I've always found that getting certified on your product/technology makes a great difference - both for confidence and for showcasing your level of product understanding to peers and clients.
Whilst SharePoint has Infrastructure/Configuration and Application Development exams, I've always been waiting for the next best exam to further skills and understanding. Today I read an interesting article about the set of Microsoft Certified Masters exams. Unfortunately SharePoint isnt on the list - yet. However, Exchange Server 2007, Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008.
Check out this generation of certifications: (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/master/products/default.mspx#EZ)
How do you apply:
This certification is brand new. You must have the necessary pre-requisates (so other exams) - but check out the process:
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Fill out the application and pay your $125 application fee on Microsoft’s Web site
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Submit a resume (this is used to help demonstrate that you meet the minimum experience levels)
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Schedule your three-week program in Redmond, WA, at the Microsoft headquarters
- Pay the program fee
Wow - Cant wait for the SharePoint one to be released - speculation believes SharePoint and OCS is next up...
Check out: http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2008/06/26/more-on-the-certified-master-programs-from-me-per-the-program-owner.aspx