The best thing you can do for yourself, Jigisha, is practice, practice, practice.

There are still a lot of shops which use SQL Server 2000, which might make it worth your while to learn the software. However, if you're going for a cert, I'd recommend going for the 2005 certification. Microsoft is discontinuing support for SQL 2000 5 months from now, so it'll look better for you if you have a 2005 cert. Also, knowing both Server versions will look really good. @=)

Start with the Sybex Press cert books, though. They're golden for a SQL Server beginner.