Top 10 IOS Developer Certifications

Certifications for an iOS developer can be an important advantage in the job market, as they demonstrate a commitment to the platform and show potential employers that the developer has taken the time to gain specialized knowledge. Certifications also provide a way for developers to stay up-to-date on best practices and industry standards, which are constantly changing with new technologies. Additionally, certifications can help employers easily identify qualified applicants who have a proven track record of success in developing iOS applications. Finally, certifications can provide employers with peace of mind that their investment in hiring new iOS developers will be worthwhile.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for IOS Developers and explains how they can help to further an ios developer's career.

What are IOS Developer Certifications?

iOS Developer Certification is a certification program offered by Apple to recognize the skills and expertise of developers who create apps for its mobile operating system, iOS. The certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert. Each level requires passing an exam which covers topics such as Swift programming language, Objective-C, Xcode development tools, Core Data and more.

Having an iOS Developer Certification can help developers demonstrate their knowledge of the platform and stand out from other job applicants in the mobile app development field. It also shows potential employers that the developer has taken the initiative to learn about iOS development and stay up-to-date with new technologies. Furthermore, it can help developers network with other professionals in their field and gain access to exclusive Apple resources such as sample code and tutorials. Finally, certified developers may be eligible for discounts on software purchases or special offers from Apple.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of free online resources to help you prepare for the iOS Developer Certification exam. There are many websites and blogs that offer tips, tricks, and tutorials on how to pass the exam and become a certified iOS developer. Additionally, taking practice exams is an excellent way to get a feel for the material that will be covered on the actual exam.

Related: What does an IOS Developer do?

Top 10 IOS Developer Certifications

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

1. Apple Certified iOS Developer (ACiT)

Apple Certified iOS Developer (ACiT) is an official certification program from Apple that recognizes developers who have demonstrated their proficiency in building applications for the iOS platform. The ACiT certification is designed to validate a developer’s ability to create, test, and deploy apps for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

The ACiT certification requires applicants to pass two exams: the App Development with Swift exam and the App Store Connect exam. The App Development with Swift exam covers topics such as Xcode, Cocoa Touch frameworks, UIKit fundamentals, and app design principles. The App Store Connect exam covers topics such as Apple’s App Store guidelines, iTunes Connect portal setup and maintenance, and app submission process.

The entire process of getting the ACiT certification typically takes three months or more depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams. You can find study materials online or attend an Apple-approved training course to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of getting the ACiT certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. If you choose to attend an Apple-approved training course, it will cost around $1000 USD or more depending on which course you take. If you choose to self-study using online resources, then there are no additional costs beyond purchasing any books or other materials that may be required for studying.

2. Apple Certified iOS App Development (ACiAD)

Apple Certified iOS App Development (ACiAD) is a certification program from Apple that allows developers to demonstrate their proficiency in developing apps for the iOS platform. It is designed to help developers learn the fundamentals of developing apps for the iOS operating system, including Objective-C, Swift, and Xcode. The certification also covers topics such as interface design, app architecture, and security.

The ACiAD certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers all aspects of app development for iOS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must have at least one year of experience developing apps for the iOS platform in order to qualify for the exam.

To get certified, applicants must first register with Apple's developer program and purchase an ACiAD voucher from Apple's website. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the voucher varies depending on country but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive an email confirmation from Apple confirming their successful completion of the ACiAD certification program. This confirmation will include a digital badge that can be displayed on resumes or websites as proof of certification.

3. Apple Certified iOS Technician (ACiT)

Apple Certified iOS Technician (ACiT) is an Apple certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of technical proficiency in the repair and maintenance of Apple iOS devices. ACiT certification is designed to help technicians develop their skills and knowledge in order to better serve their customers.

To become an ACiT, you must complete the Apple Service Fundamentals course, which is available online or at an authorized training center. The course typically takes between two and four days to complete depending on your experience level. Once you’ve completed the course, you must take and pass the ACiT exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as troubleshooting, repair procedures, safety protocols, customer service, and more.

