Of course, there are certifications, and then there are certifications, noted Neill Hopkins, vice president of skills development at The Computing Technology Industry Association Inc. in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.

Hopkins divided the field into high- and low-stakes certificates. High-stakes certificates, which offer the most benefit, involve taking carefully developed tests delivered in a proctored setting. Low-stakes tests may be administered online with no precaution against cheating or imposters.

Nonetheless, Hopkins said, low-stakes testing can be beneficial for self-assessment.

Wood is a freelance writer in San Antonio.