Top 11 Junior Programmer Certifications

Certifications are an important way for junior programmers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a specific programming language or technology. By obtaining certifications, they can prove to employers that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform programming tasks. This can give them a competitive edge when applying for jobs since employers often look for certified applicants who are more likely to be successful in the job. Certifications also provide junior programmers with an opportunity to learn more about a particular field and gain new skills, which can help them stand out from other candidates and make them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Junior Programmers and explains how they can help to further a junior programmer's career.

What are Junior Programmer Certifications?

Junior programmer certification is a type of certification that demonstrates a student's knowledge and skill in the basics of computer programming. This certification is typically offered by universities or technical schools, and can be obtained either through attending classes or completing an online course. By obtaining this certification, students can show employers that they have the necessary skills to work as a junior programmer.

The benefits of having junior programmer certification are numerous. First and foremost, it gives employers assurance that the individual has the basic programming knowledge needed for entry-level positions in software development. Furthermore, it can help the individual stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs since it verifies their knowledge and experience in coding. Additionally, many companies require their employees to have certain certifications before being hired; having junior programmer certification may make someone more attractive to employers when competing for open roles within these organizations. Finally, obtaining this certification may also help individuals build confidence in their abilities as programmers, which may lead to further advancement opportunities within their field.

Pro Tip: Consider getting certified as a junior programmer. Having a certification in programming can help you stand out and demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job. Plus, certifications often come with additional resources, such as online courses or study guides, which can help you brush up on your programming skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Related: What does a Junior Programmer do?

Top 11 Junior Programmer Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is an entry-level certification program designed to provide a basic foundation of technology knowledge for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the IT field. The MTA certification covers core Microsoft technologies such as Windows, Windows Server, Office, Security, Networking, and Database Administration. It is designed to validate fundamental knowledge of these core technologies and help individuals stand out when applying for jobs.

The MTA certification requires passing one or more exams depending on the chosen track. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions. The exams are offered online through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

It typically takes 1-2 months to complete the MTA certification process depending on how quickly you can study for and pass the exams.

The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $99-$150 USD per exam.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician’s skills in hardware and software troubleshooting, installation and configuration. It is designed to measure the competency of entry-level IT professionals in areas such as networking, security, customer service and operational procedures.

To earn CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). The exams cover topics such as installing and configuring operating systems, understanding network connectivity issues, identifying hardware components, troubleshooting mobile devices and much more.

It typically takes 3–6 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. During this time, it is important to study the exam objectives thoroughly so that you are fully prepared for the test. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you prepare for the exam including practice tests, study guides and video tutorials.

The cost of taking the CompTIA A+ certification exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD per exam or $400 USD for both exams combined.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also agree to abide by CompTIA's Code of Ethics in order to be eligible for certification. This code ensures that certified technicians adhere to ethical standards when working with customers or employers.

3. Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer

Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer (OCAJP) is an entry-level certification program offered by Oracle. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of a programmer in the Java programming language. The OCAJP certification is based on the latest version of Java and covers topics such as object-oriented programming, basic syntax, data types, operators, and flow control.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the OCAJP exam. To get certified, you must pass two exams: one on the fundamentals of Java programming (1Z0-811) and another on object-oriented programming (1Z0-815). The exams are multiple choice and take approximately two hours each.

The cost of taking the OCAJP exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $245 per exam. You can register for the exam online at Oracle’s website or through a Pearson VUE test center.

4. Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using Adobe products. This certification is designed to help validate the skills and knowledge of entry-level users of Adobe digital media tools.

The ACA certification consists of two exams: one for Creative Cloud and one for Visual Communication using Adobe Photoshop. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as creating, editing, and manipulating images; working with layers; understanding color modes; creating vector graphics; and more.

To get an ACA certification, you must first register for the exam through the Adobe website. You will then be required to pay a fee of $90 USD per exam. Once you have registered and paid your fee, you can take the exam at an authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Prometric. Upon passing both exams, you will receive an official certificate from Adobe certifying your achievement.

The cost of getting an ACA certification varies depending on the number of exams taken, but typically ranges from $180-$360 USD total. The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you are able to study for and pass both exams, but most people can complete the process within a few weeks or months.

5. CIW Web Foundations Associate

CIW Web Foundations Associate is a certification program offered by the CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) organization. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to build, design, and manage websites. The certification covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, web development tools, website security, and more.

The certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD for the exam fee alone. However, there are also training courses available that can help you prepare for the exam and these can range in price from $200-$500 USD depending on the provider.

Overall, it typically takes around 1-2 months to get certified if you are studying on your own or taking an online course.

6. Autodesk Certified User

Autodesk Certified User (ACU) is an industry-recognized certification program for individuals who demonstrate proficiency in Autodesk software. It is designed to help those who are new to Autodesk software gain the skills and confidence needed to use the software effectively.

The ACU certification program consists of two exams: one for AutoCAD and one for Revit. Each exam takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, and you must score at least 80% on each exam in order to pass.

To get certified, you must first purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam voucher from an authorized reseller or from the Autodesk website. The cost of the voucher varies depending on which exam you are taking, but typically ranges between $100 and $150 USD. After purchasing a voucher, you can then register for your chosen exam on the Autodesk website. Once registered, you will have 90 days to take the exam at an authorized testing center near you.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded with an official Autodesk Certified User certificate and digital badge that can be displayed on your online profiles such as LinkedIn or other social media accounts. You will also receive access to exclusive resources such as webinars, tutorials, and discounts on future training courses and products from Autodesk.

