In reply to Dave Chu.

Dave, always good talking business with you!

I do support the fact that certificates are not required. Or diploma for that matter. We've been brainwashed since forever when it comes to how important college or university is for everyone. The software engineering profession as a whole does not require a Computer Science degree, but it doesn't mean that learning most of the curriculum is not needed.

That said, right now everyone can provide WordPress services, but there is no sensible way for prospects to find knowledgeable service providers. No list of vetted people, no way to establish who is a good fit without relying on their personal marketing/brand self-promotion, especially for non-technical clients.

But I totally disagree that those who can't do the job well are becoming fewer - this may be the case in your area, but it's getting worse globally every single week. Try posting a job on jobs.wordpress.net or any other job board and see what happens. I've been spending at least a day or two a month for several years now analyzing the market, and I keep seeing photographers, PRs, journalists, marketing people and thousands of other freelancers who start offering WordPress development services without prior background.