Do I still need to get Microsoft certifications?

Earlier this month I posted a LinkedIn poll about IT Certifications, asking who needs to have them. Meanwhile, I took my first #Microsoft certification test in almost a decade!?

I set myself up for success because I haven’t taken a certification test in almost a decade and wasn’t sure what to expect. Here are my pros and cons:

CONS

• I don’t know what I don’t know, so I had to study even though I work in Power Platform all the time. It takes time to review the material, and everyone will cover it at a different pace.
• It cost $99.??And that’s one of the less expensive tests. Tip: You can get a voucher for this test on completing the Microsoft Power Platform Virtual Training Day

PROS

• Microsoft makes is SO easy to study for a test.??Go to https://learn.microsoft.com, type the certification number in and you get everything you need to study and pass the test - free and online.??
• I spend the least amount of my time in PowerBI and I learned a couple of things.
• I passed, and I love a gold star?:)

How I learn has changed over time.

You might ask, if the training is free, why not complete the material and skip the certification? I can only speak for myself here, but I won't.

If I come across something I can't do, I figure out what I need to do to solve that problem and move on to the next hill to climb.???Taking time to do structured learning reminded me that I miss small bits and pieces by skipping around.?

Poll Results

Surprise - 57% of respondents suggested we should still be getting them even with experience!??While I know experienced IT professionals that are getting certifications when they pick up a new technology, I don’t know any updating certifications on something they use regularly.??

The remainder were split on whether you only need them in lieu of experience, or don't need to have them at all.

Now the real question - will I do it again??? It's likely. While this certification didn't change anything for me, I'd really to try a different test. I'll keep you posted.