Steve Jones is on vacation today, so we are republishing a popular editorial from the past. This was originally published on February 14, 2005. Has anything changed?

There are lots of reasons, although I wouldn't try to tell you that being an MCP will substantially increase your earning power. Going the extra steps to get an MCDBA, MCSE, or MCSD would be a better move in that area.

However there is one new benefit which is a joint venture of SQLServerCentral.com, PASS, and Microsoft. Read today's press release for more information on that.

We've written some articles in the past on getting certified: the Point/Counterpoint debatebetween Andy and I, my Career Advice for DBAs, Brian Kelley's Getting Certified, and more. In the March issue of The SQL Server Standard we'll hear from someone who achieved quite a few certifications and his take on their value.

Is it right for you? Who knows. It certainly is something to be proud of as is any accomplishment in which you've invested some time and effort. It won't get you a job, but it can help distinguish you from others if you've got some experience behind you. I've seen it make the difference between getting an interview and not as HR screeners often toss candidates resumes without some required certification.

And while I wouldn't think that passing the test makes you a better DBA, I would argue that if you put some time into studying the product for the exam, reading sites like this one, and practicing, you'll definitely learn a few things you might never have known.

Agree, disagree? Hit the forum and respond.

Steve Jones