is $300 per
day. The prices included in Table 1 were determined
by surveying several CTECs in the northwest; however,
these costs are likely consistent with most CTECs
all over the U.S.
Table 2. Initial MCSE certification costs
for Linda James (corporate LAN manager). Note
that since Linda has been granted time off from
work, she doesn't incur lost wages over the 23
work days spent attending classes.
Exam |
Exam
Prep Method |
Exam
Prep Costs |
Exam
Testing Fees |
Totals
|
70-210 |
Class |
$1,195 |
$100 |
$1,295 |
70-215 |
Class |
$1,995 |
$100 |
$2,095 |
70-216 |
Class
|
$1,995 |
$100 |
$2,095 |
70-217 |
Class |
$1,995 |
$100 |
$2,095 |
70-219 |
Class |
$1,195 |
$100 |
$1,295 |
70-220 |
Class |
$1,995 |
$100 |
$2,095 |
70-221 |
Class |
$1,695 |
$100 |
$1,795 |
Additional exam costs
|
$100 |
$100 |
MCSE
subtotal |
$12,065 |
$800 |
$12,865 |
Less reimbursements
|
Employer reimburses
50% of class fees |
|
|
$6,432.50 |
Plus lost wages/client
revents |
N/A (employer allows
time off) |
MCSE total cost
(Out-of-pocket initial investment) |
$6,432.50 |
In Table 3, given each business day committed
to CTEC training, Bob foregoes $1,000 in gross
client revenue. In attending 12 days of CTEC classroom
training, he loses $12,000 in client revenue.
Also, Bob purchases self-study materials from
Microsoft Press to prepare for exams 70-210 and
70-215 and 70-216 and 70-217. Bob attends classes
for courses related to exams 70-219, 70-220 and
70-221. Given the Windows 2000 MCSE exams are
considered difficult by many candidates, Bob will
take each exam twice.
Table 3. Initial MCSE certification costs
for Bob Jackson (the independent consultant).
I've assumed that while attending courses and
studying, Bob loses 12 revenue days at $1,000
per day.
Exam |
Exam
Prep Method |
Exam
Prep Costs |
Exam
Testing Fees |
Totals
|
70-210 |
Book |
$99.99 |
$100 |
$199.99 |
70-215 |
Book |
$99.99 |
$100 |
$199.99 |
70-216 |
Book
|
$99.99 |
$100 |
$199.99 |
70-217 |
Book |
$99.99 |
$100 |
$199.99 |
70-219 |
Class |
$1,195 |
$100 |
$1,295 |
70-220 |
Class |
$1,995 |
$100 |
$2,095 |
70-221 |
Class |
$1,695 |
$100 |
$1,795 |
Additional exam costs |
$700 |
$700 |
MCSE
subtotal |
$5,284.96 |
$1,400 |
$6,684.96 |
Less reimbursements
|
N/A |
Plus lost wages/client
revents |
$12,000 |
MCSE total cost
(Out-of-pocket initial investment) |
$18,684.96 |
On-going Re-certification
Expenses
Certification, unfortunately, is an on-going
process. As with maintaining real estate, certified
professionals must continually plan for "capital
additions" to their skill sets. At a minimum,
you'll need to plan regular study and exams to
keep your existing title current; you may also
want to acquire new skills and certifications.
Making capital additions extends the useful life
of certification. MCSEs, since that's whom we've
discussed in this article, should plan for one
ongoing certification requirement every 18 months,
on average. It has been my experience that the
call for ongoing education requirements is a function
of three events:
- Microsoft product cycles
- Major product revisions
- Individual student choices
In our examples, we'll estimate $2,100 for on-going
expense for each 18-month period - that's $2,000
for a CTEC class and $100 for an exam fee. Over
a 36-month certification useful life, that would
add up to $4,200. Note that in Table 4 I have
Bob attending two five-day courses in this 36-month
period, which means he loses ten billing days
during that time (that is, while he sits in class).
Also in Table 4, Linda's ongoing recertification
expenses are only $2,100 over 36-months, because
her employer will again pay for half of her certification
expenses.
What's Your ROI?
Now that I've shown you a return on investment
model for each candidate's certification process,
let's calculate the ROI for our candidates. We'll
assume that Linda and Bob determine the useful
life of their certifications to be 36 months.
Based on my experience, the experience of IS
placement professionals, and MCP Magazine's
annual salary survey, let's make the following
assumptions: Linda enjoys a $5,000 increase in
her salary after earning the MCSE title. Bob enjoys
an additional $7,500 annually in gross consulting
revenues (resulting in perhaps an additional $5,000
net income before taxation after his consulting
overhead).
The results in Table 4 show a positive ROI for
either candidate. The numbers suggest that investing
in the MCSE title was a good financial bet for
Linda. Bob needs to take a long look at his financial
decision to become an MCSE. He needs to increase
his consulting bill rate to make more money with
the premium MCSE title or lower his certification
costs (more on that later). Note that the model
used in this story is based on assumptions for
two candidates (factors like geographic location
may affect your ROI outcome).
