Certification has long been a great way to both prepare for an IT career and build a resume with validated IT skills and experience. But for an IT career with longevity – one that endures new releases and stands the test of time – it’s important to maintain and renew certifications to ensure their benefits continue. David McKay, a database administrator from Jacksonville, Florida, learned the hard way that a certification is only as good as it is current.

When Certification Expires, Job Opportunities Vanish

McKay first earned CompTIA Security+ certification eight years ago while working in Djibouti with the U.S. Africa Command. The U.S. Department of Defense’s 8570 directive requires all government and contract workers accessing federal information systems to have an approved certification. McKay complied with the directive, gathered study materials and passed the CompTIA Security+ exam within about three months.

Many CompTIA certifications, including CompTIA Security+, are on a three-year renewal cycle, which means that to keep them current, certification holders must earn continuing education units (CEUs) within three years of earning their certification, or the certification will expire.

After returning to the United States, McKay’s next contract job fell into place quickly, and the need to renew CompTIA Security+ seemed unnecessary. When he was ready to return to government contract work, however, McKay’s then-expired certification proved to be an issue.

“I started getting calls as recruiters found my resume online,” he said. “They saw I had had CompTIA Security+, but it had expired. CompTIA Security+ was a requirement for jobs, and the opportunities went away. I quickly realized this had to stop.”

Although he had years of database administration experience from contract jobs around the world, McKay said employers in the Jacksonville market were looking for knowledgeable workers with certifications, and they would bring people in from out of state or even out of the country to fill jobs.

When he had it, CompTIA Security+ gave him a real advantage, proving he had the foundational, vendor-neutral knowledge and skills necessary for network security and risk management.

“I learned that not renewing was the worst mistake I ever made,” he said. “When I let my CompTIA Security+ expire, I had no idea I would ever need it again. I had a good job. Things were great.” Unfortunately, market downturns and layoffs can result in job cuts that impact IT departments.

“You might be in that position, and the next thing you know, you find yourself out on the street looking for your next big thing. What if your expired certification was the one leg up you had on your closest competitor? You have to set yourself apart, and CompTIA certifications give you the edge.”

Options Emerge After Preparation, Certification and Time

McKay began preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam again.

What if your expired certification was the one leg up you had on your closest competitor? You have to set yourself apart, and CompTIA certifications give you the edge.

“I hit the books really really hard,” he said. “I always had a book in my hand, and it always had something to do with CompTIA Security+.”

McKay said he prepared for his second CompTIA Security+ exam with even more intensity than before.

“I studied more, and I studied differently,” he said. “I studied in more detail with less distraction. I now realized the value of this certification, and I didn’t want to get that next call that said, ‘We have this job in Germany, but you need CompTIA Security+,’ and have to say no. I never want to have that conversation again or lose such brilliant opportunities.”

He took and passed the test and waited for the floodgates of opportunity to open once again. But they didn’t.

“It’s all about timing,” McKay explained. “It took another month or two, but then the calls came. I still get calls and emails to this very day for work all across the country.” McKay knew experience, certification and timing were all critical parts of a successful IT career and, in time, he accepted a job for which he was qualified and interested.

“A lot of times, depending on the market, the industry and the need, you may not find a job – or the job you really want – right away,” McKay said. “Jobs are a lot about timing, positioning, networking, getting yourself out there, being positive, talking to people and letting them know what you’re looking for.”

With Renewed Commitment to Certification, Job Prospects Reappear

Now McKay benefits from the longevity a current CompTIA certification and 19 years of IT experience afford him.

“Getting to that point for me was a journey because I had to figure out how to stay competitive in the market, ensure my longevity and still stay employed while getting the certifications I need,” he said.

McKay is now focused on earning new IT certifications; after considering several options, he is preparing for the CompTIA Network+ exam.

“CompTIA certifications require a lot of studying; they get into the facts and figures,” he said. “They require that you know your stuff, and for that reason, I’m not going to worry about any other certifications. CompTIA is the best way for me to go, and CompTIA Network+ gives the foundation to deal with anyone’s network or environment.”

Having learned his lesson, McKay plans to not only earn new CompTIA certifications, but also keep his existing certifications current.

“It’s undeniable what CompTIA certification has done for me – twice,” he said. “Keep your certifications up to date. Stay on top of things. No matter how good things are going, do not get complacent. I got comfortable, and then I was stagnant, and it cost me dearly. The worst part about it is that it snuck up on me; I didn’t see it coming. I do not recommend letting your certifications lapse at all, no matter how good things are. Be a lifetime learner!”

Currently working with a large government contractor, McKay hopes his certifications will provide opportunities to move into network administration, security or other job prospects in the future.

“That’s the plan. My career is a living document. CompTIA certifications will improve my sustainability in the IT field. There’s no telling where they’re going to take me, but they’re going to take me places.”<

Need to renew quickly? Check out CompTIA CertMaster CE for CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.