IT certifications are <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2051245,00.asp?kc=EWWKNEMNL110306EOAD">worth less than ever,</A> and the value of non-certified technology skills has surged, according to the third-quarter edition of the "Hot Technical Skills and Certifications Pay Index" from Foote Partners, an IT workforce research firm. "Certified skills pay has not just flat lined, it's in the negative. This is big news if you're certified and you're thinking about getting recertified," said Foote. "This trend is in the fourth quarter, that pay for certifications is on the wane, while non-certified skills are growing in pay."