Microsoft Certifications

At Software Architects, when I’m not on a project, I am encouraged to seek certifications.  These certifications help their partnership with Microsoft and they help us build our résumés.  Since my hire date of Febuary 1st, I have completed:

• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Microsoft Certified Application Developer
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (new 2.0 exams)

I probably would not have sought getting certified if my employer hadn’t paid for it, but I’m glad I did. 

Note:  the following is my personal view of the Microsoft Certification process.  I have not taken any Sun/Cisco/A+/or PMP exams, so I’m not sure how they stack up.

Certifications alone will not take you very far.  They do not show that you know how to utilize a particular technology.  They do not show that you have ANY experience in a particular technology.  I’d also dare to say that they can be obtained only by studying tests, not actual concepts. 

But, combine them with significant experience building software, and you have solid evidence that a particular person not only knows the technology, but also knows how to apply it on real software. 

If I were reviewing résumés, I wouldn’t put very much weight in the fact that someone has certifications.  If that was ALL that they had, I’d consider it negatively.  The only certification I would really put stock into is the Microsoft Certified Architect, where you are presented a problem, and you have to submit your architecture to a panel of well-known, high-echelon developers for review.  The only downside is that it costs $10,000.  I don’t think my employer will be paying for that any time soon…