I agree, over the last few months I've become very disillusioned by the certification. I've recently interviewed some people who are certified in SQL Server and couldn't even write an SQL statement to produce a calculated field.!!!!

>I've had the same experiences. When interviewing, I don't take much notice of certification. I also know some certified people who I wouldn't even consider (I also know some who I would definitely consider).
>
>I worked with somebody some years ago who was uncertified and useless. He went on a week's course and became certified (but not useful).
>
>>It's not that I think it hurts to be certified. I don't, but I know a lot of people who are book smart and certified in a lot of things but when it comes to the real world they just don't seem to get it. I read an article about 6 months ago and it had to do with Network Admin where they were certified and didn't have a clue as to what was happening in the real world. It also said a lot of companies and now testing there possible employees instead of relying on just certifications.
>>
>>Ron
>>
>>
>>>Ronald,
>>>
>>>There is a salary survey at www.mcpmag.com that seems to indicate that certification does contribute to your status as an employee. My favorite argument in favor of certification is that no one was even turned down for an opportunity because they were certified. Can you see that? "Ack, phooey, you're an MCSD, you SUCK".
>>>
>>>It's an extra edge when negotiating a raise or a new contract. Rarely will developer certification be required (it's more and more required in the MCSE world), but it doesn't hurt, does it?
>>>
>>>>People who have it say it's important people who don't... Well you get the idea. Personally I have never been asked to see any certification.