7. Apple Certified Associate

Apple Certified Associate (ACA) is an entry-level certification program from Apple that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support Mac computers and iOS devices. The ACA certification is designed for professionals who are just starting out in the IT industry and want to demonstrate their understanding of Apple products.

The ACA certification consists of two exams: one on OS X Support Essentials 10.11, which covers topics such as troubleshooting, system administration, networking, security, and automation; and a second on Apple Service Fundamentals, which covers topics such as customer service, repair processes, product identification and parts replacement.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for both exams. Candidates must pass both exams in order to receive the ACA certification. Preparation materials can be found online or purchased from Apple’s website.

The cost of the ACA certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes.

8. EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification program designed to teach individuals the skills and knowledge needed to identify, assess, and mitigate security threats. It is a comprehensive ethical hacking and information systems security audit program that covers 20 of the most important security domains. The CEH certification is one of the most sought-after certifications in the industry.

The CEH exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The questions cover topics such as system hacking, malware threats, scanning networks, cryptography, web application security, and more. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70%.

To get certified in CEH, applicants must first register for an exam at an authorized EC-Council testing center. After registering for the exam, applicants must complete an online training course or attend instructor-led training through an accredited training provider. Once they have successfully completed their training course or passed their exam, they can apply for their certification by submitting their application online through EC-Council’s website.

The cost of getting certified in CEH depends on the type of training chosen and whether or not you choose to take the exam through an authorized testing center or online. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on these factors.

9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification from Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge of networking fundamentals and basic configuration of Cisco routers and switches. The CCNA certification is the second level of Cisco's five-level career certifications, which also includes the CCNP, CCIE, CCDA, and CCDP certifications.

The time it takes to get the CCNA certification depends on an individual’s experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the necessary requirements for the certification.

To obtain the CCNA certification, individuals must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2). The exams cover topics such as network fundamentals, routing protocols, switching technologies, network security, IP services, network troubleshooting, and more.

The cost for taking the two exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $300 USD. In addition to the cost of taking the exams there are also fees associated with registering for them which can range from $25 - $100 USD.

10. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to design and deploy applications on the AWS platform. This certification is designed for individuals who have experience designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

The exam for this certification consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions, which are designed to assess an individual’s knowledge of the AWS platform, its services, and best practices for deploying applications on it. The exam takes approximately 130 minutes to complete and consists of 65 questions.

In order to get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points. You can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through Amazon’s website. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD.

To prepare for the exam, Amazon recommends taking their official training courses as well as studying other resources such as books, blogs, whitepapers, and practice exams. Additionally, there are many third-party training providers that offer courses specifically tailored towards preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.

11. Zend PHP Certification

Zend PHP Certification is a professional certification program for PHP developers. It is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of those who have mastered the fundamentals of the language, as well as advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, security, web services, and more. The certification consists of two exams: Zend Certified Engineer (ZCE) and Zend Framework Certified Architect (ZFCA).

The ZCE exam is a multiple-choice test that covers topics such as basic PHP syntax, functions, classes, objects, arrays, strings, databases, web services and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. To become certified at this level you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The ZFCA exam is an advanced-level test that covers topics such as design patterns and principles; best practices for developing applications; performance optimization techniques; testing strategies; debugging techniques; security considerations; and more. This exam takes about four hours to complete. You must pass this exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to be certified at this level.

To get started on your path to becoming Zend Certified you must first purchase either the ZCE or ZFCA Exam Voucher from the official website. The cost of these vouchers varies depending on your location but typically range from $150-$250 USD per voucher. Once you have purchased your voucher you can then register for the exam at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center around the world. After passing both exams you will receive your official certification from Zend Technologies which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Junior Programmer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If a person is looking to break into the programming industry, having a junior programmer certificate can be beneficial. It shows that they have taken the time to learn the fundamentals of coding and can demonstrate their skills to potential employers. A junior programmer certificate can also open up opportunities for internships or entry-level positions that may not otherwise be available.

On the other hand, if someone already has programming experience or is confident in their ability to code, then a junior programmer certificate may not be necessary. They may find that their existing knowledge and experience is sufficient for them to land a job or internship in the programming field.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what an individual’s goals are. A junior programmer certificate can certainly help when entering the programming industry but it isn’t essential for everyone.

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FAQs About Junior Programmer Certifications

Q1. What is a Junior Programmer Certification?

A1. A Junior Programmer Certification is a certification that verifies that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a junior programmer. This certification is typically obtained through an accredited educational institution or program that focuses on programming fundamentals, such as object-oriented programming, databases, web development, etc.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Junior Programmer Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Junior Programmer Certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the field of programming and software development. It also demonstrates to employers that you have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of programming and the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Additionally, it may open up opportunities for more advanced roles and higher salaries over time.

Q3. How long does it take to obtain a Junior Programmer Certification?

A3. The amount of time required to obtain a Junior Programmer Certification depends on the specific program or institution offering the certification, as well as your own level of knowledge and experience with programming concepts and languages. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within one year or less if you are dedicated to learning and studying on your own time outside of class hours.

Q4. Do I need any prior experience or qualifications to get certified as a Junior Programmer?

A4. Most certifying institutions do not require any prior experience or qualifications in order to become certified as a Junior Programmer; however, having some basic understanding of coding concepts will certainly help you succeed in the program and make it easier for you to complete all required courses successfully.

Q5. Is there an exam involved with obtaining my Junior Programmer Certification?

A5. Yes, most certifying institutions require students to pass an exam at the end of their coursework in order to receive their certification as a Junior Programmer; this exam usually tests your understanding of fundamental programming concepts and languages covered during the program’s duration