"Vendor certifications have been around a long time. I remember earning my first vendor certification in the early 1990s. It was a seven test marathon that netted me a certificate, membership card, extra technical support, and a pretty logo sheet for my business cards.
"For a time, I found that having it gave me an edge in job interviews and sales presentations. I honestly learned some things going through the process, too. I believe that certifications can be valuable, when combined with on-the-job experience..."