Just Passed My 52nd Technical Exam and Received My 32nd Certificate

By Zubair Alexander

- On July 2, 2019

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On August 16, 1993 I passed my first Microsoft exam (MS-001: Introduction to MS-DOS™ & Microcomputer Hardware). Yes, it was Microsoft's first exam #001. On Friday, June 28, 2019 I passed my 52nd exam MS-101 Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security. It was the third exam requirement to get my 32nd certificate: Microsoft 365 Certified Enterprise Administrator Expert. Reflecting back, it has been an interesting journey. Working as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) since 1996, I have trained thousands of IT students across the United States. While some of my students take the classes only to gain knowledge, many are interested in preparing for their certifications. For the first 10 years I was primarily doing training, but since then I have been doing consulting and training. I love to teach and share my knowledge. Frankly that's one of the main reasons why I started this blog in 2004.

I strongly believe in the importance of education. I believe we should never stop learning. Getting college degrees and certifications are all part of learning and people in Seattle are highly influenced by their city culture.....and that includes me. According to The Seattle Times, Seattle is the most educated big city in the United States where 63% of the adults over the age of 25 have a bachelor's degree or higher. Considering the large number of tech firms in Seattle, it's not surprising to see almost two-thirds of Seattleites have a college degree. Microsoft has always given a discount to MCTs for taking certification exams, because we have to be certified to teach the courses we teach. Lately Microsoft has been offering even bigger discounts to the MCTs for many of its cloud-based certifications. By bringing more professionals up to speed with the latest technologies, Microsoft is helping businesses across the globe. The MCTs are enhancing their credentials, the customers are hiring more qualified professionals, and it's strategies like these that have helped Microsoft Extends its Lead Over Amazon and Apple as the Most Successful U.S. Company.

Thanks for reading my article. If you are interested in IT training & consulting services, please reach out to me. Visit ZubairAlexander.com for information on my professional background.