I think the IPVM tests are excellent and I've taken many of them to build my knowledge. I have an extensive technical sales background (enterprise IT equipment) but little video surveillance.
I've also learned a lot from the IPVM books. So I totally agree that if an employee studied these and took the tests they would be more competent.
I also learned a good bit from the networking guide which was slightly surprising as and I have a fairly good base networking knowledge (not a Cisco tech or anything really high level but strong enough).
I have education funds available to me now but I paid for the subscription myself just for the personal knowledge and it was worth what I paid. I realize not everyone would be in a financial position to do this and I did it because I am breaking into the field. Point being I would have been very motivated to get paid to increase my knowledge and getting paid to study and take various certifications is common in the IT industry.
Education builds knowledge and professionalism and being paid to keep pace should not be underestimated.