I'm a certified hater of certifications. I've got two PA teaching certs, which were issued immediately after all the hirings were completed for this school year. Thanks guys!
My certs involved taking a bunch of ETS (Bush family friends) tests, which explains why Republicans are suddenly interested in the Federalized education business. I actually waited over a month for my last score to come in on a multiple guess test. I did get a lovely certificate from ETS attesting to my mensaness, which makes being unemployed feel so much better. It makes me a little nuts when I think about all the time and money I spent getting degrees, which apparently don't attest to my competence.
Certs are a great way to increase your earning potential by excluding others who might compete for your job.