>> I don't think the certificate days would be much use today, Think again. >> given how fast frameworks change and just how many different technologies are i

>> I don't think the certificate days would be much use today, Think again. >> given how fast frameworks change and just how many different technologies are involved with modern development. That is not a problem. There could be theoretical and applied certifications. The theoretical certifications would be "one and done" (take the test once, and you are, for example a "Level 3 Software Architect). Theoretical certifications would be based on fundamental (fungible) abilities. But yeah, if you had been a certified Level 5 Java software engineer, and then Java became eclipsed by "the new hot language" then you'd need to get certified in the new hot language to claim, "I'm a Level 2 New Hot Language engineer."