IT Certificate Program value?

Hello,

I am interested in pursuing a certification in IT, specifically security. I have a degree not in IT or Computer science. I did work as a technician in college for computing services. Basically I want to know what the job prospects would look like if I completed a certificate course in IT or security compared to just doing the self study and taking the exams. Basically how likely is someone to get a job after completing the exam or exams and does a certificate course help Thank you.