How do I verify someone's certifications for Microsoft and Cisco? Is there a place to type their name in and see? Microsoft is the most important for me since that is a pre-requisite for the job in the first place. Thanks!

Originally posted by Eiolon
How do I verify someone's certifications for Microsoft and Cisco? Is there a place to type their name in and see? Microsoft is the most important for me since that is a pre-requisite for the job in the first place. Thanks!

At risk of being 'old fashioned' may I suggest that you ask them for copies of their certifications (fax or image). Many companies ask for documentation of educational qualifications.

Yeah. You should have them fax you a copy of like their drivers license and the certificate.

Well, naturally we would ask to see their certificates - but still, how do you know if it is legit? There has to be some sort of database open to employers to check for certifications. With today's technology, making fake certs would be easy.

Originally posted by Eiolon
Well, naturally we would ask to see their certificates - but still, how do you know if it is legit? There has to be some sort of database open to employers to check for certifications. With today's technology, making fake certs would be easy.

Hiring an employee should not be based on just one factor as I am sure you know. It all has to add up. The past work experience, the educational credentials, the reference checks the way the person communicates all paint a picture of someone you would want to hire or not hire.

You are right that it is easy fake credentials but I have to say that in my experience it is rare. When it does happen it is cause for immediate dismissal

This may sound stupid, but what about calling the institute to make sure it's not a fake?

I've never needed to hire somebody like that, but I suggest you also do a background search on the person since he could be any person. I know from experience, look up Nationhosts. The guy ended up being a terrorist and he stole money.

Just my opinion for ya.

:) A terrorist and a thief? Wow! Did he steal the money and then blow himself up? I wonder why the story didn't appear on cnn.

Originally posted by AdWatcher-Eugene
:) A terrorist and a thief? Wow! Did he steal the money and then blow himself up? I wonder why the story didn't appear on cnn. One of the main guys was arrested for phoning in fake bomb threats to a crowded convention of sorts.

And that makes him a terrorist? He doesn't seem too bright, I'll give you that, but a title terrorist should be reserved to the real terrorists.

Verifying educational credentials is quite easy. Just call the institution and you're done with it.

I myself am only MCP certifed. I didn't get this through a school. Therefore, there is no way for someone to verify my credentials. So that is what I am asking - I can whip out my MCP card that I carry with me at all times - but how do they know it is real? They have no database or educational institute to verify.

And no, we don't hire based on certificate. We only consider based on certificate. If you apply for the job and have one, you are equal with all other applicants until we review your actual education, work experience and accomplishments. That is what stands you out from the rest.

microsoft has this feature called a transcript sharing code. if you have the transcript sharing code and access code of the person you want to employ you can make sure the certification is valid from their website. see here.

https://partnering.one.microsoft.com/authenticate/validatemcp.aspx