
This past weekend, I took my first Microsoft Certification exam: _Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4_.

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2012/08/MSNET4DataAccess-575x443.png "MCTS: .NET Framework 4, Data Access")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2012/08/MSNET4DataAccess.png)

Honestly, it was one of the hardest tests I've taken, but luckily I passed it.

As such, I have earned my first certification (ever), and can now be recognized as _Brandon Martinez, MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)_.

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2012/08/MSMCTS-575x443.png "Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2012/08/MSMCTS.png)

And can even put this neat logo on business cards, letterhead, etc:

[![](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2012/08/MCTSrgb.png "MCTS")](http://assets.brandonmartinez.com/brandonmartinez/2012/08/MCTSrgb.png)
