I think it's a really valid question. So let me answer that first:

With any certification, a machine search will always rank you higher 
than folks without certs. Anything to give you a leg up helps.

But there is a different class of coder where a company like Twitter or 
Facebook or Sun will actively seek you. I'm not talking about recruiter 
calls. I'm talking about somebody totally successful and inspiring who is 
inspired by you, and they want to work with you.

They've heard about you because you did something awesome that echoes on 
different blogs. When your name comes up, folks speak well of what you've 
done.

So ya, you can make a career of coding, but you'll often be at the mercy 
of folks who don't get it. A terrible fate, if you ask me.

Or you can be the best of coders, and that means you interviewing the 
folks hiring you, and not the other way around.

Which one do you want to be?

My 2 cents, Barce