SQL 2005 Certification

Hello everyone. This is my first post on this board. I've been working for an investment bank in London (via an IT services company) as a DBA for a year now. It's pretty much my first real job since graduating from university. I did a bit of SAP before this job but it didn't really work out.

The work has been almost entirely on SQL Server 2000. I've done a bit of 2005 such as installs, backing up/restoring databases, setting up security.

I was thinking of doing an MCITP course in SQL 2005 in India early next year (my company will not pay for training - cheapos). The bank has recently been taken over by another bank and I don't know what the future holds beyond February, it's probably likely that the DBA's from the other bank will take over.

Do you think certification is needed? Would it be hard for me to get another job with the experience I currently have?

I find it difficult to study at home and the idea of going to India and getting the certification in 2 weeks appeals to me. Has anyone else ever been to a boot camp in India or elsewhere? Just how important is certification?

If you could provide me with some advice I would be most grateful.