I got the gold certification in my first year and it was worth it to me, but you have a different situation. With four years under your belt, you are probably well established. I think its more important to be signed up with lots of companies, and if you aren't signed up with 150 or more I would recommend you devote your time to signing up and see if that brings you more work. I do think the certification is valuable to many shoppers, but others have said it didn't help them. I have a hunch it makes more difference for the newer shopper. If you sign up with the maximum number of companies and still don't have enough work, it may be there are not many jobs in your area or it may be that too many shoppers are competing for the jobs.
It won't take many additional jobs to absorb the $115 cost of certification. I think it will pay off but there are no guarantees on anything. If the jobs are not available in your area it won't make much difference. If there is a lot of competition and there are two equally qualified shoppers (talking dependability and reputation) the certification might tip the choice your way. No promises.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.