Top 11 Mobile Application Developer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a mobile application developer's job market success. They demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field that can help to set them apart from other applicants. Certifications also provide employers with a way to evaluate potential hires, as they can be used to assess the candidate's technical skills and competencies. In addition, certifications can help mobile application developers stay current on the latest technology trends and best practices, which is essential for success in the ever-changing mobile app development industry. Lastly, certifications may also be beneficial when seeking promotions or higher salaries within their current position.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the best certifications for Mobile Application Developers and explain how they can help boost a mobile application developer's career.

What are Mobile Application Developer Certifications?

Mobile application developer certification is a formal recognition of an individual's competency in developing mobile applications for various platforms. With the increasing demand for mobile applications, this certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise and gain a competitive edge in the industry.

The certification is typically earned after completing a course or program that covers topics such as mobile application design, development, testing, and deployment. It also requires proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Objective-C, HTML5, and JavaScript. By obtaining this certification, individuals can show potential employers that they have the skills required to develop high-quality mobile applications.

Having a mobile application developer certification can also increase job opportunities since employers often prefer certified candidates over non-certified ones. Furthermore, it can help individuals expand their knowledge base and stay up to date with the latest trends in the field. Finally, it can potentially lead to higher salaries since certified professionals are usually more valued than those without any credentials.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different mobile application developer certifications available, and select one that best suits your experience and skill level. Consider the cost of the certification, as well as the type of training and resources provided. Additionally, make sure to check for any prerequisites or other requirements that may be necessary in order to complete the certification program successfully.

Related: What does a Mobile Application Developer do?

Top 11 Mobile Application Developer Certifications

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

1. Android Certified Application Developer (ACAD)

Android Certified Application Developer (ACAD) is a certification program offered by Google that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, deploy, and maintain Android applications. The program is designed to help developers become proficient in developing, deploying, and maintaining Android applications.

The ACAD certification requires passing an exam that tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of Android development. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as application design, user interface design, debugging, performance optimization, and more.

It typically takes between two and four weeks to complete the ACAD certification process. During this time you will need to study for the exam and take practice exams to prepare yourself for the real thing. You will also need to register for the exam on Google's website and pay a fee of $149 USD. Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded a certificate from Google that confirms your status as an Android Certified Application Developer.

The cost of becoming an ACAD certified developer is $149 USD plus any additional costs associated with studying for the exam or taking practice exams.

2. Apple Certified iOS App Developer (ACIAD)

Apple Certified iOS App Developer (ACIAD) is an official certification program offered by Apple to recognize developers who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in developing applications for the iOS platform. The program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on lab assessment.

The online exam covers topics such as Swift language fundamentals, Cocoa Touch frameworks, Xcode development tools, debugging techniques, and app architecture. It typically takes about 90 minutes to complete the exam.

The hands-on lab assessment requires developers to build a fully functional application using their own code and submit it for review by Apple engineers. This part of the certification process usually takes around two weeks to complete.

In order to become an Apple Certified iOS App Developer, you must pass both parts of the certification process with a minimum score of 70%. The cost of the ACIAD certification program is $99 USD per attempt.

3. Microsoft Certified Professional Developer for Mobile Applications (MCPDMA)

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer for Mobile Applications (MCPDMA) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have the skills and knowledge to develop mobile applications using Microsoft technologies. It is a professional-level certification that is intended for experienced developers who are looking to demonstrate their expertise in developing mobile applications with Microsoft technologies.

The MCPDMA certification requires candidates to pass three exams:

1. Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3

2. Exam 70-481: Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using HTML5 and JavaScript

3. Exam 70-482: Advanced Windows Store App Development Using HTML5 and JavaScript

It typically takes around 6 months of preparation time to complete all three exams, depending on the individual’s experience level and study habits. Candidates should also be aware that they must meet certain prerequisites before taking any of the exams, such as having at least one year of experience developing mobile applications with Microsoft technologies.

To get the MCPDMA certification, candidates must first register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost for each exam varies depending on location, but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam. Once all three exams have been passed, candidates will receive their official MCPDMA certification from Microsoft.

4. Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME Mobile Application Developer (OCPJMDMA)

The Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME Mobile Application Developer (OCPJMDMA) certification is a professional-level certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in developing mobile applications using the Java ME platform. It is designed for experienced Java developers who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in creating mobile applications.

