No Certifications

[Encrypted Existence]

I am currently a network engineer for a state-level (govt) service provider network. Certs absolutely matter for me to advance my career. I have heard that straight from my superiors' mouths. Just thought I'd chime in to keep it scientific.

edit1: I should also add that "the state" my company works for also heavily considers the amount of certifications, and which certs the employees at prospective client companies have into the contract bidding process.

 

[fencepost]

I'm pretty sure all of my certifications are long-since worthless - MS stuff from way back when and even a couple of WordPerfect ones from when they were trying to do some things with development tools. I'm pretty sure I've never been asked for any.

 

[Erick]

Business's require certifications to appease insurance companies who can get a bit weird about "non certified" work being done.
If a "claim" arises and it was discovered that "non certified" work was done it could affect the claim.

Largely this also functions on some level as a good indication as to what companies I'm inclined to want to be dealing with as a business to begin with. I've found few things more frustrating than companies that are hamstrung by their insurance companies.

 

[Poetik92]

Thank you all for the awesome responses. I ended up using the line "self taught to exceed certifications" with my experience and references. The bid is between myself and what I presume is a larger nearby competitor. The deadline for the decision is the 16th so I'll let you guys know how it goes. Even if I dont get the contract its been a huge lesson in dealing with larger organizations and next time I'll be more prepared. (that being said this contract would be paying 3x more than my highest to date so I'd really like to close the deal.)