Top 11 Pega Developer Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for pega developers to demonstrate their proficiency in the platform. For employers, certifications provide assurance that a candidate is knowledgeable and qualified to work with Pega’s products. They can also be used as a metric to compare potential job candidates, allowing employers to make informed hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can give Pega developers an edge in the job market, as they demonstrate commitment and dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest Pega technologies.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Pega Developers and explains how they can help to enhance a Pega Developer's career.

What are Pega Developer Certifications?

Pega Developer Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced software developers who work with the Pega Platform. The certification provides an objective measure of a developer’s ability to build and deploy applications on the Pega Platform, as well as their knowledge of Pega's architecture, design principles, and best practices. By achieving the Pega Developer Certification, developers demonstrate that they have the skills necessary to develop robust applications quickly and efficiently.

The certification can help developers in several ways: it can provide a way for them to stand out from their peers in the job market; it can be used to increase their credibility with employers; and it can also serve as a way for them to stay current on the latest developments in Pega technology. In addition, by having a valid certification from an industry-recognized organization such as Pega, developers will be able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field. This in turn can lead to better job opportunities or higher salaries. Finally, becoming certified gives developers access to exclusive resources such as training materials and discounts on Pega products.

Pro Tip: When studying for the Pega Developer Certification, focus on understanding the fundamentals of the Pega platform and how to effectively use its tools. Utilize sample applications and tutorials to practice your development skills, and be sure to review all of the certification topics thoroughly before taking the exam.

Related: What does a Pega Developer do?

Top 11 Pega Developer Certifications

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

1. Pega Certified System Architect (PCSA)

Pega Certified System Architect (PCSA) is a certification program offered by Pega Systems, Inc. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in developing and deploying applications on the Pega Platform. The PCSA certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the skills of experienced system architects and developers who have mastered the fundamentals of Pega technology.

The PCSA exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as application design, development, deployment, security, and performance optimization. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

In order to become certified as a PCSA, you must pass the PCSA exam with a score of 70% or higher. You must also have at least two years of experience working with Pega technology or have completed a Pega training course prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the PCSA exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD per attempt.

2. Pega Certified Senior System Architect (PCSSA)

Pega Certified Senior System Architect (PCSSA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, deploy, and maintain Pega applications. It is an advanced-level certification that requires a minimum of four years of experience developing Pega applications.

It typically takes two to three months to prepare for the PCSSA exam. Candidates should have extensive hands-on experience with Pega development and architecture principles. They must also be familiar with the latest version of Pega’s platform and tools, including PRPC, Process Commander, App Studio, Decision Rules Manager (DRM), and other related technologies.

To get certified as a PCSSA, candidates must pass a two-hour online exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as application architecture design, system integration strategies, process optimization techniques, data modeling best practices, security considerations, and more.

The cost for the PCSSA certification exam is $250 USD.

3. Pega Certified Decisioning Consultant (PCDC)

Pega Certified Decisioning Consultant (PCDC) is a certification program offered by Pega Systems, Inc. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who design and implement decisioning solutions using the Pega platform. The certification validates an individual’s ability to understand business requirements, create decisioning models, and configure applications that support customer-centric decisions.

The PCDC certification is a two-part process that includes an online exam and a hands-on project assessment. The online exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes or less. The exam covers topics such as decision strategies, data modeling, rules authoring, and application configuration. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70%.

The hands-on project assessment requires applicants to build a working decisioning solution using the Pega platform. This assessment involves designing a decision model, building rulesets and flowsheets, creating user interfaces, configuring applications for deployment, and testing the solution in a simulated environment. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their understanding of best practices for developing decisioning solutions with Pega.

The cost of the PCDC certification varies depending on location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD to complete both parts of the certification process. It typically takes up to three months from start to finish to become certified as a PCDC professional.

4. Pega Certified Robotics System Architect (PCRSA)

Pega Certified Robotics System Architect (PCRSA) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the expertise of experienced Pega Robotics professionals. The certification is offered by Pegasystems, Inc., a leader in customer engagement software solutions. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to design and develop robotic process automation (RPA) solutions using the Pega Robotics platform.

