My reply was something along the lines of "I don't pursue certifications, but learning that I can benefit from, you can, and can benefit the organization. 90%+ of people with such certifications can't demonstrate 10% of what was in the syllabus, and you know this is true."
This question was general, but I directed it towards a Learning Managment System which I implemented in a past company. There are props for implementing an LMS in one's org too. This was quite special (video, interactive, nice UI), but anything at a basic level will get you noticed as a 'strategic thinker'. Do it if you're (the figurative reader) doesn't have one already.
"Does the system offer certification?"
"Of course it does, but it also implements a development plan for anyone on any course, for their management to rate their implementation of skills learned." Closing the loop in performance assessment; a bit harder.
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Demonstrate learning, don't just brag about it. MOOCs are fantastic, and to take part as a contributor (to a larger, fee paid, internal, or open MOOC) is to release years of learning and understanding you may have, that others don't, and as a participator, to harvest that cerebral mass of others and yourself.
Use it, implement it, criticize it, grow it. People are sharing, share back by whatever means, and demonstrate you do so; that principal is priceless and makes certification at whatever cost worthless. Though by doing so, monetary return is not denied.
These courses are not going toake you into professional in the field, you'll need more than just one certificate for that. But they're a good way to explore what you'll be doing in a given field and they're a great adjunct to any formal education you may have.