Now that IBM TechXchange Conference 2025 is in the rearview mirror, my LinkedIn Notifications are settling back to the usual mix of work anniversary celebrations and new job announcements by friends and colleagues. But I’m also noticing more announcements about Certification badges, like this one from Marek of EY.

I have a new appreciation of folks like Marek who took advantage of IBM’s offer of free Certification exam testing for folks with a full pass to IBM TechXchange. Just like any other industry, certification in IBM Software opens career opportunities for the individual, with faster promotions, larger raises and improved career mobility. Meanwhile, the enterprise also benefits. A recent study by IDC revealed that certified teams are 80% more successful at reducing IT budgets and have 2.5x more influence on transformation projects.

To demonstrate its commitment to Certifications, IBM offered sessions at TechXchange to prepare for certification exams and a free assessment exam. The Certification Testing Zone in the Sandbox was very active where attendees could take exams free of charge – More than 800 Certification Exams were completed over the 3-day conference, a big jump over 2024.

To raise the Credential banner even further, in its second year, the IBM TechXchange Closing Awards decided to recognize individuals who achieved the most certifications in the previous year.  We recognized two top learners from 2024 with a Technical Excellence Award, Jeff Yanoviak of CDW and Ricardo Martins, of Blue Chip Portugal.

Jeff Yanoviak, IBM Champion and a Top Credential Earner in 2024.

Mr. Yanoviak, an Enterprise Architect with more than 30 years’ experience in all aspects of IBM Power hardware and software performance, reflected on what motivated him to work hard for IBM credentials. “They illustrate my tech passion and fuel my growth,” he said. “Each certification boosts my credibility with clients, and studying for credentials, especially with hands-on labs, builds my confidence, proving I can make an impact with IBM’s offerings.”

      Ricardo Martins at TechXchange with Graeme Noseworthy and Amy Tennison 

Ricardo Martins, IBM Power Technical Leader, IBM Cloud Certified Professional Architect from Blue Chip Portugal, also uses the G-word when he reflects on what getting certified means to him. “For me, certifications aren’t just about adding badges, they’re about growth,” he said. “Technology evolves constantly, and pursuing certifications keeps me curious, sharp, and able to deliver real value. They also build credibility with clients, because they can see the effort and commitment behind each achievement. My employer benefits too, the more I learn, the more I can share that knowledge, mentor others, and help raise the bar across the team.”

If you’re inspired by Jeff and Ricardo, you can get started today. The learning never stops at IBM TechXchange online. Start here and devise a Learning Path that will get you the knowledge you need to enhance your value as a technologist.

Ricardo put it well with a little lesson in Portuguese, “‘Aquele que não sabe, é como aquele que não vê’ — he who does not know is like one who cannot see," he translated. "For me, learning and earning certifications is a way to keep seeing clearly in a world that’s always changing.”