> I'm not even sure if there's anything to stop me reading the "spoiler" forum questions about it first.

There isn't, except your own drive.

> I had thought that the transcripts and certificates offered had some sort of credibility

The certificates as they are now are more for your self as a proof of accomplishment thing. I have heard that they may be moving towards a real closed exam provided by something like Prometric, like any number of IT certifications, that would be something that could be pointed to in a more credible manner.