How creditable are the W3Schools' Online Certification Program

[bluap84]

I am thinking of taking the exams on HTML and CSS - to show that i know what im talking about.

Coming from an IT Support background. I don't have any work experience within those fields (only what i have played, around with at home) So thinking of taking these to give me a head start, of course ill have my own website too.

 

[miles01110]

As with pretty much any other free, openly available online certification they mean next to nothing if you're actually looking for a job in the field.

 

[bluap84]

As with pretty much any other free, openly available online certification they mean next to nothing if you're actually looking for a job in the field.

the exams are $95

http://www.w3schools.com/cert/default.asp

 

[miles01110]

the exams are $95

http://www.w3schools.com/cert/default.asp

Oh. In that case they're worth a little more, but they still aren't going to compare with a professional portfolio or a college degree.

 

[Darth.Titan]

You might find the information on this page interesting.
W3Schools - an Intervention

I find myself recommending W3Schools.com almost never these days. I certainly wouldn't pay them for a certification as they are in no way affiliated with the W3C.

 

[grizfan]

I manage a fairly large e-commerce website and have hired a few developers and designers over the years. From my perspective, these certificates would be more of a liability than a benefit, because they will show just how new and inexperienced you are in this field. Take that money and spend it on books, a Lynda.com account, etc... and pour everything you have into developing your skills.
As miles01110 pointed out, a related college degree and a portfolio are far more valuable. If you have an IT background, that will help, but you really need to build up your portfolio first. Start with your own projects, and don't be afraid to do pro bono work. Pretty much anything it takes to build up a good portfolio of work.

A certificate (or even a degree) that isn't backed up by examples of real-world application of your knowledge and skills has little value. But, a good portfolio without a degree or certificate could still get you hired.

 

[yuranga]

I agree with grizfan you just go for building your IT skills first, before going for any cerification in any language of your choice.