Top 10 PHP Web Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for any web developer, but especially for PHP developers. They demonstrate a level of proficiency in the language and provide potential employers with proof that the applicant has the necessary skills and knowledge to work on their projects. Certifications also show that the applicant is committed to staying up-to-date on industry best practices, as many certifications require recertification every few years. Additionally, certifications may help a job seeker stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for PHP Web Developers and explain how they can help advance a php web developer's career.

What are PHP Web Developer Certifications?

PHP Web Developer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in developing web applications using the PHP programming language. The certification is designed to prove that the certified individual has a solid understanding of the core principles and practices of web development using PHP. This certification helps employers determine if a potential employee has the necessary skills to develop and maintain websites and applications using PHP. Furthermore, having this certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for web development positions, as it serves as proof of their technical proficiency with the language. Additionally, having this credential can also help increase an individual’s salary when looking for a new job or promotion, as it shows employers that they have taken the initiative to hone their skills in web development.

Pro Tip: When considering PHP web developer certification, look for programs that offer hands-on learning experiences and comprehensive feedback from experienced instructors. This will help ensure that you gain the necessary skills to become a successful PHP web developer. Additionally, make sure to look for programs that provide job placement assistance after completion of the certification program.

Related: What does a PHP Web Developer do?

Top 10 PHP Web Developer Certifications

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

1. Zend Certified PHP Engineer

The Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE) is an industry-recognized certification for professional PHP developers. It is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of experienced PHP developers. The certification is offered by Zend Technologies, a leading provider of enterprise-level PHP solutions.

The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a hands-on project. The written exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, security, web services, databases, and more. The hands-on project requires candidates to develop a web application using the Zend Framework.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months of preparation to pass the ZCPE exam. Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience working with PHP before attempting the exam. Preparation materials are available from Zend Technologies, including study guides, sample questions, and practice exams.

The cost of taking the ZCPE exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per attempt.

2. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.0 Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.0 Developer is a certification offered by Oracle that demonstrates a professional's expertise in the development of applications using the MySQL 5.0 database management system. To become certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as SQL syntax and commands, data manipulation, optimization techniques, and database design and architecture.

It typically takes about two to three months to prepare for the exam. You can prepare for the exam by taking courses from Oracle University or through self-study using books and online resources.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an Oracle Certified Professional certificate validating your expertise in MySQL 5.0 development.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced web developers. It certifies an individual’s ability to build and maintain modern web applications and services using Microsoft Visual Studio, ASP.NET, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and other related technologies.

It typically takes around 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for the MCSD: Web Applications certification exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of developing web applications using Microsoft technologies.

To get certified as an MCSD: Web Applications developer, you must pass two exams – Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 and Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications. Both exams are available from Pearson VUE Testing Centers worldwide.

The cost for each exam varies by country but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam.

4. CIW Web Development Professional

CIW Web Development Professional is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in web development. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge required to create, maintain, and troubleshoot dynamic websites. The certification covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, server-side programming languages (PHP and ASP.NET), database design and development (MySQL and SQL Server), website security, e-commerce solutions, mobile development, web services, and more.

It typically takes about three months to complete the necessary coursework for the CIW Web Development Professional certification. To get certified, you must pass two exams: CIW Site Development Associate (1D0-610) and CIW Advanced HTML5 & CSS3 Specialist (1D0-620). The exams are available from Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

The cost of the CIW Web Development Professional certification varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States, it costs approximately $350 USD for both exams combined.

5. Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6

Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6 is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a person's proficiency in using Adobe Dreamweaver CS6. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge needed to create, design, and develop websites with this powerful web development tool.

In order to become an Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6, you must pass the Adobe Certified Expert Exam for Dreamweaver CS6. The exam consists of 60 questions covering topics such as HTML/CSS coding, site management, page layout and design, and more. It typically takes about 90 minutes to complete the exam.

To get certified, you must purchase an Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6 voucher from Adobe's website or a third-party vendor. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where you purchase it from but typically ranges between $100 and $150 USD.

Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for the exam through the Adobe Certification website. You will then be able to take the exam at any authorized testing center near you or online via a secure remote proctoring service. Once you have successfully passed the exam, your certification will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

6. Adobe Certified Associate: Dreamweaver CS6

Adobe Certified Associate: Dreamweaver CS6 is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s skills in using Adobe Dreamweaver to create and manage websites. The certification requires a candidate to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Adobe Dreamweaver CS6, including creating and editing web pages, working with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web technologies.

It typically takes approximately 10 hours to prepare for the exam. Candidates can prepare by taking online courses or attending classes at local colleges or universities. Additionally, there are several practice exams available online that can be used to help prepare for the exam.

