[Dominic Harr]

Bump for thoughts or comments. Are MCSEs worth it?

I'm a 'Certified Java Programmer', and that certification has been very useful.

I think the actual point here is that developers who focus on Microsoft-only solutions are losing to cross-platform Java developers.

As he pointed out -- in the LA area if you want a job, your best bet is to know Java.

[constable tom]

Agreed (I do technical pre-sales for a large J2EE app server vendor). One point: it's not like there's a monolithic "IT job block". There are various areas of specialization (e.g., programmer; architect; sys admin; DBA; network architect; security; etc.) I agree the M$FT certifications are meaningless outside the admin area, and not highly regarded within admin.

My advice (I've been in IT since 1982) is to figure out an area of specialization that's a good match for your interests, aptitude, and job potential, then seek the best training and experience you can find in that area, with certification being an afterthought (for beginners). If you've got some experience and want to pad your resume for advancement, a more advanced and targeted certification (i.e., certified java programmer/developer; certain security certs; etc.) may be helpful.