John,

> If an advanced degree is not held that signfies software engineering, the
> person IS NOT a software engineer. To do anything else diminishes the hard
> work people undertake to earn that distinction.

I'm more in favor of tough professional accreditations than advanced
degrees. Holding a degree in accounting, actuarial sciences, law, and
finance is not sufficient (and not always a pre-requisite) to bve called an
Chartered General Accountant, Associate of the Society of Actuaries,
Attorney, or Chartered Financiual Analyst respectively. These exams are
tough and may require years of studies (after graduation) and several
attempts before you pass.

My main problem with the IT vendors accreditations (MSCD, Novell CNE, etc)
is how easy they are to obtain. I have heard plenty of stories in which
people attended a 1 to 5-day class or read Exam Cram books an got certified
at the end of it. How tough is that?

Something too easily obtained is typically worthless. IMO, all the IT
vendors accreditation programs fall within that category.

I will always hire the old COBOL rogrammer who has designed and coded good
systems over the kid who has no other claim to fame than his MSCD (or Sun
Java certification or whatever). Learning a new technology is much easier
than learning analytical and good coding practice skills.

Daniel