It comes up a lot. Should I get certified? Specifically, most of the people who ask me are asking about the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) program. In short, my answer is generally no. There are some times when I think a certification matters, which I mention below, but in general, I don't think it helps most developers.
I don't think it helps most of the time because it is usually *very* shortly after you begin working with someone that you know how good they are. Once you get to know someone, other factors become better indicators of a developer's likelihood of success. Consider the amount of software development experience and how Smart and Gets Things Done the developer is.
Here's when I think it helps:
- When you are new to software development: A really good friend that I work with has been a DBA his whole career. He works harder than anyone else I know and wanted to get into software development. He began working on his MCSD and he learned an amazing amount in a very small amount of time. And while I don't think Microsoft always publishes the very best development advice, it is always a good place to start.
- When you are jumping to a new language or framework: I know this point is similar to the bullet point above, but I wanted to call it out specifically because I have seen it happen so often. If you want to learn a new technology very quickly, set a personal goal to get certified in that technology. It will push you way past the "Learn .NET in 24 Hours" level of understanding.
- When you need to demonstrate that you know a technology: There are times when you need to demonstrate a basic level of understanding for a technology - these are times when someone doesn't know your background and needs an objective measure of your skill level.
- When you are job hunting: If you are job hunting, you should consider the benefits of getting certified in one or more of the important technologies you will be using in your job. Lacking substantial and demonstrable experience in the technology that you can show on your resume, it might help distinguish you from other candidates.
- When you are expected to have the certification: There are times when your job or role necessitates a certification. If you are a consultant, or want to be, you should consider getting a relevant certification.
