Top 10 Python Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for any Python developer in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competence and experience. They show that the candidate has a specific set of skills, knowledge, and abilities related to the programming language. Certification can also be used to prove that the candidate has completed an official training course or program related to the language. This is especially important when competing with other job seekers who may not have formal certifications. Certifications can also make it easier for employers to differentiate between candidates, as they provide evidence of an individual’s qualifications and skill set.

This article reviews the benefits of top certifications for Python Developers, and explains how they can lead to career advancement in the field.

What are Python Developer Certifications?

Python Developer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of the Python programming language. It proves that you have the necessary skills to develop applications using Python and its related technologies. This certification is suitable for those who are looking to expand their knowledge in the field of software engineering, web development, data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

By obtaining a Python Developer Certification, you will demonstrate your expertise in the language and prove your ability to develop complex applications with it. You will also be able to show employers that you have a deep understanding of the language’s syntax and its uses in programming projects. Employers often prefer candidates with certifications as they are more likely to be able to hit the ground running when working on existing codebases or developing new ones.

In addition, having a certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. The certificate shows employers that you are serious about your career and are willing to take the initiative to learn new technologies and gain new skills. It can also help you earn higher salaries since certified professionals typically demand higher rates than non-certified ones.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a Python Developer Certification, make sure to research the certification requirements thoroughly and make sure they are aligned with your current skill set. Additionally, take advantage of online resources such as tutorials and practice tests to ensure you have a solid understanding of the material before taking the exam.

Related: What does a Python Developer do?

Top 10 Python Developer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Python Programming (CPPP)

Certified Professional in Python Programming (CPPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of experienced Python developers. It is administered by the Python Institute, an independent organization that promotes the use of the Python programming language. The CPPP certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in using the Python language for developing applications and solutions.

The CPPP certification requires applicants to pass two exams: PCEP (Python Certified Entry-level Programmer) and PCAP (Python Certified Associate Programmer). The PCEP exam covers basic concepts such as data types, variables, functions, control structures, classes, objects, modules, packages, and debugging. The PCAP exam covers more advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, unit testing, web development with Django or Flask frameworks, network programming with sockets or Twisted framework, database access with SQLAlchemy or MongoDB libraries, GUI development with PyQt or wxWidgets library and many more.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete both exams depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying. To get certified you need to register for the exams through the Python Institute website and pay the associated fees which vary based on your location. Generally speaking it costs around $200 USD for both exams. After passing both exams you will receive an official certificate from the Python Institute validating your knowledge of Python programming language.

2. Certified Associate in Python Programming (CAPP)

Certified Associate in Python Programming (CAPP) is a certification program offered by the Python Institute, an independent non-profit organization that promotes the Python programming language. The CAPP certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of entry-level Python developers. It tests a candidate’s ability to write and execute basic Python code, understand core concepts such as variables, functions and classes, and apply these concepts to solve problems.

The CAPP certification exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions which must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the exam on the Python Institute website. The cost of registration is $59 USD. Once registered, candidates can take the exam at any Pearson VUE test center or online via their own computer.

The CAPP certification does not expire but it is recommended to retake the exam every two years to stay up to date with changes in the language and industry trends.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Science with Python (MCSE: DS with Python)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Science with Python (MCSE: DS with Python) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in data science and machine learning using the Python programming language. This certification is intended for those who have experience in developing and deploying data science solutions with Microsoft Azure Machine Learning, Azure Databricks, and other related technologies.

The MCSE: DS with Python certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-774 “Perform Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning” and Exam 70-775 “Perform Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure HDInsight”. The exams are offered through Pearson VUE and can be taken at any of their testing centers worldwide.

The cost of the two exams is $165 each, so the total cost of the certification would be $330. It usually takes around 2-3 months to prepare for the exams, depending on your level of experience and familiarity with the topics covered.

To get certified as an MCSE: DS with Python you must pass both of these exams within 12 months of each other. After passing both exams, you will receive an official certificate from Microsoft that verifies your achievement.

4. Google Professional Cloud Developer with Python

Google Professional Cloud Developer with Python is an online certification program designed to help developers learn how to build, deploy, and manage applications on Google Cloud Platform. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as cloud computing fundamentals, Google Cloud Platform services, application development in Python, and security best practices. The certification requires passing a series of exams and hands-on labs that test your knowledge and skills.

The program takes approximately 6 months to complete. You must first complete the prerequisite courses in the Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals track before you can move onto the Professional Cloud Developer track. The coursework includes online lectures, hands-on labs, and interactive quizzes. Once you have completed the prerequisite courses, you will be able to take the Professional Cloud Developer exam which consists of two parts: a multiple-choice exam and a hands-on lab exam.

You can get started with Google Professional Cloud Developer with Python by signing up for an account on Coursera or Udacity. Both platforms offer a range of courses related to cloud computing and application development in Python. After signing up for an account, you can enroll in the prerequisite courses or purchase the entire certification package from either platform.

The cost of the entire certification package varies depending on which platform you choose; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

5. IBM Professional Data Scientist with Python

IBM Professional Data Scientist with Python is an online certification program designed to help professionals build their skills in the field of data science. The program consists of three courses: Python for Data Science, Applied Data Science with Python, and Advanced Data Science with IBM. It takes approximately 10 weeks to complete the program, but you can take as much time as you need.

To get the certification, you must pass all three courses and a final exam. You can register for the program on IBM’s website and pay a fee of $399 USD. After completing the program, you will receive a digital badge that confirms your status as an IBM Professional Data Scientist with Python.

6. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer II (OCPJP 8)

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer II (OCPJP 8) is an advanced certification that demonstrates a professional's expertise in developing applications using the Java 8 platform. This certification is designed to validate a programmer’s ability to write, debug, maintain, and document programs written in the Java language. It also tests a programmer’s knowledge of object-oriented concepts and design patterns.

