Get both the developer and programmer certifications because
those 2 tests are the core of the jdk and the developer
test is a programming assignment which in passing it proves
you can code! After those 2 tests if you have a phd in physics
you will be hired because the math degrees shows you can
think and are smart. The best programmers have degrees
not in cs. Tim sweeny the lead programmer and owner of
the game
www.unrealtournament.com has a degree in mech. engineering. John Carmack of
www.idsoftware.com dropped out
of college as is known to be the best programmer in the
computer gaming field. I can go on and on....
Also
you should work part-time on getting the new architech
test because the test is hard and gives you more knowledge
that you need for programming , design
patterns, uml, ejbs
etc...