The PCRSA exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as architecture, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of robotic processes. Candidates must have at least two years of experience working with Pega Robotics in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost for the PCRSA exam is $250 USD. To register for the exam, candidates must create a profile on the Pegasystems website and select “Certifications” from the navigation menu. Once registered, candidates can schedule their exams at any Pearson VUE test center worldwide.

5. Pega Certified Business Architect (PCBA)

Pega Certified Business Architect (PCBA) is a certification program offered by Pega, an enterprise software company. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the design and implementation of Pega applications. The certification is based on the principles of the Pega Certified System Architect (PCSA) program, which provides a comprehensive overview of Pega’s architecture and development processes.

The PCBA certification requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain effective business solutions using Pega technology. To become certified, individuals must complete a series of online courses, exams, and hands-on projects. The program also includes mentoring from experienced professionals who can provide guidance throughout the process.

The PCBA certification typically takes between six months to one year to complete. During this time, individuals must pass four online exams and complete two hands-on projects that are reviewed by a panel of experts.

To get started with the PCBA certification program, individuals must first register for an account on the Pega website and purchase the necessary course materials. The cost of these materials varies depending on which courses are taken but typically ranges from $500 - $1000 USD. After completing all required courses and exams, individuals will receive their PCBA certification from Pega upon successful completion of all requirements.

6. Pega Certified Decisioning Manager (PCDM)

Pega Certified Decisioning Manager (PCDM) is a certification offered by Pegasystems, Inc. to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of decision-making. It is designed to help organizations create customer-centric experiences that drive better outcomes. The PCDM certification provides an understanding of the principles and practices of decisioning and how it can be used to improve customer engagement, increase operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

The PCDM certification requires candidates to pass two exams: PEGAPCBA80V1_2019 and PEGAPCDC80V1_2019. The exams are available online or through Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost for each exam is $200 USD.

The PCDM certification program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the candidate’s experience level with decisioning concepts and technologies. Candidates must also have at least one year of professional experience in developing or managing decisions in order to qualify for the certification.

7. Pega Certified Marketing Consultant (PCMC)

Pega Certified Marketing Consultant (PCMC) is a certification program from Pega Systems, the leading provider of customer engagement and digital process automation software. The PCMC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using Pega’s marketing automation tools to create and execute effective campaigns.

The PCMC certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge of the Pega platform and its marketing capabilities. This includes understanding how to use the platform’s features to design and implement campaigns, as well as how to measure and optimize results. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively with clients, partners, and other stakeholders.

The PCMC certification typically takes between 8-10 weeks to complete. To get started, applicants must first take an online assessment that tests their knowledge of Pega’s marketing capabilities. Once they pass the assessment, they can then register for the instructor-led training course which covers topics such as campaign design, execution, optimization, analytics, reporting, and more. After completing the coursework, applicants must then take a final exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a PCMC varies depending on where you are located and which package you choose. Generally speaking, packages range from $1,000 - $2,500 USD for self-study or instructor-led courses.

8. Pega Certified Process Architect (PCPA)

Pega Certified Process Architect (PCPA) is an advanced certification from Pegasystems, a software company that specializes in customer relationship management (CRM) and business process management (BPM). The PCPA certification is designed for professionals who have expertise in designing and building applications with the Pega 7 Platform.

The PCPA certification requires applicants to pass two exams: the Pega Certified System Architect (PCSA) exam and the Pega Certified Senior System Architect (PCSSA) exam. The PCSA exam focuses on the fundamentals of the Pega 7 Platform, while the PCSSA exam covers more advanced topics such as application architecture, design principles, and best practices.

The PCPA certification takes approximately three months to complete. Applicants must first register for and pass both exams within six months of each other. Once both exams are passed, applicants will receive their certification.

The cost of the PCPA certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the exams online or in-person. Online exams cost $250 USD per exam, while in-person exams cost $500 USD per exam.

9. Pega Certified Integration Architect (PCIA)

Pega Certified Integration Architect (PCIA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the Pega integration architecture and its associated tools. It is a comprehensive certification that covers all aspects of Pega integration, including design, development, deployment, and maintenance.

