Vendor independent certifications?

[Mike]

A friend of mine is looking for a career change and asks what sort of 
vendor independent certifications (that is, not another college degree) 
would help them get in the door in programming, web design, or system 
administration? She is not mainly asking about actual education, but 
rather how to prove knowledge in such a way that would convince 
prospective employers. She would be willing to consider short-term 
classes or seminars coupled with and leading to such certifications, but 
is trying to avoid anything that would take longer than a year. Suggestions?

-- Mike