October 20, 1997 is a very important date for me. That was the date, now 12 and a half years ago, that I passed my first Microsoft certification exam and became an MCP. (NT 4.0 Workstation, if you’re curious – an exam which I failed the first time.) And my life hasn’t been the same ever since.

Certification for me has never been simply about passing a test. For me it’s a validation of my knowledge and skills for both myself and potential employers. Having that certification helped me land my first IT job (which was doing internet help desk), and I haven't looked back since.

Over the years I’ve obtained numerous certifications, and have taken 50 exams (yes – fifty, a number which shocked me as well). Each one in some small or great fashion has helped advance my career.

Think you know a product? Prove it to the world and become certified on it!

I’d love to hear what certification has done for you. Have a great story? Share it here.

http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/prix/f/62/p/19761/51491.aspx#51491