certifications

Having spent decades immersed in Microsoft technologies and recently honored with the MVP award, I decided to share my unexpected journey into accepting the Microsoft Regional Director role in 2017. I aim to clarify what this prestigious but unpaid position truly entails, especially for those curious about how it complements my continued work as a CTO and speaker.

If you are considering renewing your Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, you will find my positive experience with the streamlined renewal process particularly relevant. I completed the 26-question exam in just 25 minutes without prior preparation, leveraging my daily work with Azure to confirm that the renewal is a low-stress, efficient way to maintain certification validity.

If you're interested in my latest professional milestone, I’m excited to share that I’ve been renewed as a Microsoft MVP for the 2023-2024 term, marking my ninth year in the program. This renewal is particularly special because I have transitioned from the Azure category to Security, a shift that highlights the evolving nature of my contributions to the community.

If you are wondering how the new Microsoft certification renewal process works in 2021, I share my personal experience navigating the assessment requirements that replaced traditional exam renewals. I explain how to access these free, open-book assessments through your dashboard, noting that they are significantly easier than the original exams but still require a solid understanding of the technology to pass.

If you are interested in speaking at TechDays Finland 2020, I urge you to submit your session proposals immediately as the call just opened. As a member of the content team, I am excited to review submissions for the 40 selected speaker slots at this upcoming Helsinki event, with the deadline set for November 29th.