I have been doing database work for 10 years and SQL Server since the beginning and hold no certifications. I’m married with 3 kids, a full-time job, and have my own apps to take care of. With that said, I applied for a position with a new company. I was told that HR only accepted applications from “Certified” candidates. But if I went to Brainbench.com and took 2 tests ($20.00 each) and passed I would be considered. My experience played NO part in even getting an interview. I find this situation ludicrous!

But I decided to go a pay the money to take the tests. I took the first one, SQL 7 programming. Yes, it wasn’t even the latest SQL version they wanted. Half way through the test I was getting frustrated. The questions where not “real world” scenarios, the format was horrible, and some questions where to vague.

Though I passed with descent marks I refused to take the other exam. I may be too arrogant for my own good, but if my experience and accomplishments are not good enough for even an application acceptance then I don’t want to work there. I have no plan to become certified; even if I did want to I don’t have the time.

Certification isn’t a bad thing, but it shouldn’t be the only thing.

Rob