Top 11 Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for developers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in their field. Having certifications demonstrates to employers that a developer has taken the time to learn the skills necessary for their job, as well as a commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Certifications also show that a developer is capable of working with certain technologies, which can make them more attractive to employers. Furthermore, certifications help developers stand out from other applicants during the hiring process since they are evidence of additional training and effort put into mastering their craft.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Developers and explains how they can help to further a developer's career.

What are Developer Certifications?

Developer certification is a process of verifying the knowledge and skills of a software developer. It involves passing tests or completing courses to prove proficiency in a particular programming language, framework, or platform. This can help developers demonstrate their abilities to potential employers and clients, validate their skills and knowledge, and increase their chances of getting hired for specific projects. Certification also helps them stay up-to-date on new technologies as they are released and gain credibility in the industry. In addition, it can provide recognition for the hard work and dedication that developers put into their craft.

Pro tip: When considering developer certification, make sure to research the various types of certifications available and choose one that is relevant to your experience level and career goals. Additionally, consider the cost of certification and weigh it against the potential benefits.

Related: What does a Developer do?

Top 11 Developer Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is a certification that validates an individual’s expertise in developing and deploying Microsoft-based applications. The MCSD certification requires passing several exams that cover topics such as web development, mobile development, application life cycle management, and cloud services.

The MCSD certification typically takes around three to six months to complete depending on the individual’s experience and knowledge level. To get certified, individuals must pass four required exams: two for web applications, one for Windows Store apps, and one for Azure solutions. Each exam costs $150 USD. Additionally, individuals must have at least two years of experience in developing applications using Microsoft technologies.

Individuals can prepare for the MCSD exams by taking online or classroom training courses offered by Microsoft or other vendors. There are also numerous study guides and practice tests available online to help individuals prepare for the exams.

In addition to passing the four required exams, individuals must also maintain their certification by earning continuing education credits every year. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends.

2. Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP)

Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP) is an industry-recognized certification program from Oracle that validates a programmer’s knowledge and experience in developing Java applications. It requires the candidate to demonstrate their proficiency in core Java language features, object-oriented programming, and application development.

It typically takes around 3 months of study to prepare for the OCPJP exam. This includes studying the official Oracle training materials, practicing with sample questions, and taking practice exams. The exam itself consists of multiple choice questions and can take up to three hours to complete.

To get certified as an OCPJP, you must pass the exam with a score of 65% or higher. You can register for the exam through Oracle's website or through one of their authorized testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD.

3. Amazon Web Services Certified Developer – Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified Developer – Associate is a certification program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates an individual’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and debug applications on the AWS platform. It is designed for individuals who have at least one year of hands-on experience developing and maintaining an AWS-based application.

The exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge and skills related to designing, developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications on the AWS platform. The exam also covers topics such as security best practices, networking fundamentals, storage options, databases, serverless computing services, containers, and more.

It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the exam depending on your experience level. To get certified you need to pass the AWS Certified Developer – Associate Exam which is a 90-minute long exam with 65 multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies from country to country but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD.

4. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is an entry-level certification that covers the basics of system administration, such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and security.

To get RHCSA certification, you must pass the Red Hat Certified System Administrator Exam (EX200). This exam consists of performance-based tasks that demonstrate your ability to install and configure a RHEL system. The exam takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and costs $400 USD.

You can prepare for the RHCSA exam by taking one of Red Hat's official training courses or self-study using books or online resources. You can also take practice exams to help you prepare for the real thing.

5. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is a comprehensive certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their proficiency in core areas such as hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ Certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers a range of technologies from multiple vendors.

The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The tests cover topics such as installation, configuration, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, networking, security, and more. Each exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete.

To get CompTIA A+ certified you must first pass both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. You can take the exams at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost for each exam is $226 USD ($452 USD total).

Once you have passed both exams you will receive your CompTIA A+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification you must recertify every three years by taking either the current version of the Core 1 and Core 2 exams or a higher level exam such as CompTIA Network+.

6. Zend Certified PHP Engineer

Zend Certified PHP Engineer is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the expertise of PHP developers. It is offered by Zend Technologies, the company behind the popular PHP scripting language. The certification demonstrates that a developer has the skills and knowledge needed to develop, deploy, and maintain applications using PHP.

To become a Zend Certified PHP Engineer, you must pass an exam administered by Zend. The exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, web services, security, performance tuning, debugging techniques and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes about two hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, you must first register with Zend Technologies and purchase an exam voucher from their website. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100 to $200 USD. After purchasing the voucher, you can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official Zend Certified PHP Engineer certificate in PDF format via email within 24 hours of passing the test. You will also be listed on Zend’s public directory of certified engineers so potential employers can easily verify your credentials.

7. Apple Certified Mac Technician

Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT) is a certification program offered by Apple Inc. that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in repairing and troubleshooting Apple Macintosh computers. To become an ACMT, one must pass the Apple Service Fundamentals Exam and the Apple Hardware Repair Exam. The exams are administered by Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centers.

The Apple Service Fundamentals Exam covers topics such as customer service, safety, tools, troubleshooting techniques, and system configuration. The Apple Hardware Repair Exam tests knowledge of Mac hardware components and their repair procedures.

