Worth paying for a certificate? - any advice?

I saw that many postings ask for a specific certification. There are 16 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I would like to use funding if possible. Is there free funding?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.

Check a dozen job postings first. If most ask for the same certificate, it is probably worth it.