Are certifications worth getting?

[BeckyA]

Are certifications worth getting?  If you think so, which ones?   I am looking into the MOS, but not sure of the 'admin' ones.  There are new ones coming out all over.  I am not sure if an employer actually puts any value on any of them.   MOS show you know the software.  Any opinions on certifications?

[gee4]

Becky I have mixed views on this.

Certifications are worth achieving yes, but on occasions, they are only worthwhile to us personally.  I have attended many interviews where none of the panel ever heard of MOS.  I have been hired and asked, can you use Excel?  It makes me wonder if employers listen or pay attention.

PA's are viewed differently to other staff and I feel employers don't put a lot of emphasis on qualifications, as long as an individual has the experience and comes with good references.

It's more a sense of personal achievement to obtain qualifications and add to our CVs, as well as a reason to challenge ourselves.

I know others will give different views but I believe it comes down to personal satisfaction and achievement.  I completed MOS certification because I had the expertise and wanted to have a certificate to say so.  It has certainly helped in assisting others.  It amazes me how little companies invest in training their staff on the basics.  I have desk-side coached in most of my jobs.