Professional Certification Portfolio

Strategic Certification Approach

No inflated claims - exactly 5 active certifications. Former MSP owner who values real skills over credential collecting. Focus on certifications that demonstrate business value.

5 Currently Active
7 Expired
3 In Progress 2025
March 2025 CKA Target

Honest Certification Approach

As a former MSP owner who built a successful business, I understand the difference between paper credentials and real expertise. I maintain exactly 5 active certifications and focus on those that directly support platform engineering with business impact. This honest approach has served me well - it's about demonstrating value, not collecting badges.

🎯 Business Value Focus

Every certification chosen for ROI - learned this managing 40+ MSP clients

💡 Real Implementation

Currently deploying enterprise pfSense while studying for CKA

📈 Strategic Investment

Smart about renewals - business owner mindset on certification ROI

Currently Active Certifications (5)

Google AI Essentials

AI fundamentals, machine learning concepts, responsible AI, practical applications

Issued: August 2024

Google Project Management Certificate

Comprehensive 6-month program covering Agile, Scrum, Waterfall methodologies

Issued: August 2023

CompTIA A+ ce

Hardware, operating systems, software troubleshooting, and security fundamentals

Active until September 2026

CompTIA Project+

IT project lifecycle, communication, resources, and stakeholder management

Lifetime certification (December 2020)

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

Cloud concepts, business principles, and cloud service management

Lifetime certification (September 2020)

Expired Certifications

📅 Previously Held Certifications

These certifications have expired. I will renew specific certifications based on role requirements rather than maintaining all credentials indefinitely.

  • CompTIA Security+ ce - Expired 2023 (Planning renewal in 2025)
  • CompTIA Network+ ce - Expired 2023
  • CompTIA Cloud+ ce - Expired 2024
  • CompTIA Server+ - Expired

📦 CompTIA Stackables (Expired)

These stackable certifications expired when their prerequisite certifications expired:

CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (CSCP)

Required: Security+ AND Cloud+ (Both expired)

CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (CCAP)

Required: Cloud+ AND Server+ (Both expired)

CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (CSIS)

Required: Security+ AND Server+ (Both expired)

CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (CIOS)

Required: A+ AND Network+ (Network+ expired)

2025 Certification Focus

Primary Focus: Kubernetes

  • Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) - Target: March 2025
  • Daily study routine with hands-on labs
  • Building practice clusters and real projects

Secondary Goals

  • AWS Solutions Architect Associate - After CKA completion
  • CompTIA Security+ Renewal - For security-focused roles

Future Considerations

  • Additional certifications based on role requirements
  • Focus on practical application over credential collection

Why This Honest Approach

🎯 MSP Owner Perspective

Built successful business - I know which certifications actually matter to employers

💰 Business ROI Mindset

Every certification evaluated for impact on senior career trajectory

⏱️ Leadership Track

Positioning for platform engineering with path to management

🚀 3+ Hours Daily

Kubernetes mastery through disciplined practice, not just videos

Verification & Transparency

Current Status (Fully Verifiable):

  • 5 active certifications visible on Credly profile
  • CompTIA certifications verifiable through CompTIA's verification system
  • Google certifications backed by completion certificates
  • Expired certifications honestly disclosed

From building a successful MSP to platform engineering - I've learned that honest credentials combined with real business acumen creates exceptional value. This approach helps me coach others to reach senior positions by focusing on what actually matters.

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