Certifications

I am reading The Wealth of Nations. He brings up an interesting point regarding apprenticeships and how they help raise the wages of the tradesmen above what their natural rate should be. We have the same things today. Apprenticeships still exist in many trades. As an accountant I'm working towards getting a CPA. Why? So that I can make more money. The other funny thing about certifications is that they are always lobbied as safe guards for the consumer. Well ya I guess that is true. If you pay me more I will probably have more time to do a better job but is that really the governments job. It reminds me of a sign I once saw in a barber shop that said "You can have a haircut 1.That is Fast 2.That is Cheap 3.That Looks Good. Pick any two".