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Thursday, December 11, 2003
Bad Idea
I think certification of software engineers is a bad idea. Why do I think so? Maybe because most of the "certified" programmers that I have interviewed have been awful. Certification tests only make sure you've read a book and can memorize. Plus, I don't see software engineering as engineering at all, but as a craft to be mastered. I see myself as a skilled craftsman (well,ok, a journeyman). Would you ask a blacksmith for his certification? NO! You look at his previous work! Why don't we do the same? If software engineering needs to be "reformed", then that's what we should demand! Anyway, I can't believe certification is still talked about, but here is the article that spawned my little spat: Massive Software Engineering Is A Must.
I think certification of software engineers is a bad idea. Why do I think so? Maybe because most of the "certified" programmers that I have interviewed have been awful. Certification tests only make sure you've read a book and can memorize. Plus, I don't see software engineering as engineering at all, but as a craft to be mastered. I see myself as a skilled craftsman (well,ok, a journeyman). Would you ask a blacksmith for his certification? NO! You look at his previous work! Why don't we do the same? If software engineering needs to be "reformed", then that's what we should demand! Anyway, I can't believe certification is still talked about, but here is the article that spawned my little spat: Massive Software Engineering Is A Must.
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