As someone who has been working with Drupal for years, I recently decided to step up my game and get certified. It was one of those “why not?” moments that turned into a surprisingly interesting experience. Let me walk you through the process—peppered with my personal insights and lessons learned.
Deciding to Take the Plunge
Getting a Drupal certification is a bit like committing to a gym membership: you know it’ll benefit you, but taking that first step is daunting. I finally decided to go for it, hoping it would add a shiny badge to my resume and affirm what I’d learned over the years.
Setting Things Up: Accounts Galore!
First, I had to create an account on Acquia Academy. Sounds simple, right? Well, here’s the catch: you can’t sign up with Gmail, Yahoo, or any personal email address. Nope, Acquia only accepts company emails, so make sure you have one handy.
Once you’re in, you can choose your certification. They offer options for different roles:
- Back-End Specialist - Drupal 10: $350 *
- Front-End Specialist - Drupal 10: $300 *
- Developer - Drupal 10: $250 *
- Site Builder - Drupal 10: $155 *
Each has its own set of requirements, durations, and passing marks, but they all share the same number of questions: 50 to 60, depending on the certification. For me, I went with the Acquia Certified Developer - Drupal 10 (Spanish) exam because I love digging into the guts of Drupal and because I thought reading in my second language could make me a bit slower. At the end I had 15 minutes left, so I regret taking the English version. By the way, there are more options for the test language, like Japanese, for example.
* Notice these prices are in US Dollars and valid in January 2025.
Prepping for the Exam
Next up was creating an account on ProctorU, the platform that supervises your exam. This is where things got a bit technical. You need to install a special browser, Guardian, which sounds like it should guard you but mostly guards them against you cheating!
You’ll also need to verify your machine. This involves ensuring your camera, microphone, and computer meet their requirements. The process isn’t hard, but it’s a little nerve-wracking—like preparing for a pop quiz where the teacher checks your pencil for cheating potential.
Exam Day: The Surveillance Saga
Ah, the big day! This is where the fun (and slightly awkward) part begins. You log in to ProctorU and start the process. A live proctor connects to your computer and asks you to prove that your room and desk are completely free of distractions—or potential accomplices.
Here’s what happens:
- You’ll have to show your room via your computer’s camera.
- They’ll ask you to use your phone or a mirror to show your desktop from all angles.
- Once you’re verified, your phone and ID must be placed far away.
The rules are strict:
- You can only have your computer on the desk—no headphones, external mouse, or keyboard.
- You must sit in a closed room with nobody else around.
Honestly, it felt like preparing for a spy mission.
Taking the Test
Once the proctor inputs their password into the Acquia Academy portal, you’re off! During the test, you’re monitored the entire time.
You can’t:
- Speak aloud.
- Allow anyone to enter the room.
- Look anywhere but at the screen.
It’s just you, the questions, and the slightly unnerving feeling of being watched.
The test itself is straightforward if you’ve worked with Drupal extensively. But here’s a tip: stay calm. Overthinking can be your biggest enemy, especially when the clock is ticking.
The Results: Instant Gratification (or Heartbreak)
After finishing, you click the “Finish” button, and voilà—the results pop up immediately! If you pass, you can download your certificate on the spot. For me, the mark was 83.3%, and I was thrilled to see I’d made it.
Final Thoughts
Getting my Acquia Drupal certification wasn’t just about proving my skills; it was about challenging myself and stepping out of my comfort zone. The process was a mix of technical prep, nerve-wracking rules, and moments of triumph.
If you’re thinking about taking the exam, my advice is simple: go for it! Prepare well, follow the guidelines, and don’t let the camera-stalking proctor phase you. The sense of accomplishment at the end is totally worth it—and hey, now I have a shiny certificate to show off!
Good luck, and may the force be with you!