Top 10 Backend Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for a backend developer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that hiring managers look for when evaluating potential candidates. In addition to providing a measure of proficiency, certifications also provide employers with an assurance that the candidate is up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the industry. Certifications can also be used to show that a developer has taken the initiative to learn new skills, which is always an attractive quality in an employee. Finally, certifications can help differentiate a candidate from others who may have similar qualifications but lack the same certification.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Backend Developers and explains how they can help to advance a backend developer's career.

What are Backend Developer Certifications?

Backend developer certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience with backend development. It is designed to help employers identify qualified candidates who have the necessary skillset for the job. With a backend developer certification, employers can be sure that they are hiring someone with the right skills and knowledge to develop their applications.

The certification usually covers topics such as server-side programming languages (e.g., Python, Java), database technologies (e.g., SQL, MongoDB), web application frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask), and cloud computing platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services). By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate that they have the technical proficiency to create dynamic web applications that are reliable and secure.

In addition to providing technical expertise, having a backend developer certification indicates that an individual has taken initiative in developing their skillset by taking courses or attending workshops focused on backend development. This will give employers confidence in hiring them because they know that the candidate is committed to continually improving their skillset and staying up-to-date with new technologies and trends in the industry.

Ultimately, having a backend developer certification can increase your chances of landing a job as it demonstrates your competency in this field and makes you stand out from other applicants who do not have this credential. It also shows employers that you are serious about developing your career as a backend developer by investing time and resources into obtaining certifications.

Pro Tip: When looking for a backend developer certification, be sure to research the program thoroughly to ensure that it is accredited and meets your needs. Additionally, make sure to look into their track record of helping students find employment after they have completed the program.

Related: What does a Backend Developer do?

Top 10 Backend Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Backend Developers today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder is a professional certification offered by Microsoft that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in developing applications for the Windows Store, Windows Phone, and Microsoft Azure platforms. This certification is designed to provide developers with the skills and knowledge necessary to build modern, cloud-based applications using Microsoft technologies.

To obtain the MCSD: App Builder certification, candidates must pass four exams: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 (70-480), Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications (70-486), Developing Windows Azure and Web Services (70-487), and Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions (70-533). The exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost of each exam varies depending on your location; however, the average cost of all four exams is approximately $1,000 USD. It typically takes between 3 to 6 months to complete all four exams depending on your experience level and study habits.

2. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Java developers. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional's expertise in developing applications using the Java programming language.

The Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer certification requires passing one exam: 1Z0-808: Java SE 8 Programmer I. This exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming principles, working with classes and objects, language basics, and exception handling. It also covers topics related to data types, operators, strings, arrays, collections, generics and other advanced concepts.

The 1Z0-808 exam takes approximately 150 minutes to complete and consists of 80 multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies by country but typically ranges from $245 USD to $400 USD.

In order to become certified as an Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer you must pass the 1Z0-808 exam with a score of 65% or higher. After passing the exam you will receive your Oracle Certified Professional certificate via email within 7-10 business days.

3. Zend Certified PHP Engineer

Zend Certified PHP Engineer is a certification program designed to assess and validate the technical knowledge of PHP developers. It is offered by Zend Technologies, the company behind the popular open-source scripting language, PHP. The certification is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge of PHP and related technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, MySQL, and Apache.

To get certified as a Zend Certified PHP Engineer usually takes about three months of preparation. Candidates must pass a written exam that covers topics such as Object Oriented Programming (OOP), security, performance tuning and database integration. After passing the exam, candidates must complete an online project covering all aspects of the Zend Framework. This project will be evaluated by Zend Technologies experts who will decide if the candidate meets their standards for certification.

The cost of obtaining the Zend Certified PHP Engineer certification varies depending on which country you are in. In general, it costs around $300 USD to take the written exam and another $200 USD for the online project evaluation fee.

Overall, obtaining this certification requires dedication and hard work but can be very rewarding for those looking to expand their skillset in web development or demonstrate their expertise in a particular language or technology stack.

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their skills in designing, implementing, and managing an enterprise server infrastructure. The MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification validates the ability to design, deploy, configure, optimize, and manage a server infrastructure using Microsoft technologies.

To get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification you must pass one or more exams that cover topics such as Windows Server 2012 installation and configuration; Active Directory Federation Services; Windows PowerShell; Hyper-V; Storage Solutions; Networking Services; Security Solutions; and Remote Access Solutions. Depending on your experience level and which exams you take, it can take anywhere from three to twelve months to complete the requirements for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification.

The cost of getting certified depends on which exams you take and how many times you have to take them. Each exam typically costs around $150 USD although some may be more expensive depending on where you take them. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with getting certified such as training materials or course fees.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and deploying applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification validates the candidate’s ability to design, deploy, and maintain secure and reliable applications on the AWS platform.

It typically takes about 3-4 months of study to pass the exam. The best way to prepare for this exam is to take a course or use self-study materials such as books, online tutorials, and practice tests. It is also recommended that you have at least six months of experience working with AWS before taking the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $300.

To get certified, you must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Exam which consists of multiple choice questions and hands-on labs. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or through Amazon Web Services (AWS).

