Cheat Engine

[atom0s]

Most of the time, certs are just seen as a means of you having the money to afford knowledge that is already available for free. Especially in more specific fields like pen-testing and security stuff.

If you watch/take part in any of the DefCon (or similar) events, you'll see a ton of companies that are always scouting for talent. Most of them do not give a shit if you went to college, if you have degrees, if you paid for a cert, etc. They care about your actual abilities, your willingness to learn, your ability to work with others, and act professionally.

If you can prove yourself without the paper/certs, you're more likely to be considered than someone who just had money to burn and nothing to show for it other than knowing how to follow the basic jist of a course.

As you said yourself: "not to simply become a good exam taker"

This is something that companies will look for. They want people who can actually think for themselves and not just follow a test outline. What good are you if you cant think outside of a scripted set of instructions?

Obviously, there is nothing wrong with getting the certs as extra credit for your resume and such, but they are certainly not needed unless there is a specific goal/company you want to work for that absolutely requires them. Be active in the community, show off your work / experience, go to the con's and other gatherings held for these kinds of things and just get yourself out there.

There are much better means of learning and proving yourself than spending $1k on a pdf.
_________________
- Retired.