collect-a-cert

A derogatory label for a person who prizes industry certifications above knowledge and capability.

Often such a person will set about collecting as many certifications as they can and proudly display them in their email signature and social network profiles. Typically they have a shallow understanding of areas in which they are certified, and are unable to display significant independent reasoning or understanding in those areas.

May also refer to the act of obtaining an industry certification.

Also known as "pokemon accreditation"; Gotta catch 'em all!

1. "I've interviewed five job applicants and every one of them is a collect-a-cert."

2. "I'm going to have to go 'collect-a-cert' to qualify for the next pay bracket"