Inner Geek – Updated July 2009

I was asked recently why I work so hard on certifications. To be honest the answer is multifaceted. First I have been in University 20 years, I love school and I love learning. Second, after I was injured at work, and retrained for IT, I had numerous computer Certification coupons/vouchers that were bought for me and I feel obligated to use them before they expire. Third I don't sleep much and haven't in years most nights I go to bed around midnight, get up at 5 and am at my desk at work between 6 and 630am. Between studying, freelance writing and spending time with my kids certification keeps me learning and growing my skill set. Even if I was independently wealthy and did not have to work, I think I would still work on computer certifications. I enjoy the learning, I enjoy studying. I am already planning the other 2 upgrade exams from MCSE to Server 2008, the three Windows 7 Exams, and then some RIM Blackberry Exams. I just love learning and I love certification, I am a Certification Junkie or Addict! If your enjoying this series you will probably enjoy the Microsoft Born to Learn blog. But so far I have written 23 Exams in 20 Months to achieve 22 Credentials.

The logo's I have earned are:

Exams Written:

MCTS System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuration - Exam 70-403 MCTS Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation & Maintenance - Exam 70-431 MCTS Upgrading MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008- Exam 70-649
MCTS Implementing & Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 - Exam 70-284Security 2003 Server - Exam 70-298
Active Directory 2003 - Exam 70-294
Maintaining Server 2003 - Exam 70-293 Server 2003 Infrastructure - Exam 70-291 Server 2003 - Exam 70-290
MCTS Deploying & Maintaining Vista Client Office System - Exam 070-624 MCITP Desktop Support Consumer Support - 070-623
CompTIA Network+ 2007 - JK0-012 JK0-010
MCTS Windows Vista Client Configuaration - Exam 072-622 070-622
MCITP Desktop Support - Exam 072-622 070-622
CompTIA A+ Depot Technician - Exam 220-602
CompTIA A+ Remote Support Technician - Exam 220-603 CompTIA A+ IT Technician - Exam JK0-601 220-602
CompTIA A+ Essentials - Exam JK0-601
Microsoft PowerPoint - Exam 810
Microsoft Outlook - Exam 813
Microsoft Access - Exam 807 Microsoft Excel - Exam 804 Microsoft Word - Exam 801

My Updated Certification Schedule, at least at the moment, it is always open to change.
Articles in this Series:

Unleashing the Inner Geek
MOS Microsoft Office Specialist
Playing with Multi-OS's
Inner Geek - Validated
Inner Geek - On My Way
Inner Geek - Validated February 2008
Inner Geek - Validated September 2008
The Changing face of BRAM
Inner Geek - Updated February 2009
Windows 7 Beta Review
Inner Geek - Updated April 2009
Inner Geek - Updated July 2009
Inner Geek - Updated November 2009

Inner Geek - Updated December 2010Mac VS PC an It Guys Perspective
Inner Geek - Updated June 2011
Inner Geek - Updated December 2011
Inner Geek - Updated December 2012

These exams were written either at a Prometric Testing Center or at a Certiport Testing Center for the Office exams. The Exams names that have links link to reviews of the books I used to prepare for those exams. These exams are a mix of CompTIA exams and Microsoft Exams.