The technique is to increase educational backgrounds and degrees through continuous studies and masterals and even doctorate programs.
But there are programs that are looking for more experience than of these certifications. However with certifications, that only proves that you're competent and has got the fundamentals and foundation knowledge of the actual skillset you're learning.
I doubt there are
that many job positions looking for more qualifications than a doctorate - that basically proves you are an expert in that field.
Besides, academic success is not required to get a good income, you can get by without it - look at all of these Silicon Valley founders for example with a vision and a plan to act on it.
I agree with you, academic success is not required but is it a good background and foundation? Absolutely. Academic success gives individuals the foundation they need to have the confidence to apply or venture to a field they are interested in. We have to remember that the world, whenever we look at it, is full of opportunities that are not only laid out for us but for anyone seeking to improve and be successful in life; hence, competition is constant. Academic success allows us to have a good advantage in such competitions. For example, in businesses, an individual who has a formal educational background on the product or services they are offering is more likely to have more clients than those who don't as clients have the confidence to rely on those who are able to attain formal educations than those who do not. As cruel and unfair as it is, that's how more scenarios go.