Technology certifications are intended to independently – yet unquestionably – validate the skills that an individual possesses via rigorous examination. The value of certifications varies widely over time, technology, and organization, requiring that both employers and employees thoroughly evaluate them to determine their applicability and ultimate worth within their industry or profession.

Re-implemented around 2006, the Microsoft Certification program provides developers and IT professionals a way to develop, improve, and validate their skills under a variety of Microsoft technologies at multiple levels of understanding. While a full discussion of the value and / or quality of any certification is beyond the scope of this page, my experience is that these recent Microsoft certifications are extremely valuable: the exams are very well-designed and thorough, training and preparatory materials provide a wealth of knowledge, and the certifications themselves clearly identify the skills tested and achieved. As such, I continue my certification activities, the results of which are given here (i.e. I am certifiable), and encourage others to strive for certification.