Relative of mine completed a coding boot camp. Even if there are free methods to learn, I'd imagine, even if you didn't see value in having personal tutelage that there's a benefit to putting your skin in the game to get the certification. It's easier to shirk off going through a course when there's no down side to ignoring it. If you've paid an amount of money substantial enough to sting if you don't go through with it, I imagine that's a strong motivator for some people