[thelist] CIW Web Certification

Steve,

Your comments were/are very helpful.  I'm not exactly a novice, but closer
to that than "experienced web developer".  The track for
Master CIW track includes three steps. First, there is a Foundations course,
which lasts five days, and then there is an exam.  After that, there are two
five-day courses for site design and e-commerce design, and exams for those
before getting the Master Cert.  It is supposed to be self paced.  Here are
the topics for the Master CIW track.  (Keep in mind you are reading the
headings):

FUNDAMENTALS
Advanced Web concepts and Browser Customization
Security and the Web
Advanced Search Techniques
Accessing Business Resources
Objects, Plug-Ins, and Viewers
Electronic Commerce Fundamentals
Intro to HTML
Incorporating Graphical Elements
Hyperlinks
Tables
HTML Forms
HTML and Image Techniques
HTML and Page Accessibility
Networking
Networking Protocols
LANs and WANs
TCP/IP Architecture
Internet Addressing
Internetworking Servers
Network Security Essentials
Server-side Scripting and Database Connectivity
Enterprise Network Security

E-COMMERCE CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES
Electronic Commerce Fundamentals
Ingredients for a Web Storefront
Law and the Internet
Security
Payment Infrastructure
Implementation Notes and Case Studies

DESIGN
Design Principles
Tools
Beyond HTML
Production

The entire program costs $4,000.00.  Please give me some views on this, and
be sure to check out their curriculum.  It is definitely an accelerated
program.  I, myself, have seen maybe three sites built by a "CIW" webmaster.
I know that not a lot of people have heard of it, yet.  But, that was also
the case for MSCE.  Now, everyone knows what it is...even those not a part
of the computer world.  I'd like to think that it will help me find the job
I want, but I'm more concerned about learning about the nuts and bolts.

Oh, and I'm wondering what you think about this statement on their site:

"The CIW Internet skills certification program is recognized and endorsed by
the top three Internet professional associations:
?        International Webmasters Association (IWA)
?        Association of Internet Professionals (AIP)
?        Internet Certification Institute International (ICII)
These organizations, the fastest growing professional societies in the
world, collectively encompass the largest group of Internet professionals
globally. "

Thanks so much.
Janet

> ...any comments will do.

Well, in that case...

I've personally never heard of CIW. I know a lot of people getting work in
the New media industry here in Vancouver and nobody I know or have heard
from has it. No employer or "industry type" has ever mentioned it. That
said, it *might* still be a good choice for you.

As someone who has just drop an obscene amount of money on a new media
education here are some questions I think you should be asking:

How much does it cost? Is it going to be worth it? It looks (from my cursory
examination) like you're only getting about five days of instruction and
that the topics they want to cover is extremely broad. That means that
you're not going to be going into too much detail. "Demystifying the web
server," "E-Commerce," and "Dynamic HTML" are BIG topics that demand more
attnetion than afternoon smeinar.

Are you an experienced designer/developer who wants/needs some credentials?
or Are you a novice actually needs to learn this stuff?
If you just want the credentials this *might* not be a bad ideas. If you
actually need to learn this stuff you will probobly benefit from taking a
full-time course somewhere, buying a bunch of IDG books on the software and
technologies that interest you, or taking some evening courses that will get
your feet wet and give you a better foundation for ongoing learning.

Those are my two cents. Check and see what everyone else on the list has to
say. From my investigations prior to signing up for a course I can tell you
it doesn't hurt to get as many opinoins and perspectives as possible.

--Steve