Top 11 Game Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for game developers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency with certain tools, languages, and processes. Employers look for candidates who have certifications to indicate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete tasks successfully. Certifications also show employers that a game developer is dedicated to their craft and willing to invest time and money into improving their skillset. Additionally, certifications can help game developers stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or negotiating salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Game Developers and explain how they can help advance a game developer's career.

What are Game Developer Certifications?

Game Developer Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that helps individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in game development. It is designed to give professionals the credentials they need to become a successful game developer. It covers topics such as game design, programming, audio/visuals, user experience, and more. This certification can be used to show employers that you have the necessary skills and experience needed to create games. It also demonstrates your commitment to learning and improving your craft as a game developer. With this certification, you will have greater chances of getting hired for jobs related to game development, as well as gaining recognition from peers in the industry. Additionally, it can help you stand out from other job applicants and make yourself more appealing to employers.

Pro Tip: Before getting certified in game development, make sure to research the various certifications available and find the one that best fits your skills and experience. Additionally, make sure to practice and prepare for the certification exam by taking online courses or tutorials related to the topics covered in the certification.

Related: What does a Game Developer do?

Top 11 Game Developer Certifications

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

1. Unity Certified Developer

Unity Certified Developer is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in using the Unity game engine. It is designed to help developers prove their skills and demonstrate their ability to build high-quality, interactive 3D applications and games with Unity.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the fundamentals of game development, including scripting, physics, animation, audio, and optimization. The practical project involves building a game from scratch using the Unity Editor.

It typically takes around 4-6 months to complete the certification process depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying and completing the project. To get certified, you must first register for an account on the Unity Certification website and then purchase a certification voucher for $150 USD. Once you have completed both parts of the certification process successfully, you will receive your certificate via email within 5 business days.

2. Unreal Engine 4 Certification

Unreal Engine 4 Certification is a program that allows developers to demonstrate their proficiency in the Unreal Engine 4 game engine. It is designed to give developers an edge in the job market by showing employers that they have a deep understanding of the engine and its capabilities.

The certification consists of two exams, one focusing on the fundamentals of Unreal Engine 4 and another focusing on advanced topics. The exams are administered online through Epic Games’ website. They can be taken at any time and take approximately two hours each to complete.

In order to get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have done so, you will receive an official certificate from Epic Games verifying your achievement.

The cost for certification is $99 USD per exam, totaling $198 USD for both exams.

3. Amazon Lumberyard Certification

Amazon Lumberyard Certification is a program designed to help developers and studios create high-quality games using Amazon’s game engine. It is an official certification process that validates the skills and knowledge of developers in the use of Lumberyard, Amazon’s game development platform.

The certification process takes approximately two weeks to complete. To get certified, you will need to pass a series of tests covering topics such as game design, asset creation, scripting, and debugging. The tests are administered by Amazon’s certified instructors who provide feedback on your performance throughout the process.

In order to get certified, you must have at least one year of experience developing with Lumberyard or a similar game engine. You must also have a good understanding of core concepts such as 3D modeling and animation, physics engines, AI systems, networking protocols, and more. Additionally, you should be familiar with the most recent version of Lumberyard and its associated tools.

The cost for Amazon Lumberyard Certification varies depending on your location and the type of certification you are seeking (i.e., individual or team). Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD per person for individual certifications. Team certifications can cost up to $2,000 USD per team member depending on the size of the team.

4. Microsoft Xbox One Development Kit Certification

Microsoft Xbox One Development Kit Certification is a program that allows developers to create games for the Xbox One console. The certification process provides access to the Xbox One development environment and tools, allowing developers to create games for the console.

The certification process typically takes between two and four weeks to complete. To get certified, developers must first submit an application form which will be reviewed by Microsoft. Once approved, developers will receive an invitation email with instructions on how to set up their development environment and access the Xbox One development kit.

To get certified, developers must pay a fee of $500 USD per year. This fee covers access to the Xbox One development kit, as well as support from Microsoft engineers and technical resources. Additionally, developers must sign up for an Xbox Live account in order to use the development kit.

