I started in 1973 as a driver. My schooling consisted of paying a lot of attention to every person I came in contact with, reading my ass off, and practice, practice, practice. I took the CDT exam in 1980 for C&B, passed that. Got my Ceramic certification in 1986. I did it to see where I stood as I had no real idea what was the important stuff. I've been to Dawson, Pankey, and a couple of the Spear and Kois meetings. Getting certified is to show that you have a minimal level of competence as a technician in whatever area you test. Every dentist I know is a lot better from having taken post doc seminars, but if they can't get past the licensing exam it doesn't matter. Best education I ever received was the time I spent in Dr Jim Potts office when I first opened my lab. He had been the dircetor of education at Pankey in the early 80's and a very talented, gifted, patient person.