The PCIA exam is a two-hour online exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam fee is $200 USD.

To prepare for the PCIA exam, it is recommended that you have at least six months of experience working with Pega integration tools and technologies. Additionally, you should have access to the latest version of Pega Platform and be familiar with the platform’s features and capabilities. You can also take advantage of training materials offered by Pega University or other third-party providers to help you prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the PCIA exam, your certification will be valid for three years from the date it was issued. After three years, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

10. Pega Certified Application Developer (PCAD)

Pega Certified Application Developer (PCAD) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in developing applications using Pega Platform. This certification is offered by Pegasystems, Inc., the leading provider of customer relationship management (CRM) and business process management (BPM) software solutions.

The PCAD certification exam tests an individual's knowledge of the Pega Platform and its capabilities. The exam includes questions on topics such as application architecture, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. To earn the PCAD certification, an individual must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The PCAD certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete. It is available online through the Pegasystems website or can be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.

To prepare for the PCAD certification exam, individuals should review the official Pega Platform documentation and take advantage of free training resources available from Pegasystems. Additionally, there are several books available that provide detailed information about Pega Platform development techniques and best practices.

11. Pega Certified Cloud Deployment Specialist (PCCDS).

Pega Certified Cloud Deployment Specialist (PCCDS) is a certification program offered by Pega, a leading provider of customer engagement and digital process automation software. The certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in deploying Pega applications on the cloud.

The certification requires candidates to complete an online course and take an exam. The course covers topics such as cloud architecture, security, scalability, and performance optimization. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

In order to obtain the PCCDS certification, you must first purchase a license from Pega. The cost of the license depends on the type of subscription you choose: annual or multi-year. Once you have purchased your license, you can register for the online course and exam through the Pega Academy website.

The cost of obtaining the PCCDS certification varies depending on your subscription type; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Pega Developer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and objectives. If you are looking to become a professional Pega developer, then having a Pega Developer Certificate can be beneficial. The certificate is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the Pega development process and will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. It could also help to open doors for opportunities such as job interviews, promotions, or even higher salaries.

On the other hand, if you are already an experienced Pega developer, then a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it would be more important to focus on developing your skills and experience through projects and client interactions. Having a portfolio of successful projects is often more valuable than any certification.

Ultimately, it comes down to what your goals are and how you plan on achieving them. If becoming a certified Pega developer is something that interests you, then obtaining a certificate can be beneficial. However, if you already have the skills and experience needed for success in the field of Pega development, then the certificate may not be necessary.

Related: Pega Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Pega Developer Certifications

Q1. What are the requirements to become a Pega Developer?

A1. To become a Pega Developer, you must have at least two years of experience in developing software applications using Pega technology and have a good understanding of object-oriented programming languages such as Java and C#. Additionally, you must pass the Pega Certified System Architect (CSA) certification exam to become a certified Pega Developer.

Q2. How do I prepare for the Pega Developer Certification Exam?

A2. To prepare for the Pega Certified System Architect (CSA) exam, it is recommended that you take an official course offered by Pegasystems or attend an instructor-led training program on the same subject matter. Additionally, practice tests are available online which can help you assess your knowledge and better prepare for the actual exam.

Q3. How much does it cost to get certified as a Pega Developer?

A3. The cost of getting certified as a Pega Developer will depend on which type of certification you opt for – either the Professional or Expert level certification exams – and whether you choose to take an official course or study independently. Generally speaking, however, the cost can range from around $600 USD to over $1000 USD depending on your chosen approach.

Q4 .How long does it take to complete the certification process?

A4. It will typically take between 6-12 months to complete the entire certification process depending on how much time and effort you are willing to put into studying and preparing for the exams. It is important to note that there is no set timeline for completing all levels of certification; some individuals may be able to complete them quicker while others may need more time depending on their individual learning style and ability level.

Q5 .Are there any additional resources available beyond what’s provided by Pegasystems?

A5 .Yes, there are many additional resources available online such as blogs, forums, tutorials, practice questions and more which can help supplement your studies and give you a better understanding of various topics related to becoming a Pega Developer.