To earn this certification, individuals must pass two exams: 1Z0-869: Java ME Mobile Application Developer Certified Professional Exam and 1Z0-870: Java ME Mobile Application Developer Certified Expert Exam. The first exam covers topics such as mobile application development concepts, device profiles, user interfaces, networking and security, and debugging and deployment. The second exam covers advanced topics such as multimedia APIs, location-based services, device management APIs, and advanced UI design.

It typically takes approximately six months of study to prepare for these exams. Candidates should have prior experience with developing mobile applications using the Java ME platform before attempting the certification exams.

The cost of the OCPJMDMA certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exams. In the United States, it typically costs around $450 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

5. Adobe Certified Expert in Mobile Application Development (ACE-MAD)

Adobe Certified Expert in Mobile Application Development (ACE-MAD) is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in developing mobile applications using Adobe tools. The ACE-MAD certification is designed to validate the skills of professionals who develop, design, and deploy mobile applications for iOS and Android devices.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exam, depending on your experience level with Adobe software and mobile development. You can either self-study or take an online course to prepare for the exam. Once you are ready, you need to register for the exam and pay the fee. The cost of the exam is $180 USD.

To get certified as an ACE-MAD, you must pass a 90-minute multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as mobile application development principles, best practices, designing user interfaces, debugging code, deploying applications to app stores, and more. You must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be awarded with an official Adobe Certified Expert in Mobile Application Development certificate.

6. BlackBerry Certified Application Developer (BCAD)

BlackBerry Certified Application Developer (BCAD) is a certification program offered by BlackBerry that enables developers to demonstrate their expertise in developing applications for the BlackBerry platform. The BCAD certification is designed to help developers build, test and deploy applications that are optimized for the BlackBerry platform.

The BCAD certification requires applicants to pass two exams: one on the BlackBerry Platform and one on application development. The exam on the BlackBerry Platform covers topics such as device architecture, user interface design, application integration, and security. The exam on application development covers topics such as coding techniques, debugging, performance optimization, and deployment strategies.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours of study time to prepare for the exams. The cost of the exams is $200 each or $400 total. To get certified, applicants must register with the BlackBerry Certification Program and then purchase vouchers from Pearson VUE to take the exams at an authorized testing center. Once both exams have been successfully completed, applicants will be awarded a digital certificate which can be used to demonstrate their expertise in developing applications for the BlackBerry platform.

7. Nokia Qt Certified Application Developer (QCAD)

Nokia Qt Certified Application Developer (QCAD) is a certification program designed to recognize developers who have demonstrated the ability to create high-quality applications using the Qt cross-platform application framework. Qt is used for developing applications for mobile, desktop, and embedded platforms. The certification program tests a developer's knowledge of the Qt framework and their ability to create robust applications that meet user requirements.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical project assessment. The online exam covers topics such as core concepts, architecture, GUI development, debugging, performance optimization, and deployment. The practical project assessment requires applicants to submit a sample application they have created using Qt. This application will be reviewed by an expert panel who will assess its quality and adherence to best practices.

The certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish. Applicants must first register with Nokia and complete the online exam before submitting their project for assessment. Once both parts of the certification process are completed successfully, applicants will receive their certificate from Nokia.

The cost of obtaining the Nokia Qt Certified Application Developer (QCAD) certification varies depending on location but typically ranges between $250-$500 USD.

8. Symbian Foundation Certified Mobile Application Developer (SF-CMAD)

The Symbian Foundation Certified Mobile Application Developer (SF-CMAD) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of experienced mobile application developers. It is administered by the Symbian Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting open source software and standards for mobile devices.

The SF-CMAD certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of mobile application development on the Symbian platform. This includes topics such as developing for different types of devices, working with APIs, debugging applications, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is administered online.

To become certified, applicants must pass a two-hour exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost of the exam is $200 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive an official certificate from the Symbian Foundation confirming their certification status.

The SF-CMAD certification does not expire; however, it is recommended that certified developers stay up to date on new developments in mobile application development technology in order to maintain their certification status.