The cost of the Apple Service Fundamentals course varies depending on where it’s taken and how long it lasts. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for a two-day course or up to $2,000 USD for a four-day course. The cost of the ACiT exam is $150 USD.

Once you’ve successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official ACiT certificate from Apple which will allow you to work on any iOS device with confidence.

4. Developing iOS Apps with Swift Certification (DIAWSC)

Developing iOS Apps with Swift Certification (DIAWSC) is an online certification program designed to help you develop and deploy iOS applications using the Swift programming language. It is a self-paced course that takes approximately 10 hours to complete, depending on your experience level. The course covers topics such as Xcode, Interface Builder, debugging tools, and more.

To get the Developing iOS Apps with Swift Certification (DIAWSC), you must first register for the program through Apple’s website. You will then be given access to the course materials and can begin learning at your own pace. Once you have completed all of the required lessons and assessments, you will receive a certificate of completion from Apple.

The cost of Developing iOS Apps with Swift Certification (DIAWSC) is $99 USD. This fee covers all of the course materials and assessments needed to complete the program.

5. Advanced iOS App Development Certification (AIADC)

Advanced iOS App Development Certification (AIADC) is a certification program offered by Apple that helps developers gain proficiency in developing advanced iOS apps. This certification is designed to help developers build complex, feature-rich apps for the latest iOS devices and platforms. The AIADC covers topics such as app architecture, user interface design, data management, and more.

The AIADC program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and provides an introduction to the concepts and technologies needed to develop advanced iOS apps. The exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course and requires you to demonstrate your ability to create a fully functional app using Xcode.

To get the AIADC certification, you must first register for the program on Apple's website. After registering, you will have access to the online course materials and can begin studying for the exam. Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you will be awarded with your Advanced iOS App Development Certification (AIADC).

The cost of getting certified depends on which country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD per person for US citizens or $250 USD per person for non-US citizens.

6. Apple Certified Associate – Mobile Development (ACA-MD)

The Apple Certified Associate – Mobile Development (ACA-MD) is an entry-level certification program from Apple that provides a foundation for developing mobile applications for iOS devices. It is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to create successful mobile applications using the Swift programming language and Xcode development environment.

The ACA-MD certification requires passing two exams: “Swift Fundamentals” and “Xcode and iOS App Development Fundamentals”. Both exams can be taken online or in person at an Apple Authorized Training Center. The exams are multiple choice and take about 90 minutes each to complete.

In order to get the ACA-MD certification, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. You will also need to have a valid Apple ID in order to register for the exams.

The cost of the ACA-MD certification varies depending on where you take the exams, but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD per exam. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exams at an Apple Authorized Training Center.

7. Mobile Application Security Professional Certification (MASPC)

The Mobile Application Security Professional Certification (MASPC) is a certification program designed to provide mobile application security professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect mobile applications from malicious attacks. The certification is issued by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete the MASPC certification program. The program consists of four modules: Introduction to Mobile Application Security, Secure Software Development Lifecycle, Secure Coding Practices, and Mobile Application Penetration Testing. Each module has its own set of topics that must be completed before taking the final exam.

To get the MASPC certification, you must first register for the program online. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course material and take the exams. You must pass all four exams in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining the MASPC certification varies depending on where you are located and which provider you use. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1000 USD for all four modules and exams.

8. Certified iOS Application Security Professional (CIASP)

The Certified iOS Application Security Professional (CIASP) is a certification program offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to secure mobile applications on Apple's iOS platform.

The CIASP certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in application security and/or mobile security. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as cryptography, authentication, authorization, data storage, network security, malware prevention and detection, reverse engineering techniques, code review techniques, and more.

In order to become certified as a CIASP professional, individuals must first register for the exam through ISC2's website. After registration is complete, individuals can then purchase the required study materials from ISC2 or other vendors. Once an individual has studied for the exam and feels ready to take it, they can schedule their exam date with Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

The cost of the CIASP certification varies depending on whether you choose to purchase study materials directly from ISC2 or from another vendor. The cost of the exam itself is $599 USD if taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or $650 USD if taken at a Prometric Testing Center.

