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Being proficient with technology is becoming an essential part of a high school education, and many high schools now require computer skills as a prerequisite to graduation. School districts that recognize the relevancy and value of Information Technology (IT) courses to student careers and education can provide insight into effective teaching. Although most high school technology teachers have professional teaching certifications from passing prescribed subject area tests, many of these IT teachers do not possess IT industry certifications. The goal of this study was to quantify the effect of student achievement by comparing student posttest scores of teachers holding relevant IT industry certifications with those of teachers not possessing IT industry certifications. The study demonstrated that IT certified teachers had a significant, positive effect on the level of achievement of Computer Applications I high school students. Thus, high school teachers who possess IT industry certifications may be better equipped to instruct complex technology courses to their students.

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Karl Reimers received his Ph.D. specializing in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University. He currently chairs the CIS and Accounting Department at Mount Olive College. His major area of research involves the educational benefits of computer certifications.

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