Top 11 Mobile Developer Certifications

Certifications for mobile developers are important in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge. Most employers look for a certain amount of experience or qualifications when hiring, and certifications can be used to prove that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job. Certifications also show potential employers that the applicant is committed to their career and willing to invest time and resources into their professional development. This can help set them apart from other candidates who may have similar levels of experience but no certifications.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Mobile Developers and explains how they can help to further a mobile developer's career.

What are Mobile Developer Certifications?

Mobile developer certification is an industry recognized credential that is designed to demonstrate a level of proficiency in developing applications for mobile devices. It typically requires passing an exam that covers topics such as mobile application architecture, development tools and techniques, mobile device management, and testing. Earning this certification can help professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop successful and secure applications for a variety of mobile platforms. Additionally, having this certification may help to set them apart from other developers in the job market. Mobile developer certification provides recognition of an individual’s ability to create high-quality apps that are secure, reliable, and user-friendly. This type of credential can also help employers identify qualified candidates who have the necessary skillset to create successful mobile applications.

Pro Tip: When considering mobile developer certification, look for programs that are accredited by a recognized industry body and ensure that the certification includes in-depth technical training to ensure you have the skills required to be successful.

Related: What does a Mobile Developer do?

Top 11 Mobile Developer Certifications

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

1. Android Certified Application Developer

Android Certified Application Developer (ACAD) is a certification program offered by Google to demonstrate proficiency in developing Android applications. The ACAD certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Android developers. It covers topics such as designing and developing applications, debugging, performance optimization, security best practices, and more.

To become an ACAD certified developer, you must pass the exam administered by Google. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of the Android platform and related technologies. It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam.

In order to register for the ACAD exam, you must have a valid Google account and pay the associated fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $50-$150 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Google confirming that you are an Android Certified Application Developer. This certificate is valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

2. Apple iOS Developer Certification

Apple iOS Developer Certification is a certification program that allows developers to demonstrate their expertise in developing applications for Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS. It is designed to help developers gain the skills and knowledge needed to create high-quality apps on the App Store.

The certification process typically takes around two weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level. To get certified, applicants must first pass an online assessment that tests their understanding of iOS development concepts and best practices. Once they have passed the assessment, they will be invited to take a hands-on exam at an authorized testing center. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and tasks that require applicants to demonstrate their ability to develop an app using Apple’s development tools and frameworks.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of exam taken and where it is taken. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $99-$299 USD. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement for taking the exam as part of their employee benefits package.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder is a certification program designed for developers who want to demonstrate their expertise in building modern mobile and/or web applications. The certification requires developers to pass four exams: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3, Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications, Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services, and Developing Windows Store Apps Using HTML5 and JavaScript.

The certification typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To get the MCSD: App Builder certification, you must first register for the exams through the Microsoft Learning website. Each exam costs around $150 USD. Once you have successfully passed all four exams, you will receive your MCSD: App Builder certification from Microsoft.

4. Mobile Web Specialist Certification (MWS)

The Mobile Web Specialist (MWS) certification is an industry-recognized credential that verifies the holder’s knowledge and skills in developing and deploying mobile web applications. The certification is offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA).

The MWS certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge on topics such as mobile web development, responsive design, cross-platform compatibility, and mobile application deployment. The practical assessment requires the candidate to create a mobile web application using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and other technologies.

It typically takes around four weeks to complete both parts of the certification process. Candidates can prepare for the written exam through self-study or by attending an IASA-approved training course. For the practical assessment, candidates must submit their project to IASA for evaluation.

The cost of obtaining the MWS certification varies depending on whether you are taking a self-study or instructor-led course. Self-study courses typically cost between $200-$400 while instructor-led courses can range from $500-$1000. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $150 that must be paid when registering for either part of the certification process.

5. Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in developing mobile applications using the Java ME platform. The certification validates a developer’s ability to develop, debug and deploy mobile applications on the Java ME platform.

It typically takes 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for the exam. To get certified, you must pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer Exam (1Z0-821). The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and has a two hour time limit.

The cost of taking the exam varies by country and region but generally ranges from $195 - $245 USD.

6. BlackBerry Certified Application Developer

BlackBerry Certified Application Developer (BCAD) is a certification program offered by BlackBerry to recognize the expertise of developers who create applications for the BlackBerry platform. This certification program is designed to help developers gain recognition for their skills, demonstrate their knowledge of the BlackBerry platform, and increase their marketability in the mobile application development industry.

The BCAD certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the BlackBerry platform. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as user interface design, application architecture, performance optimization, security, and more. To be eligible for the BCAD certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience developing applications for the BlackBerry platform.

The BCAD exam typically takes about two hours to complete and can be taken online or at a testing center. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it generally ranges from $100-$200 USD.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the BCAD exam they will receive a certificate from BlackBerry that recognizes them as a certified developer for the BlackBerry platform. This certificate will be valid for three years after which time an applicant must retake the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

7. Google Cloud Platform for Mobile Developers Certification

Google Cloud Platform for Mobile Developers Certification is an online certification program designed to help mobile developers gain the knowledge and skills needed to build, deploy, and manage applications on Google Cloud Platform. The certification is available through the Google Cloud Platform Console and is offered in two levels: Associate and Professional.

The Associate level certification covers the fundamentals of Google Cloud Platform, including understanding cloud architecture, deploying applications, and managing services. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the Associate level certification.

