Top 10 Embedded Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for an embedded developer in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in a given area of technology. They also provide employers with assurance that the candidate has the skills and abilities needed to be successful in their position. Certifications can also provide an edge over other candidates who may not have the same level of experience or qualifications. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities as they may be a prerequisite for certain jobs or projects. Lastly, certifications can help establish credibility and trust with potential employers and customers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Embedded Developers and explains how they can contribute to an embedded developer's career growth.

What are Embedded Developer Certifications?

Embedded developer certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the development of embedded systems. Embedded systems are computer systems that are embedded within other larger devices or machines, such as computers, phones, automobiles, appliances, and more.

By earning an embedded developer certification, individuals can prove to potential employers that they have the necessary skills and expertise to work with embedded systems. This type of certification also provides a benchmark for employers when evaluating potential employees’ technical abilities. Additionally, it gives employers confidence in the individual’s ability to design, develop, and maintain complex hardware-software systems.

Embedded developer certifications usually require applicants to pass both theoretical and practical exams which test their knowledge of programming languages (such as C/C++), operating systems (such as Linux), hardware platforms (such as ARM processors), software development tools (such as IDEs), debugging tools (such as JTAGs), networking protocols (such as TCP/IP) and basic electronics. Moreover, many certifications also require applicants to demonstrate their understanding of system design principles by completing a project demonstrating their ability to create an embedded system from scratch.

In summary, obtaining an embedded developer certification can be extremely beneficial for anyone looking to pursue a career in the field of embedded development. It not only proves your proficiency in this area but also serves as a great way to demonstrate your commitment and dedication towards this subject matter.

Pro Tip: When considering certification for an embedded developer, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and practice with real-world examples. This will help to ensure that you have the practical skills necessary for success in the field.

Related: What does an Embedded Developer do?

Top 10 Embedded Developer Certifications

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

1. CompTIA Embedded Technologies Specialist

CompTIA Embedded Technologies Specialist (ETS) is an entry-level certification that validates the knowledge and skills of professionals working in the embedded technologies field. This certification covers topics such as embedded hardware and software, system design, development, integration, and testing.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CompTIA ETS exam. The best way to prepare for this exam is to take a comprehensive course from an accredited provider. There are many online courses available that offer training for this certification. Additionally, there are several books available on the subject matter that can be used as study guides.

The cost of taking the CompTIA ETS exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$200 USD for the exam itself. However, some providers may charge additional fees for materials or other services related to taking the exam.

To become certified as a CompTIA ETS specialist, you must pass the CompTIA ETS exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900 points. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within four weeks after completion of your test session.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Embedded Devices

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Embedded Devices is a certification designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their skills in designing, developing, and managing embedded devices. This certification focuses on the development of embedded systems using Windows 10 IoT Core and Azure IoT Suite.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the MCSE: Embedded Devices certification program. To get certified, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-739: Managing Microsoft Azure Devices and Exam 70-740: Developing Solutions with Windows 10 IoT Core. You can take the exams at any authorized exam center or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost of the MCSE: Embedded Devices certification program varies depending on your location and whether you choose to take the exams online or in person. The cost of each exam is $165 USD, so it will cost approximately $330 USD for both exams. In addition to this, there may be additional costs associated with training materials and study guides.

3. Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME Embedded Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME Embedded Developer is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and expertise in developing applications for embedded devices using the Java Micro Edition (ME) platform. It is designed for experienced developers who want to demonstrate their ability to develop secure, reliable, and scalable applications on the Java ME platform.

It typically takes around six months of study and preparation to get this certification. Preparation involves understanding the fundamentals of Java ME development, as well as learning how to use the various tools available for developing applications on the platform. Additionally, it is important to understand concepts such as security, performance optimization, debugging, and deployment.

To get this certification, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-895 – Java ME Embedded Application Developer Certified Expert Exam and 1Z0-896 – Java ME Embedded Application Developer Certified Professional Exam. Both exams are offered by Oracle at various locations worldwide.

