Hi Rudolph,
The starting point would be you need to decide which module does suite your knowledge MM / SD / FICO / PP / PM / HR / QM etc. If have technical / programming abilities, you need to look into ABAP / Basis / BI etc. This is the starting point.
Once you have decided which module is the right fit for you, then you can start reading
help.sap.com
I would also recommend you to regularly read the articles / answer the questions on SCN.
If you get access to service market place (http://service.sap.com), it would be a great source of knowledge.
If you access to any system to practice, please go through configuration guides and business process documents given on SAP building blocks.
http://help.sap.com/bp_bl604/BL_DE/html/Content_Library_BL_EN_DE.htm
Certification is a process to make yourself more marketable, that does not mean that it is a job guarantee program. Please note that number of consultants with certification are still struggling for job. In addition to certification, employers now a days are expected from employees to have domain knowledge, soft skills, business process knowledge, communication skills, attitude, willingness to learn, configuration skills etc. All these skills would give a great deal to consultant.
Please let me know if you need any further help.
Kind Regards,
Ravi