do i need cert/diploma/degree to get me hire?

[Ciel]

i've choose a game art training centre, it does not give cert/diploma/degree...
but the training centre will give the student a recommendation letter, that will straight away bring students to work in the affiliated company...

the course duration is 2years:
1st year: training and learning (character design and animation)
2nd year: pratical in those affiliated company (with salary)

but i think the recommendation letter is only qualify in those few affiliated company with the training centre...

so, what i'm afraid is... after i finish my course in the training centre, i can only work in those affiliated company...

what i wanna ask is:
In the art field of game industry, do i really need diploma/degree to get me hire? or without the degree, the portfolio that i drew used to interview is more important?