Re: state of the midrange (fwd)

["Nelson C. Smith" <ncsmith@xxxxxxxx>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Larry Bolhuis <lbolhui@ibm.net>
To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com <MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com>
Date: Friday, August 13, 1999 2:01 AM
Subject: Re: state of the midrange (fwd)



>  Any ideas HOW to test someone who uses Menu's only???
>
>  - LArry


If they don't know the commands, the parameters, what the parameters mean,
etc. they shouldn't pass the test.  Would you want a CPA who can add up a
list of numbers but has no idea what a general ledger is?  I sure don't want
someone just taking menu options with no real understanding of the
ramifications of what they are doing.

Operators should be the first to understand that the menu option is just a
shortcut to the real command.  Most technical courses on any subject, first
teach you the hard long-hand method of doing something.  Only after you are
comfortable with the "hard" way, do they show you the shortcuts.  The object
of taking a test is to demonstrate an understanding of the subject, not just
to pass the test.

I took the RPG certification exam and my only real complaint was all the
non-RPG stuff in it.  I guess they just didn't have anywhere else to put it.

I also have some other more "mainstream" certifications, like CLU and
believe me, they were much tougher to earn and therefore much more
appreciated by clients, employers, etc.  Generally, you are talking about
years of formal study, Ten or more exams for each, majors, dissertations,
internships, etc.

Contrast that to the relatively simple, no study exams required for even the
CDP & CCP.  The certification people even brag about no books to study
because it's based on "life experiences".  Pardon me.  That's nothing but a
copout for not having a real required course of study in place.  It is not a
short coming of the exams, but of the examiners.  Until the course of study
is rigorous enough to cause 2/3 of the entrants to drop out before
graduation, the designations will have no real significance.


Nelson Smith, FLMI, FALU, CLU, CDP, CCP, Certified RPG Programmer (or is it
certifiable?)


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