mecp?

so, im not certified, but i know a guy who is. i actually worked with him for about a year, and i know for a fact that  i do better work than him. take these remote start installs for example...

the top two are of a dodge stratus he did, that the customer came to us to have removed, because he was going to charge $70 to do it, and the bottom two are of a chevy equionox ( i think i spelled that wrong) i did the other day. and they are after pictures. i am also much more skilled at building speaker boxes than he is, and by much i mean i have forgotten more than he will ever know,  and im more efficient.

my question is, how important is it to be certified? would i have a hard time landing a job in a bigger town? woud it effect my pay? what else could it help me with?

exatally. that first install, without the tape, actually almost started on fire the same day i pulled it out. if your install is correct, it will only last longer if it is secured better. another reason i do it is that  a vehicle w/ a starter would be so much easier to steal, but if you can't see the aftermarket wiring, it's not any different from stock. 

i also have 4 years of experience, and i am confident i could pass the test. especially from the audio install aspect. i am a skilled troubleshooter, and have been head installer/ ran the garage at the last two shops i've worked at.

as for diagnosis, most problems can be tested at the module just as easily. i actually find it easier to work on, and that i get less returns.