Print PDF

In 2004, FileMaker Inc. introduced a worldwide developer certification program in recognition of the growing numbers of software developers working with FileMaker Pro. This was done in an effort to provide differentiation for professionals in the field.

Certification is a useful tool for customers to help identify and choose a developer with industry-recognized credentials. The fact that FileMaker sponsors the certification lends credibility to the developer’s reputation as an expert, and gives clients a sense of what they can expect as a minimum level of competence.

Benefits of Certification:

• Boost your career potential, and be recognized industry-wide as a FileMaker Certified Developer. Convey to your peers that you possess the knowledge of a FileMaker industry expert.
• Demonstrate your technical leadership with FileMaker products.
• Gain the expertise to develop larger and more complex projects using the complete line of FileMaker 9 products.
• Increase your organization’s credibility with customers, clients and peers.

Steps to Certification:

1) Get a copy of FileMaker 9 and start using it:
There’s nothing better than hands on experience with the product. Use the Help section and start experimenting. Many of the new features and functions are self explanatory and easy to learn.

2) Get Training:
Take FileMaker Training Series courses for FileMaker 9 offered by CoreSolutions Development Inc.– the most comprehensive training available for FileMaker products. CoreSolutions offers the best in official FileMaker training from coast-to-coast. We regularly run FileMaker Training Series classes at locations across Canada. Not only is CoreSolutions recognized as a FileMaker Business Alliance Trainer, but we are also one of a select few companies worldwide, and the only company in Canada, to be a FileMaker Authorized Trainer.

3) Study FileMaker resources:

• Get the FileMaker Training Series self-paced training materials. These include 12 modules of in-depth FileMaker development topics, a 500 plus page colour manual, and a CD of demo files, exercises, and videos.
• Join the FileMaker Technical Network to get access to technical briefs, and other resources only available to members.
• Product manuals are a good place for review, and for additional knowledge on FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Server, and FileMaker Server Advanced
• Explore the in-product Help section found by clicking on the “Help” menu item in each product.
• Join a forum like FM Forums or FMP Experts, and connect with a user group like FM Pug.
• Search the FileMaker Knowledge Base

4) Take the Exam:
The exam consists of 72 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. More information can be found on FMI’s web site, including the ability to register with Prometric, who offers exams in over 3,000 testing locations worldwide. The exam costs US$150 in the US and Canada (or equivalent in other countries).

FileMaker has demonstrated its commitment to providing a superior workgroup tool for a vast variety of uses. As FileMaker improves its range of capabilities, developers should improve their skills as well, so they can innovate to the full potential of the software.

So if you’ve ever been told that ‘You should be certified’, now’s the time.

Ron Nemeth

Other Sites