In my assessment, given the numbers, Linda would
be well-advised to start on her Windows 2000 MCSE
certification track right away! Bob, on the other
hand, needs to consider staying where he's at,
using the MCSE to increase his revenues or take
his MCSE courses at night so he doesn't lose billing
opportunities. Note that if Bob took all of his
courses at night and lost no billing time over
the 36-month time period, his ROI would jump to
a positive 35 percent! Then the MCSE certification
makes sense for Bob.
Table 4. ROI for Linda James (corporate
LAN manager) compared to ROI for Bob Jackson (independent
consultant). Note for Bob, the $7,500 gross consulting
figure is being used to keep the ROI model conceptually
correct.
ROI for: |
Linda James (corporate LAN manager)
|
Bob Jackson (technology consultant) |
Out-of-pocket initial investment |
$6,432.50 |
$18,684.96 |
On-going re-certificationexpenses |
$2,100 |
$14,200 |
On-going lost revenues (gross,
10 days in-class over 36-months) |
N/A |
$10,000 |
Total Expenses (a.k.a. Certification
Investment) |
$8,532.50 |
$32,884.96 |
Certification useful life -
months |
36 |
36 |
Per month costs to recover
over useful life (Total Expenses/36 months) |
$237.01 |
$931.47 |
Annual salary or consulting
gross revenue increase |
$5,000
(This totals $15,000 over 36-months) |
$7,500
(This totals $22,500 over 36-months) |
Per month salary or consulting
gross revenue increase over useful life |
$416.67 |
$625 |
Return on Investment: |
76%
ROI calculated as:
[((5000 x 3) - Certification Investment)
/ Certification Investment]
|
-32%
ROI calculated as:
[((7500 x 3) - Certification Investment)
/ Certification Investment]
Note this is indeed a negative ROI value
for Bob.
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Bear in mind that, for simplicity, this analysis
ignores "time value of money" considerations used
in advanced financial modeling. Readers with finance
backgrounds may elect to perform the analysis
using a discount rate that penalizes cash flow
the further "out" from time period zero (today)
the cash flows are received. We all know a dollar
received in five years is not as valuable as a
dollar received today, but I'll leave that to
you as you construct your own ROI model (and select
your own discount rate - always a controversial
step!).
Additional
Information |
Publications, such as Money
and Web sites like www.marketwatch.com
(click on the Personal Finance
tab for ROI stuff) have tips
on career planning, salary discussions,
and return on investment (ROI)
topics. Also consider career
placement Web sites like www.monster.com.
For books, check out:
- Goal Setting, by
Susan B. Wilson (American
Management Association, $10.95,
ISBN 08144301)
- The Portable MBA in Finance
and Accounting, by John
Leslie (John Wiley & Sons,
$19.95, ISBN 071532266)
- MCSE Consulting Bible
by Harry Brelsford (Hungry
Minds, $44.95, ISBN 0764547747)
The last book, from yours truly,
delves into ROI-boosting activites
such as increasing your consulting
revenue and managing your costs.
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Certification Benefits and
Issues
Increased compensation. Based on
the feedback from industry observers, a LAN engineer
in today's marketplace with the MCSE certification
would enjoy an additional $5,000 in annual compensation
compared to not having an MCSE (again this varies
by region and your own personal situation). That
compensation might come in any of several forms:
- You keep your existing position and enjoy
a $5,000 raise.
- You are promoted to a more senior position
that pays an additional $5,000.
- You change jobs, upgrading your position in
the process, and earn an additional $5,000 per
year.
- Consultants, based on my company's experience,
can increase rates and solicit additional business,
resulting in an additional $7,500 per year in
consulting revenue, which I suggest results
in $5,000 in net consulting revenue before taxation.
MCSE certification is more than a financial
decision. Many people seeking to advance
their careers are life learners who enjoy seeking
knowledge in new areas. Potential employers like
certified candidates for this reason also - the
title demonstrates not just technical knowledge,
but someone with a commitment to his or her education
and career.
MCSE designation is not the end of the
road. Once you've joined the MCSE ranks,
consider pursuing additional certification designations:
MCSD, MCDBA or even MCT. Heck, there's even a
trend for some MCSEs returning to college to earn
an MBA!
The MCSE title is valued. Some
technology vendors have established certification
programs that have grown in popularity until the
designation has lost market value. That's apparently
not the case with the MCSE designation. But granted,
the program has grown dramtically over the past
few years, so factor in the fact that there are
currently over 400,000 MCSEs as you make your
decision to get certified. Whereas some marketplaces
might start to see an MCSE glut at some future
date, you may live in a small town where you can
be the only MCSE within miles.
Cost Control Last and not least,
don't forget you can dramatically boost your ROI
by lowering your costs. Costs can be lowered by
using self-study courses. You might also consider
training centers for classes where you learn at
night and still earn a paycheck by day (maybe
Bob Jackson should consider that to boost his
ROI into positive territory for all he intends
to take as a student in-class - you'll recall
that he could potentially turn his ROI into +35%
using this approach). Someone that gets certified
for free has an infinite ROI. Someone that pays
over $30,000 to get certified would have a much
lower, if not negative, ROI. It's all in the math!