I really agree with your point on certifications. We are similar to welders in my mind as well. In my country, our software industry holds certifications highe

I really agree with your point on certifications. We are similar to welders in my mind as well. In my country, our software industry holds certifications higher that degrees. Certifications require to be updated and redone every so often. Even though a degree will teach you fundamentals, I do believe you will learn those in the job and with the certification but a certification really is that.... its to certify that you are adequate in a certain technology. All of my job interviews have required me to show them my abilities with whatever tech they require. Another point I would like to make is that I work with people with degrees and I have certifications. Their degrees are more than 10 - 20 years for some. How much has technology changed in that time? I have to keep redoing my certification every 2 years (microsoft for example). And to me 2 years is a long time in the software industry.