Do you think so?

I know some employers do care but more to be able to claim X consultants certified in tech Y than as a guide for hiring.

Capgemini are pretty big on certs but most people we hired didn't have them, just got them after they joined (This is my experience in the UK)

Tech consultancies need people with certs because usually a client will say 'i want X people with Y certificate on this project or I'll go to someone else'

Also, when a company wants to call them, say, "Microsoft Silver Partner", they typically need at least X people with Microsoft certificates.

Having been in both sides: Consultancy and Client. My experience suggests that this is far from universal.

None of them are amazing predictors of success, only a baseline for competence.

Tech consulting shops especially demonstrate a preference for people who have certs relevant to the work that they're trying to sell.

I wouldn’t even say they are a baseline for competency. There are brain dumps for most major certs available online.

Is that true of the RHCE and other same brand certs? Seems doubtful from content.

It definitely is for cloud provider consulting, as those also factor into your MSP status.

100% - they are not a replacement for experience but they get you noticed for sure. Some jobs even require them on the posting.

Well, in theory, it should be impossible to complete these specific certs without having the background general knowledge in the first place. In theory.