It is all subjective and relative (sp?).

I have a MCSD for VS6, and it helped get me my current job, this I am sure of. For other people, it doesn't.

Cost, that is easy, 125 per test is the going rate right now. (visit www.vue.com, or www.2test.com to schedule an exam)

I just self studied, it is a hell of a lot cheaper than taking a class, and I think you tend to learn more because you have to find the answers, not be told them. I used the highest ranked books from Amazon, and they seemed to work well.

As for .Net, I have taken the 70-300 exam and passed (solution architectures). I have the 70-315 scheduled on Monday...let you know the outcome then.

For me, the tests are worth it, if not for a job, just to show progress in your professional development. Sure every employer can say that they could care less about certifications, but if it came to two equally qualified individuals, the one with the cert would almost always get hired. The people that say they would never hire a certified person are just short sighted individuals that you wouldn't want to work for anyway most of the time. If they fail to realize the time and dedication you put into taking and passing the tests, well, it is their loss.

Wow, I went off on a little rant...sorry.

It usually takes me a month of studying/practicing before I am willing to risk losing 125 dollars per test.