1. In my last job (related to clinical trials) it was necessary for the organization to demonstrate to the FDA that every person who worked on the trial was qualified. Degrees and certs show the necessary qualifications.

2. HR is moving from paying for the position to paying for the skills for IT personnel. That means that a very skilled person is worth more because he can do the job in half the time and do it better. Certs and degrees add credibility to your skills. Resumes are often "enhanced" as someone here found out recently.

3. My boss was very impressed that I made the effort to get certified, on my own inititative, on my own time, and at my own expense. I'm sure this will play into my evaluation when the time comes.



>Employers want certification for protection or some sort of warm fuzzy. MCSE will probably become less and less important. Just my opinion.