Just a suggestion
A portfolio is far more valuable than a certificate.
The industry/software/trends change so quickly that NO certificate program is going to get someone a job - it may be a decent start (expensive though) and an arena for one to ask questions, pose problems, learn basic techniques, etc.
I guess it depends more on your learning style. It's such a hands-on type of vocation, the only classroom you really need is your computer; add in a healthy dose of curiousity, asthetic sense and user interface smarts and you're almost there.
An impressive portfolio, showing an array of web based skills and design styles will serve someone far better in getting steady work, than any certificate or degree.
Just a thought, but if your friend is starting from scratch, try
www.webmonkey.com for starters.
There are hundreds of good - some great - sites that will help someone learn the basics of HTML and web design.
I don't want to squash his hunger for a certificate, but I was a talent agent for web/print designers for a few years and the "certs" - as they were referred to - failed miserably, and at an alarming rate, compared to those that had taught themselves, were in the trenches and had the cognitive ability to learn on their own and on the fly.
Hope this helps.
