Top 10 Development Engineer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a development engineer's job market appeal. They demonstrate that the engineer has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in their field, which can help them stand out from other applicants. Certifications also provide employers with tangible evidence that the engineer is up-to-date on industry standards and trends, which can give them an edge when competing for jobs. Finally, certifications can provide engineers with access to exclusive professional networks and resources, making it easier for them to stay informed on the latest developments in their field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Development Engineers and explain how they can help advance a development engineer's career.

What are Development Engineer Certifications?

Development engineer certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, design, and implement engineering solutions. This certification provides employers with assurance that a certified engineer is knowledgeable in the areas of engineering design, prototyping, product development, problem solving, and project management.

Having a development engineer certification gives engineers the opportunity to stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or seeking promotions. It also provides employers with an assurance that they are hiring professionals with the right expertise. Having this certification can open up more job opportunities as employers will recognize the value of having someone who is certified in their specific area of expertise.

The development engineer certification also helps engineers stay up-to-date on new developments and trends in their industry. Engineers can use this certification to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in engineering practices and show employers they are continually learning and advancing their knowledge base. Additionally, having this certification can help engineers better understand how new technologies affect their work and how best to utilize them for maximum efficiency.

Overall, having a development engineer certification can be beneficial for both employees and employers alike as it validates an individual’s experience and knowledge in engineering practices while providing employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals with the right expertise.

Pro tip: When considering a development engineer certification, it's important to research the specific requirements for the type of certification you are interested in. Different certifications may have different requirements such as experience, educational background, and specific courses or exams. Additionally, some certifications may require ongoing maintenance or renewal in order to remain valid.

Related: What does a Development Engineer do?

Top 10 Development Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Software Development Engineer (CSDE)

Certified Software Development Engineer (CSDE) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Software Testing (IIST). The CSDE certification is designed to recognize software development professionals who have demonstrated expertise in developing and testing software applications.

The CSDE certification requires passing an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as software development life cycle, requirements engineering, design, coding, testing, and maintenance. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in software development or related fields.

The exam takes about four hours to complete and costs around $400. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from IIST that validates their expertise in software development engineering. Additionally, they will also become members of the IIST community and gain access to exclusive resources and events.

2. Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)

Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) is a certification offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). It is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, experience, and expertise in systems engineering. The CSEP certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and provides evidence of one’s ability to apply systems engineering principles.

The CSEP certification process consists of three steps:

1. Application – Submit an application with supporting documentation such as education, work experience, and references.

2. Examination – Pass the online CSEP examination which covers topics such as systems engineering fundamentals, system lifecycle management, requirements management, and model-based systems engineering.

3. Interview – Participate in an interview with a panel of experienced INCOSE members who will evaluate your skills and knowledge related to systems engineering.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CSEP certification process from application submission to receiving the certificate.

To get certified, you must first submit an application through INCOSE's website along with supporting documents such as education, work experience, and references. Once your application has been approved, you can register for the online CSEP examination and schedule your interview with INCOSE's panel of experts. After passing both the exam and interview successfully, you will receive your certificate within 6 months of submitting your application.

The cost for applying for the CSEP certification varies depending on whether you are an INCOSE member or not. For non-members it costs $400 USD while for members it costs $200 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for the exam or scheduling an interview.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining Microsoft-based applications. It is designed to validate the skills of experienced software developers who can build modern, high-quality solutions that meet the changing needs of organizations.

The MCSD certification requires candidates to pass four exams: two core exams and two elective exams. The core exams focus on Windows Store Apps, Web Applications, SharePoint Applications, or Azure Solutions Architectures. The elective exams cover specific technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript, ASP.NET, C#, Visual Studio 2012/2013/2015, and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).

In order to get certified as an MCSD, you must first complete the four required exams within a two year period. Once all four tests are passed successfully, you will receive your certification from Microsoft.

The cost of the MCSD certification varies depending on the type of exam taken and which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD per attempt. However, there may be discounts available for multiple attempts or group purchases so it is best to check with Microsoft for exact pricing information before signing up for any of the tests.

4. Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Java programming language. This certification is intended for software developers who have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of the Java language, including object-oriented programming, syntax, and core libraries.

The Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer certification requires passing one exam. The exam takes approximately 150 minutes to complete and covers topics such as object-oriented programming, collections, generics, concurrency, lambda expressions, and more.

To get the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer certification you must first register for the exam with Oracle. You can do this by visiting their website or contacting their customer service team. Once registered you will be able to take the exam at an authorized testing center near you.

The cost of taking the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $245 - $295 USD.

5. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional is a certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and operate distributed applications on the AWS platform. The certification requires a deep understanding of both AWS services and DevOps principles.

It typically takes around two months of preparation to get the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification. Preparation involves studying for the exam, gaining hands-on experience with AWS services, and taking practice tests.

To obtain the certification, individuals must pass the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and lasts for two hours. It covers topics such as automation using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), security best practices, monitoring and logging, high availability and scalability, cost optimization strategies, and more.

The cost of the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam is $300 USD. However, there may be additional fees associated with retaking the exam if you don't pass it on your first attempt.

6. Google Cloud Platform Developer

Google Cloud Platform Developer is a certification program designed to help developers and IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to develop, deploy, and manage applications on Google Cloud Platform. The program consists of two courses: Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals and Professional Cloud Developer.

The Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of cloud computing, including how to build applications using Google App Engine, Compute Engine, BigQuery, and more. It also covers best practices for developing secure applications in the cloud. This course takes approximately 8 hours to complete.

