Basically, a certified birth certificate has either a raised seal, or is printed on special paper.......the paper looks like a fancy award certificate with fancy graphics on the border like on a dollar bill. Both should say Certified Copy.
Anything else, INCLUDING a photocopy of either of the above, is worthless.
And if you order your birth certificate through VitalCheck, make sure you order, and get a certified copy. In many states they will, for a lower fee, get you a copy, but not a certified copy of a birth certificate. Don't know why they offer this service because anything you would need a birth certificate for would require a CERTIFIED copy.
I strongly urge you to just get a passport. They are much more durable than a birth certificate.....and also are a piece of legal government photo ID.