Opening:
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
It had been over 20 years since my last Microsoft certification exam—a journey that started way back in the year 2000 with a simple website called TazDeveloper.com. If you had asked me then what blogging was, I would have looked at you like you were explaining the schematics of the Death Star. I was just a wide-eyed developer trying to share my journey and help others take their first steps into the tech certification world.
Fast-forward to 2024. I found myself staring at a test screen with fogged-up glasses, 20 years of rust in my nerves, and the first 10 questions feeling like they were written in Klingon. Cue the dramatic music and the feeling of being the lone crew member on a derelict starship.
But I rallied—and here’s what I learned from that experience, mixed with the lessons I shared decades ago. If you’re on the fence about certifications, or feeling that imposter syndrome creep in, this is for you.
Blast From the Past: The Pursuit of Microsoft Certification
Back in 2000, I wrote an article to inspire developers to pursue certifications. Here’s a snippet from the archives of TazDeveloper:
“I still remember the day I bought my first Microsoft Windows Resource Kit in 1992… I must have read it three times, skipping things I thought I knew. I finally reached the appendices one day when the words ‘Microsoft Certified Professional Program’ had my full and undivided attention…”
“For most people, [certification] is attempted in the hope of more money or more job opportunities… Ultimately, when you make your choice, you should be confident and enthusiastic about it.”
“Relax… It’s a lot easier to take these tests relaxed and confident.”
The themes of that article still hold up in 2024: certifications are as much about confidence as they are about knowledge. They test not only what you know but also your ability to stay calm and think under pressure. Believe me, I needed that advice last week when I sat for my first exam in over two decades.
Certifications: Still Relevant in the Modern Galaxy?
There’s a debate in every corner of the tech universe: Are certifications worth it?
The Pros:
- Proof of Skill – Certifications validate your expertise, like obtaining a Jedi Master title (without the Council’s bureaucracy). Employers see them as a sign of commitment.
- Structured Learning – Preparing for an exam gives you a roadmap for learning, forcing you to fill in gaps in your knowledge.
- Career Opportunities – Some roles and promotions require specific certifications. They’re not the One Ring, but they can open doors.
- Confidence Boost – Passing a certification shows you can learn new skills and overcome challenges.
The Cons:
- Costs Add Up – Exams, materials, and training can be pricey. Not every developer has Stark-level funding.
- Theory vs. Practice – Certifications sometimes focus too much on textbook scenarios, which may not align with real-world challenges.
- Not Always Required – Experience often trumps certifications, and for some roles, practical work is more valuable.
The truth lies somewhere in the middle. A certification doesn’t make you a great [Enter Your Job Title Here]—but it can give you an edge, especially when combined with real-world experience.
My 2024 Exam Experience: Glasses, Nerves, and Redemption
Taking an exam after 20 years felt like gearing up for a spacewalk after retiring your suit.
- The Start: The first 10 questions? Total curveballs. My heart raced faster than the Millennium Falcon jumping to hyperspace.
- The Foggy Glasses Incident: Yes, literal foggy glasses. I had to pause, breathe, and wipe them off. Pro tip: bring a lens cloth.
- The Turning Point: Once I calmed down, I was able to think clearly. Each question started to make sense, and my confidence grew with every click.
In the end? I passed. And while I don’t need a certificate to prove my skills, that little win reminded me why I started this journey decades ago.
The CSP Geeks Philosophy: Keep Learning, Keep Growing
At CSP Geeks LLC, we’re all about empowering small businesses with tech solutions, and that includes fostering a culture of continuous learning. Whether it’s mastering Microsoft 365, leveling up your web development game, or embracing AI tools, the journey never ends—and that’s a good thing.
Like I said back in 2000: “Have a plan… Stay confident and focused.”
If you’re nervous about taking an exam, here are some tips:
- Know Your Why – Are you doing this for career growth, personal pride, or skill validation?
- Plan and Prepare – Use modern tools like practice exams, bootcamps, or online courses.
- Stay Calm – Exams are mental marathons. Breathe, focus, and trust your preparation.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Whether you pass or fail, showing up is already a victory.
In Closing: The Legacy of TazDeveloper Lives On
To anyone reading this, whether you’re a nervous exam taker, an experienced developer, or someone just starting out—remember this: You have the tools. You have the potential. And you are capable of learning anything.
Certifications aren’t magic spells or golden tickets, but they are milestones. And milestones remind us how far we’ve come.
So, here’s to the learners, the doers, and the late-night coffee drinkers studying for that next exam. Keep going. Stay curious. And may the Force (or the .NET runtime) be with you.
All the best from CSP Geeks, where learning never stops.
