If you like repairs enough to do it all the time then go for A+ / Network+ / CCNA / etc.
If you like programming (love you said) then either build on that and show companies what you can do then develop for them. Either get into the developing for a local company or you could try your hand at developing for companies overseas. You will need to know what languages they require at the company you plan to work for. A good start I think (not a programmer so don't quote me) is C/C+/C++/C#. If you want to do individual developing then there are free languages such as Python out there. Some people require things like SQL and HTML - but then again - depends on what part of programming you plan to get in to.
Knowing the solution doesn't mean knowing the method. Yet answering correctly and regurgitation are considered "learning" and "knowledge".