CIOs also overwhelmingly supported off-site classroom training for employees. For each of the three types of training surveyed, CIOs rate this method as their number one choice.

CIOs also favor professional certifications for a number of skill types. Three-quarters of the CIOs reported that professional certifications would or might be helpful in accomplishing their agencies’ missions over the next three years. Of the kinds of certifications investigated, four were endorsed by 60 percent or more of the CIOs. These were project management, information systems security, network security, and databases. Currently, only 1-2 percent of employees hold certifications in these areas. (Table E 19 in Appendix E shows the number of employees holding current certifications and Table E20 presents the CIOs’ preferences for certifications.)