Project Management Obstacles

Yesterday I joined PMI, the Project Management Institute so that I could get certified as a project manager. Lately, as I have been selling new work, or applying for a job, companies keep asking about whether I have my PMP or CAPM, or certified project manager. I have about 30 years of project management experience which makes this question funny, but it seems to be an obstacle, which I don't need right now. I have to study a bit, so I need to find time for that. The test questions seem pretty simple for someone who has done this kind of work, so, I think I can do it.