The exam can be taken online or at a local testing center. It costs $180 USD to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive an Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) credential from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

7. IBM Certified Application Developer – WebSphere Portal 8.0

IBM Certified Application Developer – WebSphere Portal 8.0 is a certification from IBM that validates a professional’s skills and knowledge in developing applications for IBM WebSphere Portal 8.0. It demonstrates the ability to design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain applications using WebSphere Portal 8.0 technology.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes 2 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as portlet development, portal administration, security, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.

To get certified as an IBM Certified Application Developer – WebSphere Portal 8.0 you must pass the certification exam which is available through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. You can register for the exam online at the Pearson VUE website or by phone at 1-877-404-EXAM (3926). The cost of the exam is $200 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

8. LAMP Stack Certification (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP)

LAMP Stack Certification is a certification program that verifies an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP (LAMP) stack. It is designed to help developers and system administrators demonstrate their technical skills in this popular web development platform.

The LAMP Stack Certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test an individual’s understanding of the various components of the LAMP stack. The exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, optimization, troubleshooting, and more.

It typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete the exam. The cost of the certification varies depending on which provider you choose; however, it usually ranges from $50-$150 USD.

To get certified in the LAMP Stack, you must first register for an account with a certification provider such as Red Hat or CompTIA. Once registered, you can purchase the exam voucher and schedule your exam at a testing center near you. After passing the exam with a minimum score of 70%, you will receive your official certificate from the certification provider.

9. Symfony 2 Certification Program

The Symfony 2 Certification Program is an official certification program developed by SensioLabs, the creators of the Symfony framework. It is a way to demonstrate proficiency in the Symfony framework and related technologies.

The certification consists of two exams: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam tests your knowledge of the Symfony framework and related technologies, while the practical exam tests your ability to apply that knowledge to real-world problems.

To get certified, you must first register for the program on the SensioLabs website. You will then be able to book an appointment for both exams at one of their authorized testing centers. The exams take approximately two hours each and can be taken separately or back-to-back.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you live, but typically ranges from $150 to $200 per exam (plus any applicable taxes).

10. PHP/MySQL Web Development Certification

PHP/MySQL Web Development Certification is a professional certification program designed to help web developers master the essential skills and technologies used in creating dynamic web applications. The certification validates an individual’s knowledge and ability to develop websites using PHP and MySQL.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the certification program, depending on the individual's learning speed and level of commitment. To get certified, individuals must pass two exams: one for PHP development and one for MySQL database administration.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on which course you choose. Some courses are self-paced and can be taken online or in person, while others require more intensive instruction from an instructor or mentor. Generally, self-paced courses are cheaper than those that require instructor guidance. Additionally, some organizations offer discounts for group registrations or for individuals who have already completed other certifications with them.

Do You Really Need a PHP Web Developer Certificate?

No, you do not need a PHP web developer certificate to become a successful web developer. While having a certificate from an accredited institution can be beneficial in some cases, it is not absolutely necessary for success. It is important to remember that experience and skills are the most valuable assets when it comes to becoming a successful web developer. Many employers value hands-on experience over formal education, so having a certification may not be as important as having the right skills and knowledge.

Furthermore, the internet has made learning much more accessible than ever before. There are countless free resources available online that offer tutorials and courses about various aspects of web development. These resources can provide the same level of knowledge that would come with a certification program but without any of the associated costs or time commitments. Additionally, many employers view self-taught developers favorably because they demonstrate initiative and dedication.

In conclusion, while having a PHP web developer certificate can be useful in some circumstances, it is by no means essential for success in this field. With the right skills and experience, anyone can become a successful web developer without needing to spend money on expensive certifications.

Related: PHP Web Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About PHP Web Developer Certifications

Q1: What is a PHP Web Developer Certification?

A1: A PHP Web Developer Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skill in developing web applications using the PHP programming language.

Q2: How do I get a PHP Web Developer Certification?

A2: You can obtain a PHP Web Developer Certification by taking online courses, attending seminars or workshops, or participating in self-study programs. Additionally, many universities offer certification programs for those looking to become certified in this field.

Q3: What are the benefits of obtaining a PHP Web Developer Certification?

A3: Having a certification will help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs and it can also open up new job opportunities in the field of web development. Additionally, having a certification shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to develop websites with quality and efficiency.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a PHP Web Developer?

A4: The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on how much experience you already have in the field and how much effort you put into studying for your certification exam. Generally speaking, most people are able to complete their studies and pass their exams within 6 months to 1 year.

Q5: Is there an official body that certifies individuals as PHP Web Developers?

A5: Yes, there are several organizations that provide certifications for professionals in this field such as Zend Certified Engineer (ZCE), Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).