Top 11 Programmer Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a programmer analyst in the job market because they demonstrate specific knowledge and skills related to the role. They show employers that the individual has mastered certain technologies, processes, and best practices that are essential to their job. Additionally, certifications can help programmer analysts stand out from other applicants by providing evidence of their expertise and commitment to their profession. Finally, having certifications can often lead to higher salaries as employers are willing to pay more for certified professionals who have proven their abilities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Programmer Analysts and explains how they can help to enhance a programmer analyst's career.

What are Programmer Analyst Certifications?

Programmer analyst certification is a type of professional certification that validates the skills and knowledge of an individual in programming, analysis, and other related areas. This certification demonstrates that the individual has a deep understanding of the concepts, processes, and technologies associated with programming and analysis. It also serves to demonstrate their ability to develop effective solutions to challenging problems.

Programmer analyst certification can be beneficial for individuals who are looking to advance their career in programming or analysis. Having this certification can open up opportunities for higher-level positions that require more advanced technical skills and knowledge. Additionally, certified programmer analysts often have access to better pay and benefits packages than those without the certification. Finally, programmer analyst certifications can help individuals stand out among their peers when applying for jobs or promotions as they will have something tangible to point to as evidence of their expertise in the field.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a programmer analyst certification program, make sure to research the course material and check the credentials of the instructors to ensure they have the necessary qualifications. Additionally, ask for references from past students who have completed the program to gauge their level of satisfaction with the course content and instructor.

Related: What does a Programmer Analyst do?

Top 11 Programmer Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Programmer Analysts today.

1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is an internationally recognized certification for business analysts. It is offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), a non-profit professional association dedicated to the field of business analysis.

The CBAP certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the principles and practices of business analysis. It is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for successful performance as a business analyst.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam that covers six knowledge areas: business analysis planning and monitoring; elicitation and collaboration; requirements life cycle management; strategy analysis; solution assessment and validation; and underlying competencies. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions, which must be completed within four hours.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CBAP exam, depending on prior experience with business analysis topics. Preparation may include taking courses or studying independently using books or online resources.

The cost to take the CBAP exam is $325 USD for IIBA members and $450 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of project management fundamentals. The CAPM certification provides an entry-level credential for those looking to enter the field of project management.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) and at least 1,500 hours of project experience OR 23 hours of project management education completed by the time they sit for the exam.

To get certified, applicants must pass the CAPM exam with a score of at least 60%. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate in the mail.

The cost to take the CAPM exam varies depending on where you are taking it and whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, it typically costs $225 USD; for members, it typically costs $300 USD.

3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to teach and validate the core principles of Scrum, an Agile methodology used by software development teams. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Scrum.

The CSM program consists of a two-day course that covers topics such as the fundamentals of Scrum, roles and responsibilities within a Scrum team, product backlogs, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. At the end of the course, participants must pass an assessment in order to receive their CSM certification.

The cost for taking the two-day course varies depending on where you take it and who is offering it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$1,500 USD to attend a CSM course. In addition to this cost, there is also an annual membership fee for maintaining your CSM certification with the Scrum Alliance which ranges from $50-$100 USD per year.

Once you have taken the two-day course and passed the assessment you will be awarded your Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certificate which is valid for two years. After two years you must renew your certification by taking another assessment or attending additional training courses offered by the Scrum Alliance.

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security. It is a vendor-neutral certification administered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

To become CISSP certified, you must have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The CBK covers topics such as access control, cryptography, risk management, and software development security. You must also pass an exam that tests your knowledge in these areas.

The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes up to six hours to complete. To prepare for it, you can take online courses or attend instructor-led classes. Additionally, you can use practice exams to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that will be asked on the actual exam.

The cost to take the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it and what type of preparation materials you use. Generally speaking, it costs between $700-$1,000 USD to register for and take the exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CISSP certification from ISC2. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after credentials in the field of project management, and it demonstrates an individual’s expertise in managing projects.

To become certified as a PMP, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum of 3 years of project management experience and 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal education in project management. Once you have met these criteria, you can apply to take the PMP exam.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that are divided into two sections: knowledge areas and processes. The exam takes about four hours to complete and is administered at various testing centers around the world.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of PMI. In general, it costs around $400-$600 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with studying materials or courses related to the certification process.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from PMI which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires 60 professional development units (PDUs) over three years as well as paying an annual fee to maintain membership with PMI.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation certification is a globally recognized qualification that provides a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework. It is designed to help IT professionals understand the key concepts, processes, and best practices for managing IT services. The certification is based on the ITIL 4 framework which was released in 2019.

The certification exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% (26/40).

To get certified, candidates must first attend an accredited training course or self-study using official materials. Then they must register for and take the ITIL Foundation exam. The cost of training and taking the exam varies depending on the provider and region but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is a certification program offered by Microsoft to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in developing applications and solutions using Microsoft technologies. It is designed for professionals who develop applications and services on the Microsoft platform.