The Professional Cloud Developer course focuses on building scalable applications on Google App Engine and Compute Engine. It covers topics such as deploying applications with Docker containers, managing application data with Cloud Datastore, and setting up logging and monitoring with Stackdriver. This course takes approximately 18 hours to complete.

To get certified as a Google Cloud Platform Developer you must pass both exams associated with these courses. Each exam costs $100 USD, so the total cost of getting certified is $200 USD. You can register for either exam through the Google Developers Certification website (developers.google.com/certification).

7. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. to validate the skills of system administrators in managing and configuring Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

It typically takes around 30 hours of study time to prepare for the RHCSA exam. The exam itself consists of 8 sections covering topics such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, system administration tools, networking, and more. The exam is administered online and has a time limit of 2 hours.

To get certified as an RHCSA you must first register for the exam through the Red Hat website. Once registered you will be given access to the online learning portal where you can take self-paced courses or instructor-led training to prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your studies and feel ready to take the exam you can schedule it through the same portal.

The cost of taking the RHCSA exam varies depending on which type of training or preparation course you choose to take prior to taking the exam. Self-paced courses range from $400-$600 while instructor-led courses range from $1000-$2000 depending on location and duration of course. The cost of taking the actual RHCSA exam is $400 USD if taken at an authorized testing center or $500 USD if taken online at home or work.

8. CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI

CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is a certification program that verifies an individual’s skills and knowledge of the Linux operating system. The certification consists of two exams, LX0-103 and LX0-104, which cover topics such as system architecture, installation and configuration of the Linux operating system, command line tools, scripting, networking fundamentals, and security.

It takes approximately 10 to 15 hours to study for each exam. The exams can be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through the CompTIA website. Each exam costs $219 USD. Once both exams are passed, the candidate will receive their CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification.

9. IBM Certified Application Developer – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0

IBM Certified Application Developer – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0 is a certification program offered by IBM to demonstrate the skills and knowledge of experienced professionals in developing applications for IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0.

This certification requires candidates to pass two exams: C9530-404: IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0 Core Administration and C9530-405: IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0 System Administration. Each exam takes approximately 2 hours and contains 66 multiple choice questions.

In order to get certified, you must first register with the Pearson VUE website and pay the exam fee of $200 USD per exam ($400 USD total). After registering, you can select an available time slot for your exams and begin preparing for them using the study materials provided by IBM or other third-party providers.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive an email from IBM confirming that you are now an IBM Certified Application Developer – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0. You will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your resume, LinkedIn profile, or other online profiles to showcase your achievement.

10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who work with Cisco routers and switches. This certification is ideal for those looking to gain knowledge in routing, switching, network security, wireless networking, and other related technologies.

The CCNA Routing and Switching certification requires passing one exam: 200-301 CCNA. The exam tests a candidate’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. It also covers topics such as IPv4/IPv6 routing protocols, WAN technologies, network device security, LAN switching technologies, IP services (DHCP/NAT), Quality of Service (QoS), virtualization technologies (VLANs/VXLANs), and network automation.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CCNA Routing and Switching exam. Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience working with Cisco routers and switches before attempting the exam. Additionally, candidates should have a good understanding of networking fundamentals such as TCP/IP protocol suite, subnetting principles, OSI model layers, etc.

To get the CCNA Routing and Switching certification you will need to register for the 200-301 CCNA exam at Pearson VUE or take an authorized training course from a Cisco Learning Partner. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but it usually costs around $300 USD.

Do You Really Need a Development Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no. While having a Development Engineer Certificate may certainly make you more attractive to potential employers, it is not absolutely necessary in order to become a successful development engineer. However, depending on the type of job you are looking for, employers may prefer candidates who have specialized certifications in their field. If you are looking to work as a development engineer in a specific industry or with specific technologies, then having a certificate might be beneficial to your career prospects.

In addition to the technical skills that a development engineer must possess, employers also look for other qualities such as problem-solving ability, creativity and communication skills. Having a certificate can help demonstrate these abilities and show prospective employers that you are serious about your chosen profession. Furthermore, many employers view certifications as proof that an employee has taken the initiative to expand their knowledge base and stay up-to-date on developments and trends in the industry.

At the end of the day, whether or not you need to obtain a Development Engineer Certificate will depend largely on your individual situation and career goals. If you feel strongly that having one will help you stand out from other applicants or provide valuable insight into your particular field of expertise, then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Development Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Development Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Development Engineer Certification?

A1. A Development Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of an individual in the field of software engineering or development. It typically includes topics such as object-oriented programming, database design and development, software testing, system analysis and design, project management, and web development.

Q2. How do I obtain a Development Engineer Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Development Engineer Certification requires passing an exam administered by a certifying body such as the Institute for Certified Professional Engineers (ICPE). The exam covers topics related to software engineering and development, including object-oriented programming, database design and development, software testing, system analysis and design, project management, and web development.

Q3. Is there any prerequisites for taking the certification exam?

A3. Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have prior experience in software engineering or development before taking the certification exam. Additionally, some certifying bodies may also require applicants to have taken specific courses in order to qualify for their respective exams.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete all requirements necessary for obtaining a Development Engineer Certification depending on the certifying body chosen by the applicant. This includes studying for the exam as well as completing any required courses or additional qualifications needed before taking the test itself.

Q5 What are some benefits of having a Development Engineer Certification?

A5 Having a Development Engineer Certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in software engineering or development to potential employers or clients which can lead to more job opportunities or higher salaries/rates when working freelance projects. Additionally it can also provide members with access to exclusive resources such as networking events or industry conferences that are not available to non-certified professionals