certified is basically a Gold stamp put on yur forhead stating you know more than 85% of all components of PS7... why you ask? 1 reason.... if you applying for a production job at a studio.. and you compeating along with 3 other artists.. with the same resume... and portfolio... if your the only one with the certification.. you will get the job. this if every1 else is equal in resume and portfolio.... basically states by adobe... :this man named here on this certificate is the shit at Photoshop7, and might as well be part of our staff he is so well knoweldged in it. also.. 2nd reason.. alot of college professors required gettin certified... to Teach any class that deasl with adobe photoshop 3rd... you get put on the adobe website with your contact information... and you can actually train other people fully at photoshop... and get paid for it... like a fanchise... u pay 300 to get you diploma... and you go out tutoring students... or other FX artists.. and charge them $$$ that u dont owe Adobe.... there are many perks in it... it is a Definite requirement to get certified in the software of your medium.. if u desire high up jobs.... hope that answers it.