In 1999 I decided that I wanted to improve my knowledge through structured learning i.e. through lessons not "playing" with technology. As I was fairly committed to the idea and would have to pay in some form I decided it mist be demonstrable on the CV. This boiled down to a choice of either certification or part time MSc.

I was working freelance (as I still do) and was asked to assist my client with recruitment. It turned out that there was a whole raft of people applying for work with certifications. Nearly all of whom really couldn't do the job they were claiming to be experts at. The client decided that he would not consider certification as a filter at all.

I decided then to do the MSc which gave be a better theoretical background which I could enhance with experience. For me this is the better combination; applicable technical knowledge together with sound experience.