If (like me) you are trying to break into the Java technology market after years in other IT fields, the certification(s) don't appear to amount to much at all. But then it may just be that 35+ year-old thing that's knocked me off the 'wanted' list
But if nothing else, I have thoroughly enjoyed studying for, and writing the certification exams (SCJP2 and SCWCD). They gave me a disciplined approach to learning something new and the certification itself was just a cherry at the end.
But it certainly did not help to find a job, particularly in a market that asks for such specific skill-sets. Funny thing is, at 35+, I felt I am able to learn, absorb and apply myself a lot better in my career than I could in my younger 20's. Now if I could only convince those recruitment agencies out there
Good luck.