6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification offered by Red Hat, Inc. to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering and managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is designed for system administrators with at least one year of experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

The RHCSA exam typically takes around two hours to complete and covers topics such as installation and configuration of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, basic system administration tasks, user management, security, networking, storage management, and troubleshooting. The exam is delivered via computer-based testing (CBT) at authorized test centers around the world.

To get certified as an RHCSA, you must first pass the RHCSA exam. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you take an official training course from Red Hat or an authorized training partner. You can also study independently using the official course materials provided by Red Hat.

The cost of the RHCSA exam depends on your location and whether you are taking a public or private exam session. In the US, the cost of a public exam session is $400 USD while a private session costs $500 USD. Prices may vary in other countries and regions.

7. MongoDB Certified Developer Associate

MongoDB Certified Developer Associate is a certification program from MongoDB, Inc. that validates the skills and knowledge of developers who design and build applications using MongoDB. It is designed to assess a developer’s ability to create, read, update, and delete data in MongoDB databases. The certification covers topics such as basic CRUD operations, schema design, indexing strategies, scalability, performance tuning, and more.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete. To get certified you must pass the MongoDB Certified Developer Associate Exam (MCD-Associate). The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and requires a score of 70% or higher to pass.

The cost for the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

8. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer – Associate is a certification that validates an individual’s expertise in developing, deploying, and managing applications on the AWS platform. It is designed to demonstrate an individual's ability to design and develop applications on the AWS platform.

The certification exam typically takes around 3 hours to complete and covers topics such as designing and deploying scalable applications on the AWS platform, understanding core AWS services, security best practices, and troubleshooting.

To get this certification, you need to have at least one year of experience working with AWS or equivalent knowledge. You should also be familiar with coding languages such as Java, .NET, PHP or Node.js. Additionally, you must pass an online assessment that tests your knowledge of the core concepts related to building applications on the AWS platform.

The cost for taking the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $150 - $300 USD.

9. Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification

Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Microsoft Azure services. This certification is suitable for IT professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day management of cloud services as part of their job role.

The certification consists of two exams - AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator and AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies. The AZ-104 exam covers topics such as managing Azure subscriptions and resources, implementing and managing storage, deploying and managing virtual machines (VMs), configuring and managing virtual networks, and monitoring and backing up Azure resources. The AZ-303 exam covers topics such as designing solutions for the Azure platform, implementing workloads and security, developing for the cloud using Azure toolsets, creating managed applications in the cloud environment, integrating on-premises environments with the cloud environment, understanding DevOps processes in the cloud environment, understanding serverless computing concepts in the context of Azure solutions, understanding identity management concepts in the context of Azure solutions.

It typically takes around 2 to 3 months to prepare for both exams depending on your experience level with Microsoft Azure. To get certified you will need to pass both exams within 12 months of each other.

The cost of taking each exam varies by region but generally ranges from $99 USD to $165 USD per exam.

10. Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in designing, developing, and managing Google Cloud Platform applications. It is designed for experienced cloud professionals who want to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in designing, developing, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.

To get the certification, you must pass the Professional Cloud Architect exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as designing solutions for Google Compute Engine, App Engine, BigQuery, Cloud Storage, and other Google Cloud Platform services. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the Professional Cloud Architect certification varies depending on your geographic location. In the United States, it costs $200 USD per person. In other countries, it may cost more or less depending on the local currency exchange rate.

In order to prepare for the exam, you should study topics such as design principles for cloud architecture; security best practices; monitoring and logging; data storage options; scalability strategies; networking concepts; application development; deployment strategies; and more. You can find resources online to help you prepare for the exam including practice exams and tutorials from Google’s own website as well as third-party websites.

Do You Really Need a Backend Developer Certificate?

A certificate in backend development can be a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a specific field. It can also help you stand out from other job applicants and give you an edge over the competition. However, it is important to consider if this type of certification is really necessary for your current career goals.

If you are just starting out in the world of backend development, then it is likely that a certificate is not necessary. You can learn most of what you need to know by taking classes or tutorials online or through books. With enough practice and dedication, these resources can provide the same knowledge as a formal certification program.

On the other hand, if you have been working in backend development for some time and are looking to advance your career, then getting certified may be beneficial. A certificate will show employers that you have taken the extra step to gain more expertise in the field and that you are serious about pursuing a career in this area. Additionally, many companies require certain certifications as part of their hiring process, so having a certification may make it easier for you to land a job.

In summary, whether or not you need a backend developer certificate depends largely on your experience level and career goals. If you are just starting out in the field then it may not be necessary; however, if you want to advance your career then getting certified could help give you an edge over other applicants.

Related: Backend Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Backend Developer Certifications

1. What is a Backend Developer Certification?

Answer: A Backend Developer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the development of backend applications. It covers topics such as database design, coding, and web architecture.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Backend Developer?

Answer: The time frame for obtaining a certification varies depending on the type of program or course you choose to pursue. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become certified as a Backend Developer.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Backend Developer?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified as a Backend Developer include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater credibility in the industry. Additionally, having certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

4. What types of certifications are available for Backend Developers?

Answer: There are several different types of certifications available for Backend Developers including Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer (OCPJP 8), and Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect (AWS CSAA). Each certification has its own requirements and focuses on different aspects of backend development.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Backend Developer Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, there are typically prerequisites for taking a certification exam such as having prior experience with programming languages or databases related to the topic being tested on. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to have taken certain courses before they can sit for an exam.