Once certified, developers can begin creating games for the Xbox One console. They can also upload their creations onto the Xbox Live marketplace for others to purchase and play.

5. Sony PlayStation 4 Development Kit Certification

Sony PlayStation 4 Development Kit Certification is a program designed to help developers create games and applications for the Sony PlayStation 4. The certification process involves registering with Sony, downloading the development kit, and submitting an application.

Once registered, developers will receive the development kit which includes all the necessary tools to begin developing for the PS4. This includes a PS4 console, controller, headset, and other hardware components. Developers can also download additional software such as Unity3D or Unreal Engine 4 for game development.

In order to get certified, developers must submit an application to Sony along with any relevant documentation such as proof of identity and proof of residence. Once submitted, it typically takes around two weeks for Sony to review and approve the application.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the type of developer license purchased. For independent developers, there is no cost associated with certification; however, companies must purchase a license in order to use the development kit which costs around $2,000 USD per year.

6. Nintendo Switch Development Kit Certification

Nintendo Switch Development Kit Certification is a process by which developers can gain access to the complete set of development tools and resources necessary to create games for the Nintendo Switch. It includes everything from hardware, software, and documentation to support creating games for the platform.

The certification process typically takes around two weeks. To get certified, developers must first register with Nintendo as a developer. This requires submitting an application form along with other documents such as proof of identity and proof of business registration. Once accepted, developers will receive access to the Nintendo Developer Portal where they can download the development kit and other necessary resources.

The cost of certification varies depending on the type of developer account chosen. For individual developers, the cost is $99 USD annually; for companies, it is $2,000 USD annually. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with using certain services or features within the development kit.

7. Google Play Services for Games Certification

Google Play Services for Games Certification is a program that helps developers create and launch successful games on the Google Play platform. It provides developers with access to a range of tools and resources, including tutorials, best practices, and technical support. The certification process helps ensure that games are optimized for the Google Play platform, meet quality standards, and are secure.

The certification process typically takes around two weeks to complete. During this time, developers must submit their game for review by Google’s team of experts. The review includes tests for compatibility, performance, security, and user experience. Once the game has passed all tests and is approved by the team of experts, it will become certified and eligible for distribution on the Google Play Store.

To get started with the certification process, developers must first register their game on the Google Play Developer Console. From there they can upload their game to the console and submit it for review. Developers should also be sure to read through all of the documentation provided by Google regarding their certification requirements before submitting their game for review.

There is no cost associated with getting your game certified by Google Play Services for Games Certification; however, you may incur costs if you choose to use additional services such as marketing or analytics tools offered by Google or third-party providers.

8. Apple iOS Game Development Certificate Program

The Apple iOS Game Development Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to help developers create and publish games for the iOS platform. The program consists of four courses that are designed to teach you the basics of game development, from design to coding. The courses cover topics such as design principles, game mechanics, animation, storyboarding, and more.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. Each course is self-paced and can be completed in as little as two weeks or up to six months depending on your level of commitment and dedication. To get started with the program, you must first register for an Apple Developer account. Once registered, you will have access to all the materials needed for the course including lectures, tutorials, and sample code.

The cost of the program varies depending on which option you choose. You can purchase individual courses or enroll in a bundle package that includes all four courses at a discounted rate. Prices range from $99-$299 USD per course or $399-$899 USD for the bundle package.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive an official certificate from Apple acknowledging your completion of their iOS Game Development Certificate Program.

9. Adobe Flash Professional CS6 Game Developer Certificate Program

The Adobe Flash Professional CS6 Game Developer Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to help developers create interactive games and applications using the latest version of Adobe Flash Professional CS6. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to ActionScript 3.0, Advanced ActionScript 3.0, and Building Games with ActionScript 3.0.

The program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete, depending on the student's individual pace and availability. Each course is self-paced, so students can take as much or as little time as needed to complete each course.

To get the certificate, students must successfully complete all three courses in the program and pass an online exam at the end of each course. Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will receive their Adobe Flash Professional CS6 Game Developer Certificate from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

The cost for the entire program is $499 USD per person. This includes access to all three courses and the online exam at the end of each course.