It typically takes two to three weeks to complete the exams once they are scheduled. The cost of the exams varies depending on the country you are taking them in but generally range from $150 - $200 USD per exam.

8. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a certification program offered by Adobe Systems. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in using Adobe products. The ACE certification proves that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to create, deploy, and manage solutions using Adobe products.

The ACE program consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. To become an Associate-level ACE, you must pass one or more exams on specific Adobe products. To become a Professional-level ACE, you must pass additional exams on advanced topics related to the product(s).

It typically takes between 2-6 months to prepare for the exams and obtain your certification. During this time, you should study the material provided by Adobe, practice with the software, and take practice tests to ensure that you are prepared for the real exam.

In order to get certified as an ACE, you must purchase an exam voucher from Adobe and register for an exam at an authorized testing center. The cost of each exam varies depending on which product(s) you are certifying in; however, most exams cost around $180 USD per attempt. You may also be required to pay additional fees for proctoring services at some testing centers.

Overall, it can cost anywhere from $360-$900 USD to become an ACE depending on how many exams you need to take and which products they cover.

9. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I

Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in developing applications on the Salesforce platform. It is designed for developers who have experience with Apex, Visualforce, and Force.com development tools and techniques.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must score at least 65%. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.

In order to become certified, you must first take a Salesforce training course or have equivalent experience. You can also review the study guide provided by Salesforce, which covers all topics covered in the exam. Once you feel confident that you understand all of the material, you can register for the exam on the Salesforce website.

10. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s expertise in the administration and management of Oracle Database 12c. This certification requires the successful completion of an exam, which covers topics such as Oracle Database architecture, installation, configuration, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and security.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the OCP exam. During this time, you should review the official Oracle documentation for Oracle Database 12c and complete hands-on practice with the software. You can also attend classes or use online courses to help you prepare for the exam.

To get your OCP certification, you must first register for the exam on Oracle's website and pay the associated fee. Once registered, you will be given access to a practice exam to help you prepare for the real thing. After passing the practice exam with a score of at least 70%, you can then schedule your actual OCP exam at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world.

The cost of taking an OCP exam varies depending on where it is taken and which version of Oracle Database 12c it covers. Generally speaking, it costs around $245 USD per attempt.

11. CIW Web Development Professional

CIW Web Development Professional is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in web development. It is offered by the Certified Internet Webmasters (CIW) organization, which is an international body that sets standards for web professionals. The CIW Web Development Professional certification covers topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, XML, and other web development technologies.

The CIW Web Development Professional certification requires passing two exams: the CIW Site Development Associate exam and the CIW Web Foundations Associate exam. Both exams must be taken within 12 months of each other in order to achieve the certification. Each exam costs $150 USD and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through ProctorU.

In order to prepare for the exams, it is recommended that individuals take a course from a CIW Authorized Training Partner or study independently using self-study materials provided by CIW. Depending on how much time an individual has available to study and how quickly they grasp the material, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the exams.

The cost of taking the CIW Web Development Professional certification varies depending on whether you are taking courses or studying independently. Taking courses from a CIW Authorized Training Partner typically costs between $500-$2,000 USD depending on which courses you take and where you take them from. Self-study materials are available from CIW for free or at discounted prices if purchased with an exam voucher bundle.

Do You Really Need a Developer Certificate?

Yes, a developer certificate is an important part of the process of becoming a professional software developer. It is one of the ways to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field. A developer certificate is also necessary for employers to evaluate your skills and qualifications when considering you for a job.

Having a developer certificate proves that you have taken the time to learn and master coding languages, software development principles, and other technical skills. It shows that you are committed to your craft and willing to put in the hard work to become a successful software developer.

In addition, having a developer certificate gives employers confidence that you are capable of handling difficult tasks they may assign you. By having this certification, employers can be sure that they are getting someone who knows what they are doing. This will help them make sure they get their money’s worth when hiring someone with this type of expertise.

Finally, having a developer certificate can open up opportunities for career advancement in the future. With this certification, it will be easier for you to land higher-level positions and promotions as more companies look for experienced software developers who have proven their capabilities through certifications like these.

In conclusion, obtaining a developer certificate is an important step in becoming a professional software developer. It demonstrates your commitment to learning new technologies and techniques while also giving employers assurance that they will be getting an experienced professional with proven qualifications if they hire you.

Related: Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Developer Certifications

Q1. What is a developer certification?

A1. Developer certifications are credentials that demonstrate a person’s ability to develop software applications for specific platforms or languages. They are usually awarded by technology companies, educational institutions, or professional organizations and can help developers stand out in the job market.

Q2. What types of developer certifications are available?

A2. There are many different types of developer certifications available depending on the platform, language, or framework that you want to specialize in. Common examples include Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP), and Apple Certified iOS Developer (ACID).

Q3. How do I prepare for a developer certification exam?

A3. Preparation for a developer certification exam can vary depending on the type of certification you’re pursuing, but generally includes studying the topics covered in the exam, taking practice tests and exams, and attending classes or workshops related to the material.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a developer?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get certified as a developer depends on the type of certification you’re pursuing and how much time and effort you’re willing to put into preparation for the exam itself. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months before you’re ready to take an exam and become certified as a developer.

Q5 Is having a developer certification worth it?

A5 Yes! Having a developer certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in developing software applications for specific platforms or languages which will make you more attractive to potential employers when applying for jobs in development roles