How useful is the IBM 486 certification

Is it very useful in job searching? Do most of the recruiter know it?

I do not think that recruiters have any real knowledge of 486, I think it will only benefit you where evidence of OOAD skills are asked for, then you can say -- look IBM say I can do it

As with all (good) certifications, the pay-off is not in the sheet of paper in your hand, it is the knowledge in your mind.
Your ability to produce a qualification probably counts for little, your ability to discuss OOAD at interview is golden.
All other things eing equal, 486 will be an aid in job hunting, but more important is what you will learn en-route to certification.
James

In my career, I have found that certifications will not get you a job by themselves, but they CAN help to separate you from the competition. For example, you will often be interviewed by people who are managers, not programmers; they may not know OOA/D, programming, etc. enough to test you during the interview. In these cases they may feel more comfortable going with someone who is certified, since the person has "proved" that they at least know something about the topic. Certifications tend to be even more important with consulting companies, since they know they will have to "sell" you to clients repeatedly.

I noticed that this cert had a lot of weight - even when people didn't know it existed.

Most certifications have lost their lusture. They are easy to come by. I personally value them. At least somebody took some effort to learn something. I think experince has it own value. But certifications give you broad exposure and point you towards good practices- sheer experience does not do that.
$.02
Sanjay

IBM's UML test is not a certification by itself. You only get the score sheet but not a certificate. I myself got the score sheet only - but I also expected one certificate. You can only use it to get a jcert level 2 certificate.
Faisal

Am aware that this is not a certification forum but since the topic....I was just wondering if this certification REALLY tests you of your OOAD skills or is it just like as I hear about the SCWCD of Sun that tests your memory ?
Thanks

The 486 is defnitely a better test than SCJWCD. But we are comparing apples and oranges. Based on the ICE prep tests I would opinion- the test answers are very subjective- but OOA&D is a subjective subject. 486 requires undersatnding not craming.
Sanjay

Originally posted by Sanjay Bahal:
The 486 is defnitely a better test than SCJWCD. But we are comparing apples and oranges. Based on the ICE prep tests I would opinion- the test answers are very subjective- but OOA&D is a subjective subject. 486 requires undersatnding not craming.
Sanjay

Agree with you, Sanjay.
What is ICE prep tests?

ICE is the IBM (who administer 486) pre-test service. It is at http://certify.torolab.ibm.com

Hi, all,
may I ask all to, at least, start threads by self-containable posts, giving needed references for new-comer.
What is "IBM 486 certification"? anybody, link? Thank you, anyway
I think that any certification is only useful as a key for opening door to smth you wish and does not have any sense if you are in.
I am certain that HR people do not know anything technical, especially numbered. Even I (SCPJ2, M.Sci.) do not know that number. Please be polite and explain
[This message has been edited by G Vanin (edited November 14, 2001).]

486 is part of the jCert initiative
It is administered by IBM.
It is an OOAD and UML exam.
It does not lead to a certificate by itself.
I am certain that HR departments/recruiters have no knowledge of 486 (most not jCert either).
It is still a very worthwile exam to sit, as you will surely learn from studying for it.
I feel personally that jCert should be supported, and that we should all be working towards level 2/3 as this will over time become an accepted standard.
James