9. Apple Certified Technical Coordinator – Mobility Solutions (ACT-MS)

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator – Mobility Solutions (ACT-MS) is a certification program designed to recognize technical professionals who have demonstrated the ability to deploy, configure, and maintain Apple mobile devices. The certification is offered by Apple and is recognized internationally.

In order to become an ACT-MS certified professional, you must first complete the ACT-MS exam. This exam covers topics such as device deployment, configuration, security, management, troubleshooting and more. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the exam is $150 USD and can be taken at any authorized Apple Authorized Training Center or online through Pearson VUE. You must also have an active Apple ID in order to take the exam.

Once you have passed the ACT-MS exam, you will receive your official certificate from Apple within four weeks of passing the exam. This certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issue.

10. Apple Certified System Administrator – Mobility Solutions (ACSA-MS).

Apple Certified System Administrator – Mobility Solutions (ACSA-MS) is an Apple certification that validates the skills and knowledge of system administrators who manage mobile devices running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS. It is designed to help IT professionals develop a comprehensive understanding of Apple’s mobile device management tools and best practices for deploying and managing Apple devices in the enterprise.

The ACSA-MS certification requires passing two exams: the 9L0-063 Mac Integration Basics 10.10 Exam and the 9L0-062 OS X Support Essentials 10.10 Exam. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE. The cost of each exam is $150 USD.

In order to be eligible for the ACSA-MS certification, candidates must have at least one year of experience working with Apple products in a professional environment, such as an enterprise or educational institution. Candidates must also have a good understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP and DHCP; familiarity with Mac OS X Server; experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues; knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or Ruby; and familiarity with directory services such as Open Directory or Active Directory.

It typically takes around two months to prepare for the ACSA-MS certification exams by studying course materials provided by Apple or attending instructor-led courses offered by authorized training centers. Once you pass both exams, you will receive your official ACSA-MS certificate from Apple within 2–4 weeks after completion of your exams. The total cost for obtaining this certification ranges from $300-$600 USD depending on whether you opt to attend instructor-led training courses or self study using course materials provided by Apple.

Do You Really Need a IOS Developer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For those who are looking to become an iOS developer, having an official certificate from a recognized institution can be beneficial. It can help demonstrate your knowledge of the field and give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or contracts. Having such a certification also shows potential employers that you are serious about developing for iOS devices and have taken the time to learn the necessary skills for success.

On the other hand, if you already have experience with developing for iOS devices, then a certificate may not be necessary. Employers will likely be more interested in seeing actual examples of your work or hearing about your past projects than they would in seeing a piece of paper proving that you have taken courses on the topic.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need an iOS developer certificate. If you are new to development and want to demonstrate that you have put in the effort to learn the trade, then getting certified might be a good idea. However, if you already have experience in the field and can prove it with real-world examples, then having such a certificate may not be as important.

Related: IOS Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About IOS Developer Certifications

Q1. What is an iOS Developer Certification?

Answer: An iOS Developer Certification is a credential that demonstrates proficiency in developing applications for the Apple iOS operating system. It verifies your technical knowledge and skills to build, test, and deploy apps on the platform.

Q2. How do I get an iOS Developer Certification?

Answer: To get an iOS Developer Certification, you will need to successfully complete an approved training program or pass the Apple Certified Associate (ACA) exam. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate your experience in developing apps for the platform before receiving certification.

Q3. What are the benefits of being an iOS Developer?

Answer: Becoming an certified iOS developer comes with several benefits, including job security, higher salaries, better career prospects, and improved credibility within the industry. Additionally, it provides access to exclusive resources from Apple such as technical support and software updates.

Q4. How much does an iOS Developer Certification cost?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an iOS Developer Certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. The ACA exam costs $150 USD and approved training programs range from free online courses to intensive boot camps costing up to $5K USD.

Q5. How long does it take to become a certified iOS Developer?

Answer: The time required to become a certified iOS Developer depends on your prior experience and the path you choose to pursue certification (e.g., self-study vs taking a class). Generally speaking, most people can expect to spend at least 3 months studying for the ACA exam or completing a training program before becoming certified.