Tom DeMarco (co-author of 'Peopleware' and other SE classics) has argued that the market is a better selection mechanism than a certifying body, which tends tow

Tom DeMarco (co-author of 'Peopleware' and other SE classics) has argued that the market is a better selection mechanism than a certifying body, which tends toward seizure of power rather than societal good. I can't turn up the original article, but Jeff Atwood quotes the relevant bits [0]. I'm not convinced that either certification itself or the market represent the most effective means to achieving societal good. I think what history shows is that real consequences for shoddy work are required [1]. To date, software makers haven't really been held liable for consequences, but I expect that will change if we don't clean up our act. [0] https://blog.codinghorror.com/do-certifications-matter/ https://blog.codinghorror.com/do-certifications-matter/ [1] "229 If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death." - Hammurabi's Code, ~1750 BC