Is the advanced ECDL qualification relevant to a IT/Network manager

[alexknight]

Hi

I am trying to get opinions and advise as to whether an ITQ/ECDL qualification is of any relevance or use to the roll of an IT/Network manager?

If it isn't relevant what qualification is?

Also how do you post a poll up?

Thanks

Alex

[CyberNerd]

I say ECDL is not relevant to a Network manager.

I would say that ITILv3 is the most relevant non technology specific qualification

[wagnerk]

Depends if you deal with alot of Office queries (eg how to do this, how to do that, etc) or if part of your role was to training people up using Office. If you don't then no, not really.

Instead of doing the iTQ, which is user based, why don't you look at the NVQ for IT Professionals Level 3, 4 & maybe 5 (depending on what your role entails), which is technical/support based.

Other options would be the MCDST & MCSA, they are excellent qualifications to have. If you already have a level 3 qualification and 5 years experience, then the LCGI from C&G's is another good qual to have. You have the degree program which is internationally recognised and counts towards points if you decide to migrate to another country. There's also the SDI Service Desk Managers cert.

There are also professional awards you can go for, like the ICTTech - which states that you meet and work to at least to level 3 on the SFiA and the CITP - which states that you meet and work to at least level 5 of the SFiA.

There are alot of different certs & quals and depending on where you see yourself going and how you want to shape your career will dictate on which ones you go for.

-ken

[alexknight]

This is helpful.

Any other comments?

Alex

[srochford]

ECDL is very focussed on using applications. I wouldn't say it's critical for an IT manager but it's certainly useful and even the advanced level is not terribly difficult.

Even if you don't spend your time supporting users of office apps you are likely to have to use them yourself - spreadsheets and databases are pretty vital tools and you're likely to get involved in writing reports and making presentations. Understanding that you can lay stuff out without just pressing the tab key loads of times will make your life easier and make it look as if you know what you're doing :-)

[ricki]

HI

I would consider the MCSA and then MCSE , degree route if I were you.
Some people also like the cisco qualifications for switches and backbone.

Richard

[bulletproofbaba]

There is no harm in getting additional qualifications, but for a network manager position a MCSA/MCSE/MCDST/CCNA etc etc would def be a better and stronger route.

[learner1234]

Hi Alex,

I would say the ECDL is an advantage in any area of IT, although its not specifically Network related it could help you to improve your and your staffs general IT efficiency.

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[StewartKnight]

I did an FdSc in Networked Systems Administration, and some other edugeekers did the same thing at Lancs Uni; I found it to be a really good course, as it was aimed at NM's / technicians in school. Is there anything like that in Somerset?

[comedydave]

Microsoft Route
MCDST (2 Exams)
MCSA (5 Exams, but you can count MCDST, or Win 7 equiv as elective)
MCSE (unsure not researched it)

Cisco Route
CCNA (4 Semesters/Exams)

ITIL

Get all of this, and you can easily walk into a NW Manager/IT Manager position in industry and command double (if not more) an Educational Manager Salary. Bearing in mind Industry do want thier pound of flesh! So if you want a quiet life, stay in Education

[wagnerk]

Microsoft Route
MCDST (2 Exams)
MCSA (5 Exams, but you can count MCDST, or Win 7 equiv as elective)
MCSE (unsure not researched it)

Cisco Route
CCNA (4 Semesters/Exams)

ITIL

Get all of this, and you can easily walk into a NW Manager/IT Manager position in industry and command double (if not more) an Educational Manager Salary. Bearing in mind Industry do want thier pound of flesh! So if you want a quiet life, stay in Education

One thing I would like to add to all of that is the experience to go with it. Having all of those without the experience won't do you any good...

-Ken

[comedydave]

One thing I would like to add to all of that is the experience to go with it. Having all of those without the experience won't do you any good...

-Ken

An excellent point, hence the fact i'm not a DBA

[dwhyte85]

So if you want a quiet life, stay in Education

I want a quiet life & I'm in education, how do you get one of those?

wagnerk has hit the nail on the head with experience.