Are there any certifications that require you to solve a CTF or otherwise demonstrate understanding of the field? (Just spitballing, but maybe an oral-defence of strategy against a board of defcon panelists? Etc)
Braindump-able IT certs benefit no-one, and expecting people to have MSc degrees in infosec is elitist and very impractical.
Offensive Security certs (e.g. OSCP) are similar to what you're describing. The PNPT is similar too but also emulates a real-world engagement on top of just needing to root boxes.
Braindump-able IT certs benefit no-one, and expecting people to have MSc degrees in infosec is elitist and very impractical.