In this new post to the PHPClasses.org blog, Manuel Lemos looks at the PHP Certification Exam - whether it's worth it, how can you take it and includes an interview with a ZCE, Mauricio Garcia about his experience with it.

Although I am certain that having a PHP certification is not the only way to demonstrate that a PHP developer is really qualified, I am sure that it helps hinting employers about his skills, and so become more open to negotiate better salaries. Having a PHP certification also helps a developer stand out from the crowd of developers that apply to a job but do not have any certification.

In the interview Manuel talks with Mauricio (a Brazilian PHP developer) about whether or not he feels the certification is worth it, how a developer can take it and what they need to do to prepare for it as well as a mention of a book that might help.

Michael Kimsal has also posted some of his own thoughts on the certification issue (and of the comments made during the interview).

Davey Shafik has posted a quick update about the php|architect guide to the Zend PHP5 Certification exam and its updates.

Just a quick note to say that the second edition of the study guide has been released. It features all erratta items fixed, as well as a new chapter on Database Programming. If you didn't grab it yet, it makes a great reference for any intermediate and above developer, as well as obviously being the study guide that it is meant to be

You can get more information on the book (and place your order) on the book's website - zceguide.com.

code:diesl has posted their list of the top six books that can help you master the PHP language:

If you are new to PHP or are thinking of moving to PHP form other language then the following list of books will provide you with the required knowledge to become a seasoned PHP programmer. Of course, the list is subjective and you may have a different list of books in mind.

Their list is made up of:

• Zend PHP5 Certification
• PHP in Action
• PHP and MySQL Web Development
• PEAR
• PHP Cookbook
• SQL for MySQL Developers

Alex Netkachov has written up some of his experience with the Zend Certification Exam in a recent post to his blog:

Zend Certification is an important step for a PHP developer. It is a very good chance to evaluate your skills, show your experience to your co-workers and potential customers.

He points out Zend's resource for all things ZCE, using the ZCE Yellow Pages to find others in your area and the process he went through to prepare for and take the exam. Oh, and in case you're wondering - yes, he passed.

Akash Mehta mentions on the Developer Tutorials Blog about some of his experiences with interviews, specifically dealing with the certifications people list on their resumes.

As he sees it, there's three categories:

• The Good - things like the ZCE
• The Bad - proof of testing but no proof of experience
• The Ugly - failing to have anything to show your ability/knowledge

It's all about image, even when it comes to hiring a good programmer. Employers are looking first for someone who even vaguely looks like they know their stuff, then they dive deeper into the real skills and talents that potential employee might have.

The Zend Developer Zone has posted today about a new webinar from Zend touting "everything you need to know" about the PHP 5 certification exam that the company offers.

Zend Certified Engineers are the most sought after PHP developers. [...] To become a Zend Certified Engineer developers must pass the Certification exam covering a wide range of PHP topics. Attend the Zend Certified Engineer Webinar and hear all the details about the exam.

The webinar will happen on January 30th at about 9am (PST) and will be hosted by Beth Gomez. You can reserve your spot today by signing up over on Zend's pages on Webex.com or just get more information about it from this page over on the Zend site.

php|architect (hosts of the upcoming php|works conferenceposted about some extra incentive for you to attend - included in the price of the conference is a chance to take the Zend PHP Certification for free.

We're happy to announce that, as in previous years, all attendees to php|works will have a chance to take the Zend PHP 5 Certification Exam free of charge. More information can be found on our conference pages.

php|works will be happening September 13th and 14th at the Sheraton Gateway in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information on pricing and registration, check out this page on the conference site.

Wolfgang Drews has posted about a new German professional PHP training and certification course being offered through phpzertifizierung.eu.

Great News, we have finally managed to develop and set up the first german speaking PHP Professional course for advanced PHPer! The course is packed in 2 Weeks, 12 sessions and 24 hours!

They have a great lineup of trainers including Tobias Schlitt, Christian Wenz, Kore Nordmann and Tobias Hauser. The course will run from the 20th of November until the 3rd of December and you can check out all of the great topics covered in this list posted to the training website.

For those looking at taking the Zend PHP Certification but aren't quite sure what will be on the test, Zend has a sample test you can take to get a glimpse into it. David Coallier has taken it one step further and has posted the answers to the exam on his blog.

Are you someone preparing for the Zend PHP5 Certification ? Have you tried the online self test ? Well here I am giving up the answers so you can help and correct yourself if you didn't get 100% (8/8)

He also recommends taking the test if you'd like to give your career that little extra boost. It helps separate you from the pack and give you something real to show you know a little something about the language.

php|architect has posted their schedule today for the April and May times for their training classes. They offer three courses:

• PHP Essentials - a beginner-level introduction to PHP programming. If you're new to PHP, this is where you should start.
• PHP 5 Certification - prepare for the Zend certification exam here. While this course is focused on ZCE, it is also an excellent intermediate-level PHP course.
• Professional PHP - take your code to the next level. This course covers advanced PHP techniques.

Each of the courses is instructor-lead and can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection. Check out the prices and full schedule on their training website.