Answer 1

Short answer is, yes.

We all can agree that the OCA and OCP question are not representing a real life application. But having the certificate helps you convince a future employer.

I always ask for it at a job interview. Of course not every company looks at it, and some companies have thier own methods to test you. (Some let you do a test where others ask technical question right away)

I work for different clients and have to apply for a function evert few months or so. Having a certificate helps. But if you like to work for the same employer for years, this may be different

So it depends on the situation, but it won't hurt you is you have one.