• New Leadership, Fresh Direction

• A Certification Program Shaped by the Community

• Why this matters:

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

• What’s Coming Next? Exciting Plans for the Future

• Why This Matters for Your Career

• How to Get Involved

• Wrapping Up

The Certification for Laravel Program is stepping into a new era, thanks to a change in leadership that’s bringing fresh ideas and a renewed focus on the community. In August 2024, Jasper Willems and his team who are known for their work with Laracon EU and Laracon India, officially took over the program, with plans to make it more relevant, inclusive, and impactful for Laravel developers everywhere.

New Leadership, Fresh Direction

After being part of the original certification team, Jasper Willems felt that the program was missing the mark. Instead of sitting back, he took matters into his own hands, leading a buyout of the program and putting together a team to reshape it. The goal? To create a certification process that’s not only up-to-date but also useful for developers working in the real world.

A Certification Program Shaped by the Community

One of the biggest changes is the focus on community involvement. Jasper and his team want the certification to reflect what Laravel developers are actually doing in their day-to-day work. To achieve that, they’re inviting the community to play a major role in shaping the program. From giving feedback via surveys to influencing what’s included in the certification exams, the community now has a voice in how this program evolves.

Why this matters:

• The certification will now reflect real-world skills that matter to developers and employers.

• Developers can participate in shaping the certification process, making it more practical and relevant.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The new leadership is also doubling down on their commitment to diversity and inclusion. They want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed in the Laravel ecosystem. By offering additional resources, economic discounts, and mentoring, they’re working to make the certification accessible to underrepresented groups in tech.

What’s Coming Next? Exciting Plans for the Future

The team has a ton of great initiatives lined up to make the Certification for Laravel Program more valuable and beneficial for everyone involved. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming:

• Exam Committee
  A group of experienced Laravel developers will oversee the certification process to ensure it’s fair, up-to-date, and useful.
• Training Exams
  Candidates will be able to practice with training exams before taking the real test, helping them feel more confident and prepared.
• Mentoring Program
  Junior developers will be able to pair up with seasoned Laravel professionals, who will offer guidance and advice to help them grow in their careers.
• Ongoing Learning Opportunities
  Developers will have access to community-driven courses and trainings, making sure their skills stay sharp and up-to-date.
• Exclusive Deals and Discounts
  Certified developers will have access to discounts on Laravel products and services, plus opportunities to co-host events and meetups.
• Boosted Recognition for Certified Companies
  Companies that invest in certification will get a boost through social media shoutouts, lead generation campaigns, and more visibility within the Laravel community.
• Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
  The program will host round-table discussions and knowledge exchanges, giving developers the chance to collaborate and learn from one another.

Why This Matters for Your Career

So, why should you care? Simply put, this isn’t just a certification, it’s a career accelerator. With these new changes, the Certification for Laravel Program is becoming a tool that can really help you stand out as a developer. You’ll not only validate your skills but also stay connected to a community that’s growing and evolving with the Laravel ecosystem.

Whether you're looking to improve your job prospects, keep your skills sharp, or become more involved in the Laravel community, this new certification program has a lot to offer.

How to Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to be part of this exciting new chapter. You can:

• Join the exam committee or the mentorship program.
• Partner with the team at Laravel events.
• Contribute your thoughts and ideas to shape the future of the certification.

For more information, check out their official website at certificationforlaravel.com or drop them an email at [email protected]

Wrapping Up

The Certification for Laravel Program is getting a much-needed upgrade, and it’s going to be better than ever. With a focus on real-world skills, community involvement, and inclusivity, this certification is set to become a valuable resource for developers at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re already certified or thinking about becoming certified, now is the perfect time to get involved and take advantage of all the new opportunities this program has to offer.