Wikipedia gives enough description about what “certification” means or is all about (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certification) but today I’d like to share a piece of my history entwined with it.
Past
It all started end of Q4 of 2005 with Arup’s challenge of volunteering to take Microsoft Certifications so BlasAsia could achieve Gold Partner level in the Microsoft Partner Program. The challenge was so enticing enough for me to gear up, study and focus my mind to get certified. It was my fourth year as a paid software engineer using Microsoft software development products when I achieved my first title “Microsoft Certified Professional”. Cool, isn’t it? That was sometime in May 2006 and it wasn’t enough to get BlastAsia to the Gold Partner level. So spending a few more hours at the office after graveyard work shift, with occasional “camping at the office” moments, by end of June 2006, after passing two more exams, I nailed the “Microsoft Certified Application Developer for Microsoft .NET” title. Striking the iron while it’s hot, so they say, by end of July 2006 “Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist – SQL Server 2005” and by end of August 2006 “Microsoft Certified Solution Developer for Microsoft .NET”.
I unknowingly put myself to much labor and limelight that I was tasked to help out ten (10) software engineer trainees achieve their first Microsoft certification. God was really at work and through His helping hand, all the trainees passed, BlastAsia achieved the Gold Partner level, and my sincerest gratitude to BlastAsia for awarding me “Employee of the Year”.
Each Microsoft certification exam is priced at $80 then with 15% markup (I think) for the Test Centers.
Present
I am seeking no more technical certifications, specifically with Microsoft, not unless it would add up to my current role as Project Manager. For instance, last May 2008 I took (and thank God pass) EXAM 70-632 (TS: Microsoft Office Project 2007, Manage Projects) with the purpose of enhancing my credential as someone who does project management using MS Project. However, an employer’s need has to be fulfilled today. That is why even with only a weeks notice, I have responded, geared up, studied hard, and prayed that God would intervene.
Future
Certification in the future is quite certain for a Project Manager role and, to name one, its Project Management Professional certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI.org). My wife got hers last February 2009 and I’ve been greatly advised, persuaded, coerced to take it. A six months to one year of preparation, so they say, is the common timeframe to achieve a good level of confidence that you can pass the exam. It must be the case because processing application for examination are so strict, the requirements are enormous, and the examination fee is substantial (at $555, non-refundable). I was told that it’s best to have read PMBoK Guide at least twice, that’s more than 850 pages worth of written knowledge! Also one should have at least 36 months of project management experience; with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects; and 35 hours of project management education (which can be obtained from PMI REPs).
So help me God!
