IBM's DB2 certification tests are free at the right conferences, otherwise, they are $120 each, and it requires two tests for a DBA or a programmer certification. A third one will get you certified on another platform or technology. I personally didn't think that they were easy tests, and that if you can pass the tests, it shows that you are at least competent in the technology. Proving you're a master at something can only be done on-the-job, and not by any testing, IMO.
BTW, I get paid $100 each month from a company, which I won't name, just to use my DB2 certification as part of their credentials. I do nothing. If I would do some work for them, I'd get paid extra for that. Sweet! :-)
You can't convince *me* that certifications are worthless!
Peace, Jim