I am currently preparing for AWS and GCP architect/engineering certs and I find preparations as some way to solidify my years of knowledge and experience in the field. I think also certification is good way to be recognized in consulting market, especially as I work remotelly from nearshore country.

My friend last year obtained AEM Developer certification and with proper self-promotion he got flooded with queries and his rate doubled overnight. He got years of prior AEM experience.

I find popular certs like Scrum or entry Java certs valuable today mostly for junior level specialists to get foot in the door easier. However for experienced engineers a proven track record and a network is more benefitial.

Also, some big companies and govement agencies recognize or even require contractors to be certified in given technology.