Should certifications test for Skills or Knowledge, what’s your take on this particularly in fields like cybersecurity?
Skills or Knowledge?
- Thread starter precious
- Start date
I'm biased toward assessing skills.
Exams that have a performance-based component, carry a lot of weight in the
practical world.
You see, there's a reason that CCIEs command the attention and respect that they
do in the practical world. No one, and I mean no one, achieves this designation
unless they are able to perform (i.e.DO something)!!!
There's a reason that RHCEs and RHCAs command the attention and respect that
they do in the practical world. Every RH exam is 100% (not 70%, not 80%, no 90%)
performance based!!! Either you CAN DO, or you can't - there is no if, ands, whats,
or buts about it!!!
Don't get me wrong, the knowledge goes into the development of the skill. I can't
imagine a surgeon learned how to perform surgery, before the journey of in-depth
study of the human anatomy!
When I've got a breach, I need SKILLED personnel to manage the hardware and
software facilities!!!!
The END!
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I deeply love the point "Need a skilled personnel in a breach"....Thanks for valuable info...Indeed Certifications like CCIE and RHCE set a great example by focusing on performance-based exams, ensuring professionals can effectively handle practical challenges.
Skills is just another way of saying applied knowledge, so I don't see a distinction. Really, it comes back to what hasn't been mentioned - experience.
/r
/r
True, experience is the real MVP
In cybersecurity, where threats and technologies evolve rapidly, having both a solid knowledge base and practical skills is essential for staying effective and adaptable. Certifications that assess and validate both aspects can help produce well-rounded professionals who are prepared to tackle the challenges of the field.
Indeed evolving threats demand both knowledge and practical skills.
You are very right....I wonder, though, if one should take priority depending on the type of certification.
Both are important. However, theoretical knowledge tends to be underestimated, while practical skills are overestimated, especially among beginners. Therefore, I PRIORITIZE mastering fundamental concepts BEFORE carrying out practical activities, whether through laboratories and/or real cases. Otherwise, we will be dealing with future professionals who "know how to do it, but don't know what they are doing"... &;-D