A study investigated the influence of information technology (IT) industry-sponsored credentials commonly called IT certifications (ITCs) from both organizational and individual perspectives. Findings indicated that there was increasing acceptance, prevalence, and benefits of ITCs in business and industry. Both executives and employees reported that ITCs were of great benefit in the recruitment and job application process indicating not only specific IT knowledge and skill but also motivation and attitude. Other research studies reported similar findings that more and more IT employees have ITCs as part of their qualifications and that HR personnel and employers value ITCs as a helpful employee selection tool. Of equal importance, the studies revealed possible negative impacts such as: (1) ITCs may or may not increase the likelihood of employee turnover; (2) ITCs might actually reduce IT employees' creative problem-solving abilities; and (3) ITCs may reflect only paper-and pencil performance and not hands-on application of IT skills. Generally, research about ITCs indicated that they would remain a valued, if debated, credential in the future. (The bibliography lists 20 references.) (AJ)