The cost of taking these exams varies depending on location but generally ranges from $200-$300 per exam.

4. ARM Cortex-M Software Interface Standard (CMSIS) Certification

The ARM Cortex-M Software Interface Standard (CMSIS) is a vendor-independent hardware abstraction layer for the Cortex-M processor series and specifies debugger interfaces. It simplifies software re-use, reducing the learning curve for new microcontroller developers and cutting the time to market for devices.

CMSIS certification is a process that ensures that CMSIS compliant software libraries are correctly implemented and tested on an ARM processor. This certification provides assurance to users of CMSIS compliant software libraries that they will work as expected on their target platform, regardless of the ARM processor used.

The certification process takes approximately two weeks from start to finish. The first step is to download the CMSIS Certification Kit from the ARM website which contains all of the required documentation and test files needed for certification. Once this has been done, developers must complete a questionnaire about their implementation of CMSIS compliant software libraries and submit it along with any relevant test results to ARM for review. After review, if all requirements have been met, ARM will issue a certificate confirming that the product is CMSIS certified.

The cost of obtaining CMSIS certification depends on which type of license is purchased; there are three different types available: Basic, Professional and Enterprise. The Basic license costs $500 USD while Professional and Enterprise licenses cost $2,000 USD and $10,000 USD respectively.

5. Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE)

The Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of professionals who are experts in Linux system administration. It is an industry-recognized credential that validates a professional’s ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Linux systems.

To obtain the LFCE certification, you must first pass an exam that tests your knowledge of Linux system administration. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete.

In order to take the LFCE exam, you must first register with the Linux Foundation Certification Program (LFCP). Registration fees vary depending on the type of certification you are seeking. The cost for the LFCE exam is currently $300 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official LFCE certificate from the Linux Foundation. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional exams or completing continuing education courses.

Overall, obtaining an LFCE certification can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exam.

6. Wind River Certified Professional – Embedded Linux

Wind River Certified Professional – Embedded Linux is a certification program designed to validate the skills of embedded Linux professionals. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as system architecture, kernel configuration, device drivers, and debugging. The certification is offered by Wind River, a global leader in embedded software and services for the Internet of Things (IoT).

The certification consists of two exams: an online exam and a hands-on lab exam. The online exam tests knowledge of the fundamentals of embedded Linux systems and covers topics such as system architecture, kernel configuration, device drivers, and debugging. The hands-on lab exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to configure and debug an embedded Linux system.

It typically takes about three months to complete the entire certification process. Candidates must first register for the online exam through the Wind River website. Once registered, they will receive access to study materials including practice exams, tutorials, and other resources. After passing the online exam, candidates can then register for the hands-on lab exam at one of Wind River’s authorized training centers.

The cost of the certification varies depending on which training center you choose to take your lab exam at. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD for both exams combined. However, some training centers may offer discounts or special offers so it is always worth checking with them before registering for your exams.

7. Freescale Semiconductor Embedded Systems Certification Program

Freescale Semiconductor Embedded Systems Certification Program is a comprehensive certification program designed to equip engineers and developers with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, debug, and maintain embedded systems. The program covers topics such as embedded software development, hardware design, system architecture, operating systems, networking protocols, and more.

The program consists of three levels: Certified Engineer (CE), Certified Professional (CP), and Certified Expert (CEE). Each level requires a different amount of experience in the field as well as passing an exam. To become certified at each level takes approximately one year or less depending on how quickly you can learn the material.

To get started with the Freescale Semiconductor Embedded Systems Certification Program you must first register for an account on their website. Once registered you can access their course materials which include lectures, tutorials, labs, quizzes and exams. After completing all of the course materials for your chosen level you must then take the corresponding exam for that level in order to become certified.

The cost of the Freescale Semiconductor Embedded Systems Certification Program varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The cost for the CE level is $500 USD while the CP and CEE levels cost $1000 USD each.

