Certifications have been a key part of IT operations professionals' resumes since the 1980s, but in today's fast-paced DevOps and cloud computing world, having an appropriate certification demonstrates not only proficiency in key technologies but also a commitment to ongoing learning and skills development. Employers and recruiters pay attention to certifications as they can help individuals stand out among others in the field, increase their value to teams, and even support negotiations for raises or promotions. However, it's crucial to choose certifications wisely, aligning them with personal and professional goals, and doing research to determine which certification will provide the best opportunity to get ahead. The New Relic Certified Performance Pro program is a great example of this, offering a free certification that can help individuals build their skills in areas such as application performance monitoring, observability, and resiliency. While becoming certified is not trivial, it can be a valuable learning experience, helping individuals develop expertise, identify blind spots in their knowledge, and connect with others in the community. To succeed, candidates should read the New Relic documentation, spend time with the product, take their time during the exam process, and tap into the community for support and guidance.