I've got to say - In my experience, industry-based qualifications are more often than not a counter-indicator. This was particularly true of the Java certifica

I've got to say - In my experience, industry-based qualifications are more often than not a counter-indicator. This was particularly true of the Java certifications during the dotcom boom - it was invariably the sign of someone who really just wanted to cash in... Out of the ten hires I was directly involved with, 6 were Java certified and 5 of those were absolutely terrible. It might demonstrate a knowledge of Java, but at a very superficial level - even if you take someone with the best vocabulary in the world, it doesn't mean they'll be a good author. A degree is a bit different. It at least demonstrates - a probable understanding of the fundamentals, the ability to stick at something and a certain level of exposure to broad ideas... Plenty of good programmers won't have degrees, but it's not a bad indicator none-the-less.