José has been a Swapps USA developer for over four years and has worked with Drupal for nearly three years. He has played a lead/active role in the following client projects:

• Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (TheBulletin.org)
• Facial Art Dental Forum (facialartdentalforum.com)
• Kazemi Oral Surgery (facialart.com)
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (ncarb.org)
• Thrivent Affordable Vet Care (thrivevet.com)
• Zuckerman Law (zuckermanlaw.com)

The Grandmaster Challenge

José is our first team member to take on the challenge of becoming a Drupal Grandmaster. According to Acquia, a Grandmaster is a Drupalist who has demonstrated advanced Drupal expertise by successfully achieving certification in the Acquia Certified Developer, Acquia Certified Back End Specialist and Acquia Certified Front End Specialist exams. Grandmaster credentials are awarded for both Drupal 7 and Drupal 8.

While the Site Builder exam is not required to achieve Grandmaster status, it is useful to become acquainted with the preparation and testing process for the Drupal exams.

I chatted with José about his experience preparing for and taking the Drupal 8 Site Builder exam to find out what he learned from this experience.

Why did you take the Site Builder exam?

There were three reasons why I wanted to take on this challenge. First, it’s an opportunity to grow professionally. Each certification demonstrates my Drupal expertise to my team and our clients.

Second, Drupal certifications help our company to be more competitive. The company’s success in winning more business results in higher salaries for our team members.

Finally, Swapps was willing to cover my exam fee in exchange for me putting in the effort to prepare for the exam.

How did you prepare for the Site Builder exam?

I started studying in January and took the exam toward the end of April. I started by reviewing the Drupal 8 User guide. Then, I reproduced the examples included in the company’s lab environment. Next, I watched a free YouTube video produced by Acquia on Drupal 8 Site Building. Finally, I reviewed the Acquia Certified Drupal 8 Site Builder Exam study guide.

How was the exam administered?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic the exams were administered both online and at testing centers. I took my exam online. Because the online testing model has been in place for some time, it was well managed and there were no problems with the process.

What was the process?

They sent me a guide with all the requirements the day before the exam. I had to install their examination software to create a biometrical profile. The set-up process included taking some photos of my office environment and a typing test to get my biometrical print.

The day of the exam, I authenticated using the biometrical profile I created the day before.

You have 75 minutes to take the exam, which I found to be more than enough. Once you submit your exam, your results are displayed immediately.

What advice do you have for your team members to help them prepare for this exam?

The study guide includes a section called Practice Skills Application. I could have improved my score by reviewing all eight items included in that section, specifically the Drupal Core.

How can we help you?

Swapps USA is an IT company that provides web and mobile app development and systems integration for nonprofit organizations and member associations. Contact us at (202) 660-2940 or email [email protected] to see how we can help your organization with Drupal website development.