9. Windows Phone 7/8 App Development Certification Program (WP7/8CDP)

Windows Phone 7/8 App Development Certification Program (WP7/8CDP) is a program designed to help developers gain the skills and knowledge required to create Windows Phone 7/8 applications. It is an online course that consists of 8 modules, with each module taking approximately 10-15 hours to complete. The program covers topics such as the Windows Phone platform, developing apps using Visual Studio, XAML and C#, debugging and testing apps, deploying apps to the Windows Phone Store, and more.

To get certified in WP7/8CDP, you must pass all 8 modules with a score of 80% or higher. You can take as long as you need to complete the course; however, it typically takes about 2-3 months.

The cost for WP7/8CDP is $99 USD. This fee covers access to all 8 modules and certification exams.

10. SAP-Certified Mobile Application Developer Program (SCMADP)

The SAP-Certified Mobile Application Developer Program (SCMADP) is a certification program designed to help developers create and deploy mobile applications that are compatible with the SAP platform. The program is offered by SAP Education and provides developers with the skills they need to develop, test, and deploy secure mobile applications on the SAP platform.

The SCMADP program consists of two courses: Introduction to Mobile Development for SAP Platforms and Developing Mobile Applications for SAP Platforms. The first course covers topics such as mobile development principles, application architecture, and user experience design. The second course focuses on developing mobile applications using the SAP Mobile Platform SDK.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete both courses and receive the certification. To get certified, you must successfully pass both courses and an online exam. The cost of the certification is approximately $2,500 USD.

11. J2ME Wireless Toolkit Certification Program (JWTKCP).

J2ME Wireless Toolkit Certification Program (JWTKCP) is a certification program designed to help developers and companies create high-quality applications for mobile devices. The certification process ensures that applications meet the highest standards of usability, security, and reliability.

The JWTKCP certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on evaluation. The online exam tests the developer’s knowledge of the J2ME Wireless Toolkit and related technologies. The hands-on evaluation requires the developer to demonstrate their ability to develop applications using the J2ME Wireless Toolkit.

The entire certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on the complexity of the application being developed. To get started, developers must first register with Sun Microsystems and pay a fee of $500 USD. Once registered, developers will receive access to study materials and can begin preparing for the online exam. After passing the online exam, developers are eligible to take part in the hands-on evaluation which is conducted by Sun Microsystems at their headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Upon successful completion of both parts of the certification process, developers will receive a certificate from Sun Microsystems indicating that they have achieved JWTKCP certification.

Do You Really Need a Mobile Application Developer Certificate?

Whether you need a mobile application developer certificate or not depends on your goals and current skill set. If you are looking to get hired as a mobile application developer, then having a certificate may be useful as it will demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job. However, if you already have experience in developing mobile applications, then having a certificate may not be necessary.

A certificate can help demonstrate to employers that you have the technical skills necessary to develop mobile applications. It shows that you understand the fundamentals of programming languages, architecture, design principles, and other related concepts. Additionally, having a certificate could potentially give you an edge over other job applicants who do not have one.

On the other hand, if you already have experience developing mobile applications or are confident in your abilities without any formal training, then a certificate may not be necessary. Employers tend to value real-world experience more than certificates when it comes to hiring for software development positions. In this case, it may be better for you to focus on strengthening your existing portfolio with additional projects rather than investing time and money into obtaining a certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a mobile application developer certificate depends on your individual situation and career aspirations. It is important to consider all factors before making this decision in order to make sure that it is right for you.

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FAQs About Mobile Application Developer Certifications

1. What are the benefits of getting a Mobile Application Developer Certification?

Answer: A Mobile Application Developer Certification provides recognition for your expertise in designing and developing mobile applications. It also provides proof of your skills to employers and can help you stand out from other job applicants.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Mobile Application Developer?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a Mobile Application Developer varies depending on the certification program chosen, but typically ranges from 6 months to 1 year.

3. What is the cost to become certified as a Mobile Application Developer?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the certification program chosen, but typically range from $500-$2000 USD.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Mobile Application Developer?

Answer: Most certification programs require individuals to have at least 5 years of experience in mobile application development or related fields, such as software engineering or computer science. Some programs may also require completion of specific courses prior to taking the certification exam.

5. What type of jobs can I apply for with a Mobile Application Developer Certification?

Answer: With a Mobile Application Developer Certification, you can apply for positions such as mobile app developer, mobile game developer, and software engineer specializing in mobile development.