10. Unity 3D Mobile Game Developer Certificate Program

The Unity 3D Mobile Game Developer Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to become successful mobile game developers. This program provides an in-depth understanding of the Unity 3D game engine, as well as the fundamentals of mobile game development. The program covers topics such as game design, scripting, asset creation, and optimization for mobile platforms.

The program typically takes around six months to complete. During this time, students will learn how to use the Unity 3D engine to create 2D and 3D games for mobile platforms such as iOS and Android. They will also gain experience with scripting languages such as C# and JavaScript, as well as asset creation tools like Adobe Photoshop and Maya.

In order to get the certificate, students must complete all of the coursework within the allotted time frame and pass a final exam. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a digital certificate that can be used to demonstrate their proficiency in mobile game development.

The cost of the Unity 3D Mobile Game Developer Certificate Program varies depending on where you take it. Online courses typically cost around $500-$1000 USD while in-person courses may cost more depending on location.

11. CryEngine 3D Game Developer Certificate Program

The CryEngine 3D Game Developer Certificate Program is a comprehensive online course designed to teach aspiring game developers the fundamentals of developing games with the CryEngine. The program consists of four modules, each focusing on different aspects of game development, such as level design, character animation, scripting, and more. The program also includes an optional fifth module that covers advanced topics in game development.

The program takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete and is offered through Udemy. It costs $199 USD for lifetime access to all the course materials, including video lectures, source code examples, project files, and more. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate from Udemy verifying their successful completion of the coursework.

The CryEngine 3D Game Developer Certificate Program provides an excellent foundation for those interested in learning how to develop games with the CryEngine. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced developers alike.

Do You Really Need a Game Developer Certificate?

No, you do not need a game developer certificate in order to become a successful game developer. It is possible to learn the skills necessary to become a game developer without obtaining a certificate. However, having an official game development certification may give you an edge over other job applicants. It can demonstrate your commitment to the field and provide evidence that you are knowledgeable about the latest technology and techniques used in game development.

The most important factor when it comes to becoming a successful game developer is having the right skillset. Those skills include programming knowledge, artistry, design capabilities, problem-solving ability, creativity, and communication skills. While obtaining a certification may demonstrate your commitment to the field of game development, it is ultimately up to you to develop those key skills needed for success in the industry.

Although there are courses available online or through universities that offer certificates in game development, they are not always necessary. The best way to learn how to develop games is by actually making them – whether it’s through tutorials or creating your own projects from scratch. Doing so will show potential employers that you have hands-on experience with developing video games and have mastered certain techniques that make you an attractive candidate for any position related to video games.

In conclusion, while having a certificate in game development might help distinguish yourself as an applicant during job interviews, it is not essential for becoming a successful game developer. What matters most is having the right set of skills and demonstrating them through hands-on experience with developing video games.

Related: Game Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Game Developer Certifications

Q1: What is a game developer certification?

A1: A game developer certification is an official recognition that a person has achieved a certain level of expertise in the field of video game development. It demonstrates that the individual has mastered the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the industry.

Q2: What qualifications do I need for a game developer certification?

A2: Generally, you'll need to have completed some form of higher education related to video game development, such as a degree or diploma from an accredited university or college. You may also need to have experience working in the field, such as developing games for commercial release. Additionally, many certifications require completion of specific courses or assessments related to game development.

Q3: How long does it take to get certified?

A3: Depending on the type of certification you're pursuing, it can take anywhere from several months to several years. The amount of time required depends on the difficulty level and scope of the courses or assessments involved.

Q4: Are there any online certifications available?

A4: Yes, there are plenty of online game developer certifications available. These can be great if you don't have access to traditional educational institutions or if you prefer learning at your own pace. Just make sure that any online program you pursue is accredited by a reputable organization so that your certificate will be recognized by potential employers.

Q5: Is there any benefit to getting certified?

A5: Yes! Having an official certification can give you an edge when applying for jobs in the gaming industry, as it shows employers that you have dedicated yourself and developed specialized skills related to video game development. Additionally, many certifications offer additional benefits such as discounts on software and access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.