Even if the guy that has the cert can't fully apply what he has learned, he still has gotten his feet wet in the language. So, to me this shows initiative. Everyone is so hung on experience. I'm guessing you guys haven't worked with the guy that has so much experience, but is just stuck in his not so great ways. In this situation I would rather mold the newbie vs getting the experienced guy who really isn't interested in hearing what you have to teach them. I still say any cert can't be a negative thing. I personally don't have any certs but know guys who do. Some of these certs are not easy to get. You don't just pay money and get the cert. Like I said before, if my choices are two guys with same degree, but one has a cert or two, I definitely wouldn't look down or negatively at the guy who obtained the certs.