Adding Brainbench to the CV

[EddieNambulous]

I wouldn't put it on the CV. It would look a bit twee next to the genuine vendor certs.

Yeah, that's my concern too - sounds like I should probably go for the full official certfications.

[thunderlizard]

I wouldn't put it on the CV. It would look a bit twee next to the genuine vendor certs.
In theory adding them wouldn't do any harm and might do some good. In practice you'd have to take something off the CV to make space for it, and I can't imagine much of less value.

[d000hg]

Would anyone really take into consideration a test you do online at home? Visions of Bob and his 20 mates all round a monitor holding books trying to get 90%+.

That's Open University out the window then.

[denver2k]

I have a Brainbench certification, but i just did that coz there was a free offer for limited period. I had few other and better industry certifications, so that was just for fun.

I reckon certifications generally are handy and plays an important part in negotiation with pimps. But as far as Brainbench ones are concerned, i'd rather give proper certifications. I dont know whats your domain, but lets say if you are a developer, you should better go for Sun, IBM, Oracle ,MS(etc) certifications.

In my previous experience, i have observed quite a few times, Agencies and Employers also use customised brainbench tests as a Pre interview evaluation tool. So, even if you have Brainbench certifications on your CV, they can say that we are sending you a test which you need to do in your own time...something like that.

[EddieNambulous]

I've failed dismally in my specialist area and someone has told me that anyone can make loads of money in IT without knowing anything about IT. If I put enough bull5hit in my CV a mug employer might believe me.

Huh? You having a dig at me?

I've been writing software since probably before you were born, and I've been successfully contracting on and off since 99. Is that not knowing anything about IT?

[minestrone]

Would anyone really take into consideration a test you do online at home? Visions of Bob and his 20 mates all round a monitor holding books trying to get 90%+.

I would only really consider a certification that has been made by the owners of the tehnology. Java, MS, Oracle, Cisco etc. At least they make you turn up at a testing center for a start.

[Turion]

I'm only looking at this as a quick way to give the CV a boost during the current climate, not as another official qualification. I already have a degree (and a few other quals) but nothing computer-related.

I've failed dismally in my specialist area and someone has told me that anyone can make loads of money in IT without knowing anything about IT. If I put enough bull5hit in my CV a mug employer might believe me.

[EddieNambulous]

Is it possible to check that someone really has a Brainbench cert and is not just bulltuliping??

The last time I tried it (probably around 2000), they had reference number in the certification logos that anyone could look up on the BrainBench website to confirm your details. I assume that is still the case.

I'm only looking at this as a quick way to give the CV a boost during the current climate, not as another official qualification. I already have a degree (and a few other quals) but nothing computer-related.

[pzz76077]

Is it possible to check that someone really has a Brainbench cert and is not just bulltuliping?? Is it like a CCIE or CISSP where you can actually verify that someone has got it?? If not go with the recommendation and just put it on your CV.

Alternatively, you could go for one of the internationally recognized certifications in your field or take a part time degree by correspondence (assuming you are over 21, most Unis will admit you without formal quals).

PZZ

[EddieNambulous]

Why not just stick them on the cv anyway?

Well, I have to cough up for a Brainbench account and take the time to pass them first...or are you suggesting something more sinister?

I guess I could register brianbench.com, create my own certifications and hope no-one notices.

[BrilloPad]

Spoke to an agent a week or two ago who wanted me to do an online Brainbench test for me to prove my skills. I said okay but then the test mysteriously never appeared and have not heard back from the agent.

But anyway, it got me thinking.

As someone that has lots of experience but no formal qualifications (I started programming on a Sinclair ZX-80), I was wondering what folks thought about doing a few Brainbench tests just to stick them on the CV, and add that extra bit of credibility in the eye of the average agent?

Why not just stick them on the cv anyway?

[Turion]

Spoke to an agent a week or two ago who wanted me to do an online Brainbench test for me to prove my skills........and add that extra bit of credibility in the eye of the average agent?

[EddieNambulous]

Spoke to an agent a week or two ago who wanted me to do an online Brainbench test for me to prove my skills. I said okay but then the test mysteriously never appeared and have not heard back from the agent.

But anyway, it got me thinking.

As someone that has lots of experience but no formal qualifications (I started programming on a Sinclair ZX-80), I was wondering what folks thought about doing a few Brainbench tests just to stick them on the CV, and add that extra bit of credibility in the eye of the average agent?

EDIT:
I mean formal IT-related qualifications related to my specialist contracting field, rather than no qualifications at all.