8. Intel® IoT Solutions Alliance Certified Developer Program

The Intel® IoT Solutions Alliance Certified Developer Program is a comprehensive certification program for developers looking to build and deploy innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. This certification program is designed to help developers gain the skills and knowledge needed to create secure, reliable, and scalable IoT solutions.

The program consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level is designed for those who are new to developing IoT solutions, while the Professional level is geared towards those with more experience in this field. Both levels require successful completion of an online assessment exam.

The Associate level takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete, while the Professional level takes approximately 6-7 hours. The cost of the exams varies depending on which level you are taking; the Associate exam costs $99 USD, while the Professional exam costs $199 USD.

To get certified, you must first register for an account on the Intel® IoT Solutions Alliance website. Once registered, you will be able to access the online assessment exams and begin your journey towards becoming an Intel® certified developer!

9. TI-RTOS Developer Certification

TI-RTOS Developer Certification is an online certification program designed to help developers become proficient in developing applications using TI-RTOS. It is a self-paced program that typically takes 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s experience and familiarity with RTOS concepts.

The certification consists of four modules: Introduction to TI-RTOS, Task Management, Interrupts and Events, and Drivers. Each module includes lectures, quizzes and hands-on labs that allow developers to gain an understanding of the concepts covered. After completing all four modules, developers will be able to demonstrate their knowledge by taking a final exam. Successful completion of the exam will result in a certificate from Texas Instruments.

To get certified, developers must first register for the program by providing their contact information and payment details. The cost of the certification is $99 USD per person. Once registered, they can access the course materials online and begin working through the modules at their own pace. Upon successful completion of all four modules and passing the final exam, they will receive their certificate via email within 7 business days.

10. Renesas Electronics RZ/A1H MCU Certification

Renesas Electronics RZ/A1H MCU Certification is a certification program that verifies the quality and reliability of Renesas Electronics' RZ/A1H microcontroller (MCU) products. The certification process involves testing the MCU's performance, electrical characteristics, and software compatibility with Renesas products. The certification also includes an audit of the manufacturer's production processes to ensure compliance with Renesas standards.

The certification process typically takes around four to six weeks to complete. To get certified, manufacturers must submit their MCUs to Renesas for testing and evaluation. They must also provide documentation regarding their production processes and quality control measures.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the number of MCUs submitted for testing and evaluation, as well as other factors such as production volume and complexity. Generally speaking, the cost can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per unit tested.

Do You Really Need a Embedded Developer Certificate?

An embedded developer certificate can be an important credential for a professional who is looking to work in the field of embedded systems programming. It is a way of demonstrating your knowledge and experience in this particular area and can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for a job or seeking to advance your career.

However, whether or not you need an embedded developer certificate depends on the nature of the role you are applying for and what skills and qualifications employers are looking for. If the job requires specific technical knowledge or experience, then having a certificate may be beneficial as it shows that you have taken the time to invest in learning about the field. On the other hand, if there is no specific requirement then it may not be necessary.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether an embedded developer certificate would be beneficial to your job search or career advancement goals. While having one may give you an edge over other applicants, it is important to consider how much time and money it will take to obtain one and if it will really pay off in terms of improving your chances of getting hired or advancing in your career.

Related: Embedded Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Embedded Developer Certifications

1. What is an Embedded Developer Certification?

Answer: An Embedded Developer Certification is a professional certification that tests and validates the knowledge and skills of embedded software developers. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in developing embedded systems, such as microcontrollers, sensors, FPGAs, and other embedded devices.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Embedded Developer Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining an Embedded Developer Certification include increased job prospects, higher salaries, better credibility among peers, better technical understanding of embedded systems, and improved problem-solving skills.

3. Who can take the Embedded Developer Certification Exam?

Answer: The exam is open to anyone who has experience with embedded software development or who has completed an accredited course in this field.

4. How much does it cost to take the Embedded Developer Certification Exam?

Answer: The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it typically costs around $200-$300 USD per exam attempt.

5. How long does it take to receive my results after I've taken the exam?

Answer: Results are usually available within two weeks after taking the exam.