The Professional level certification covers more advanced topics such as designing secure cloud solutions, optimizing performance, and troubleshooting distributed systems. It takes approximately 16-20 hours to complete the Professional level certification.

To get certified at either level, you must pass a series of exams that test your knowledge of Google Cloud Platform concepts and technologies. You can take these exams online or in person at any authorized testing center.

The cost for each exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam.

8. Cross-Platform Mobile Development with Xamarin Certification

Xamarin Certification is a program developed by Microsoft that provides developers with the skills and knowledge necessary to create cross-platform mobile applications using the Xamarin platform. The certification program is designed to help developers gain an understanding of how to use Xamarin tools and technologies to create native iOS, Android, and Windows apps.

The certification process consists of two levels: Level 1 (Foundation) and Level 2 (Advanced). The Foundation level covers topics such as building a basic user interface, connecting to data sources, working with device services, debugging and deploying applications, and more. The Advanced level focuses on topics such as creating custom controls, using advanced data binding techniques, working with cloud services, creating custom renderers for native controls, and more.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to complete both levels of the Xamarin Certification program. You can purchase the official course materials from Microsoft or find free online resources like tutorials on YouTube or blogs. To become certified you must pass both levels of the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the Xamarin Certification program varies depending on where you purchase it from. Microsoft offers a bundle that includes both levels of the exam for $99 USD. Other vendors may offer discounts or promotions so be sure to shop around before making your purchase.

9. HTML5 Mobile App Developer Certificate Program

The HTML5 Mobile App Developer Certificate Program is an online course designed to teach students the fundamentals of creating mobile applications using HTML5 and related technologies. This program is suitable for both beginners and experienced developers who want to learn how to create mobile apps using HTML5.

The program consists of three courses, each focusing on a different aspect of developing mobile apps with HTML5: Introduction to Mobile App Development with HTML5, Advanced Mobile App Development with HTML5, and Professional Mobile App Development with HTML5. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete.

To get the certificate, you must complete all three courses successfully and pass the final exam. The cost of the entire program is $299 USD.

10. Apache Cordova and PhoneGap App Development Certificate

Apache Cordova and PhoneGap App Development Certificate is a certification program developed by the Apache Software Foundation. It is designed to certify developers in the development of mobile applications using the open source frameworks Apache Cordova and PhoneGap.

The certificate program consists of three courses: Introduction to Apache Cordova, Advanced Apache Cordova, and PhoneGap App Development. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace. Upon successful completion of all three courses, you will receive an official certificate from the Apache Software Foundation.

The cost of the certificate program is $299 USD. This includes access to all three courses as well as a one-year membership to the Apache Software Foundation which provides access to additional resources such as tutorials, forums, and more.

To get started with the certification program, you must first create an account on their website and then purchase the certificate program. Once purchased, you will have immediate access to all three courses and can begin learning right away.

11. Titanium Certified Mobile App Developer

Titanium Certified Mobile App Developer is a certification program offered by Appcelerator, an open-source mobile application development platform. The certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of developers who have expertise in developing mobile applications with the Titanium platform. This certification is available for both iOS and Android platforms.

The certification exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To get certified, developers must have a minimum of 6 months experience developing apps with Titanium and be able to demonstrate their mastery of the Titanium platform through their answers on the exam.

The cost for the Titanium Certified Mobile App Developer exam is $99 USD per attempt. After passing the exam, developers will receive a certificate and digital badge that can be used on their resumes or websites to showcase their expertise in mobile app development with Titanium.

Do You Really Need a Mobile Developer Certificate?

When it comes to developing mobile applications, a Mobile Developer Certificate can be a valuable asset. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to create quality mobile applications, which can be beneficial in landing jobs or securing clients. However, do you really need one?

For those just starting out in the field of mobile application development, getting certified is usually not necessary. Most employers or clients are more interested in your experience and portfolio than they are in any certificate you may have obtained. If you have never developed an app before, having a certificate won’t make up for lack of experience.

That being said, if you are already working as a mobile developer and want to further demonstrate your expertise, obtaining a Mobile Developer Certificate can be beneficial. It shows that you have taken the time to gain relevant knowledge and stay up to date with industry trends. This could give potential employers and clients confidence in your abilities and set you apart from other developers who don’t have certification credentials.

In the end, whether or not you need a Mobile Developer Certificate depends on where you are at in your career. Those just starting out will likely find more value in building their portfolio than they will from obtaining certification credentials; however, experienced mobile developers looking to take their career to the next level may benefit from obtaining certification credentials.

Related: Mobile Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Mobile Developer Certifications

1. What types of mobile developer certifications are available?

Answer: There are several different types of mobile developer certifications available, including Android, iOS, Windows Phone, HTML5, and Cross-Platform.

2. How much do mobile developer certifications cost?

Answer: The cost of a mobile developer certification varies depending on the type and level of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 - $1000 for a certification.

3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a mobile developer certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require that applicants have some experience in coding or development prior to enrolling in the program. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to pass an assessment test before being accepted into the program.

4. What is the best way to prepare for a mobile developer certification exam?

Answer: The best way to prepare for a mobile developer certification exam is by studying relevant material and taking practice tests. Additionally, attending classes or seminars taught by experienced professionals can also be beneficial in preparing for an exam.

5. How long does it take to obtain a mobile developer certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a mobile developer certification depends on the type and level of certification you are pursuing as well as your individual learning pace and dedication to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, most people can expect to obtain their certification within one year if they dedicate enough time and effort into studying for the exam.