To obtain the MCSD certification, individuals must pass exams that cover topics such as Windows Azure, Visual Studio, HTML5, C#, ASP.NET, and other related technologies. The exams are divided into two tracks: Web Applications and Universal Windows Platform (UWP). To complete the Web Applications track, candidates must pass three exams; to complete the UWP track, candidates must pass two exams.

The cost of each exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs between $100-$200 USD.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual’s experience level with Microsoft technologies and their ability to study for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one month to several months to prepare for and pass all of the required exams.

8. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer is a certification program designed to demonstrate a professional’s expertise in the Java programming language. This certification is offered by Oracle and is considered an industry-recognized credential for developers who have mastered the Java language.

To become an Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-808 (Java SE 8 Programmer I) and 1Z0-809 (Java SE 8 Programmer II). The exams cover topics such as object-oriented programming, data types and variables, flow control, exceptions and assertions, collections and generics, concurrency and threads, I/O streams, JDBC API fundamentals, and more.

It typically takes about 3 months of studying to prepare for the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer exams. It is recommended to take practice tests or complete online courses to help you better understand the material before taking the exam.

The cost of each exam is $245 USD. You can register for the exams at Pearson VUE test centers or online at Oracle's website. In order to receive your certification after passing both exams, you will need to pay an additional fee of $50 USD.

Overall, becoming an Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer requires dedication and hard work but it can be a rewarding experience that may open up new career opportunities for those who successfully complete it.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with an introduction to the fundamentals of technology. The MTA certification is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of software development, database administration, and IT infrastructure.

The MTA certification consists of nine different exams that cover topics such as Windows operating system fundamentals, networking fundamentals, security fundamentals, software development fundamentals, and database administration fundamentals. Each exam takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and covers topics related to the specific technology area.

To get the MTA certification, you need to pass one or more of the nine exams offered by Microsoft. The exams are available online through Microsoft Learning Partners or at a local testing center. The cost of each exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD per exam.

It usually takes between two weeks and one month to receive your MTA certification once you have passed all required exams. Once you have received your certification, you will be able to use it as proof of your technical knowledge and skills when applying for jobs or advancing in your career.

10. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is an entry-level certification for those who want to work in the IT industry, or for those who are already working in the field and want to increase their knowledge and skills. It covers areas such as hardware, networking, mobile devices, troubleshooting, security, cloud computing, and more.

To get CompTIA A+, you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The exams are 90 minutes long each and contain 90 multiple choice questions. You can take the exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take it. The exam fees are usually around $200 per exam. Additionally, you will need to purchase study materials to help you prepare for the exams.

In total, it usually takes between 3-6 months to get CompTIA A+ certified if you are studying full time or longer if you are studying part time.

11. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate is a certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy and maintain applications on the AWS platform. The certification is designed for those who have at least one year of experience working with AWS services and solutions.

The exam typically takes around 80 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you review the relevant AWS documentation, take practice tests, and attend training courses. There are also several online resources available that can help you study for the exam.

The cost of taking the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $150 USD to take the exam.

Do You Really Need a Programmer Analyst Certificate?

Having a Programmer Analyst Certificate is not necessary to become a successful programmer analyst. While having the certificate may provide additional validation of your skills and experience, it is not required in order to find employment as a programmer analyst.

The main purpose of the certificate is to demonstrate that you have acquired the skills needed to be an effective programmer analyst. It can also provide proof of your commitment to the field, which can be highly beneficial when seeking employment or promotions.

However, it is important to note that having a certificate does not guarantee success in this role. The most important factor for success as a programmer analyst is having the right technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Additionally, employers often value experience just as much, if not more than certifications when hiring for this position.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a Programmer Analyst Certificate depends on your own goals and career path. If you are interested in validating your existing skills or want to show potential employers that you are committed to programming analysis, then obtaining the certificate could be beneficial for you. However, if you do not feel like this certification would give you any advantage over other applicants, then it may not be worth pursuing at this time.

Related: Programmer Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Programmer Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Programmer Analyst Certification?

A1. A Programmer Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a programmer's knowledge and expertise in the analysis, design, development, testing, and maintenance of computer software systems.

Q2. What are the benefits of getting certified as a Programmer Analyst?

A2. Benefits of getting certified as a Programmer Analyst include: improved job prospects and higher salaries; increased credibility with employers; access to specialized tools and resources; improved understanding of software development principles; and more recognition in the IT industry.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a Programmer Analyst?

A3. The length of time required to become certified as a Programmer Analyst varies depending on the specific certification program chosen, but typically requires anywhere from six months to one year of study and preparation before taking an exam or series of exams.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining certification as a Programmer Analyst?

A4. Most certifications require applicants to have at least two years' experience working with computers or software development projects prior to applying for certification. Additionally, most programs also require applicants to pass an exam or series of exams demonstrating their mastery of programming concepts and techniques before granting certification.

Q5. What kinds of jobs can I get with a Programmer Analyst Certification?

A5. With a Programmer Analyst Certification, you may be qualified for positions such as software developer, computer programmer, systems analyst, database administrator, web developer, technical support specialist, or IT consultant/architecture designer.