I totally agree with Brian.  Certifications are no guarantee of a quality employee.  However, in my opinion, a person who took the time to get a certification has gone on and beyond the call of duty. 

Earning certifications gives me a goal to shoot for and forces me to learn new features and other ways of working with the product.   I spend months studying and performing practices, so that I have a good working knowledge before I go into the test.  I am currently working towards my MCITP.

Also, I have found that certifications open doors to promotions, new technology fields, bonuses, and other rewards.  Additionally, at your annual review it is a notable accomplishment to point out.  Even if your current employer doesn’t reward you for a certification, I have always found that earning them always pays off somewhere down the line.

Bill Richards, MCSE, MCDBA

Senior Database Analyst