It typically takes around two months to prepare for the OCPJP 8 exam. To get certified, one must first pass the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA), Java SE 8 Programmer I exam. After passing this exam, candidates can then take the OCPJP 8 exam which consists of 80 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 150 minutes.

The cost for taking the OCPJP 8 exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost can range from $245 USD to $395 USD plus applicable taxes.

7. Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE)

The Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of professional PHP developers. It is administered by Zend Technologies, the company behind the popular open-source scripting language, PHP.

The ZCPE certification is designed to test a developer’s understanding of the core components of PHP development, including object-oriented programming, security, web services, and performance tuning. The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To become certified as a ZCPE, you must first register with Zend Technologies and pass an online assessment that tests your knowledge of basic PHP concepts. Once you have passed this assessment, you can then take the official ZCPE exam at any authorized testing center. You will need to pay an exam fee in order to take the test; this fee varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD.

Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Zend Technologies that verifies your skills as a professional PHP developer. This certificate is valid for two years and can be renewed by taking an updated version of the exam.

8. Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack

Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack is a certification program that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in managing, deploying, and troubleshooting Red Hat OpenStack Platform. This certification is targeted at system administrators who are responsible for the deployment, configuration, and management of cloud environments using Red Hat OpenStack Platform.

To obtain this certification, individuals must pass two exams: EX210 (Red Hat Certified System Administrator in Red Hat OpenStack) and EX310 (Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack). The EX210 exam focuses on the fundamentals of cloud computing, while the EX310 exam focuses on advanced topics such as networking, storage, security, and high availability.

The time required to complete both exams varies depending on the individual's experience level with Red Hat OpenStack Platform. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to three months to prepare for both exams.

The cost of the two exams is approximately $400 USD each. However, discounts may be available through various training providers or other sources.

In addition to passing both exams, individuals must also have a valid Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification before they can become a Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack.

9. Cloudera Certified Associate in Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark

Cloudera Certified Associate in Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals working with Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark. It is offered by Cloudera, a leading provider of enterprise data management solutions. The certification is designed to assess an individual’s understanding of core concepts related to Hadoop and Spark, as well as their ability to apply those concepts in real-world scenarios.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70%. The cost for the exam varies depending on the country, but typically ranges from $295-$395 USD.

To prepare for the exam, Cloudera recommends taking one or more of its official training courses. These courses can be taken online or in person and range from beginner to advanced levels. The cost for these courses varies depending on which course you take, but typically range from $500-$3000 USD.

In addition to taking an official training course, Cloudera also provides study materials such as practice tests and sample questions that can help applicants prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are many online resources available such as blogs, forums, and websites dedicated to helping individuals prepare for the certification exam.

Overall, obtaining a Cloudera Certified Associate in Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark certification requires dedication and hard work. However, it is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of these technologies and can open up new opportunities in your career path.

10. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Level

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Level is a certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to validate an individual’s technical skills and knowledge of AWS cloud-based solutions. This certification is intended for individuals who have experience designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

It typically takes up to three months to prepare for the exam, depending on the individual's familiarity with AWS services. To get certified, individuals must pass a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as architecture design, security, cost optimization, operations, and more. The exam consists of 65 questions and must be completed within 80 minutes.

The cost of taking the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Level exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $150 USD; in Canada, it costs $250 CAD; in Europe/Middle East/Africa, it costs €150 EUR; and in Asia Pacific/Japan/China, it costs ¥1,800 JPY or ¥1,200 CNY respectively.

In order to maintain your certification status you must complete at least one recertification every two years by passing either the same or higher level certification exam or completing an approved continuing education course from a partner institution.

Do You Really Need a Python Developer Certificate?

The short answer is no. You do not need a Python developer certificate to become a successful Python programmer. However, having one may be beneficial in certain situations.

For those starting out in the field of programming, having a Python developer certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the language. A certification can also make it easier for employers to recognize your skills, since it shows you have taken the time and effort to learn specific aspects of the language. Additionally, some employers may require that you possess a certification before they will consider you for a job as a Python programmer.

In addition to potential job opportunities, having a Python developer certificate can also give you access to more advanced courses and resources that can help you hone your skills further. Many certifications come with exclusive benefits such as access to private forums or discounts on related products or services.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a Python developer certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you are just starting out in programming and want to demonstrate your commitment or if you are looking for certain job opportunities that require it then it could be beneficial for you to pursue one.

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FAQs About Python Developer Certifications

Q1. What is a Python Developer Certification?

A1. A Python Developer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the Python programming language. It verifies the individual’s knowledge and skills with the language, as well as their understanding of various aspects of software development such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and more.

Q2. How do I become a certified Python Developer?

A2. To become a certified Python developer, you must complete an officially recognized certification program from an accredited institution or organization. These programs typically involve completing coursework or passing an exam that tests your knowledge of the language and related topics.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Python developer?

A3. Becoming a certified Python developer can provide several advantages to professionals seeking to advance their careers in software development. It can demonstrate expertise in the language to potential employers, help increase job opportunities, and open up access to higher salary positions within the field. Additionally, it can provide individuals with more confidence in their abilities and help them stay current on best practices in the industry.

Q4. Is there any cost associated with getting a Python Developer Certification?

A4: Yes, most organizations offering certification programs charge a fee for course materials or exams required for completion of the program. The cost will vary depending on the type of program chosen and any additional features required for successful completion of the program (such as access to online resources or instructor support).

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Python Developer Certification?

A5: Generally speaking, most organizations offering certification programs require applicants to have some prior experience with coding languages before they can apply for certification. This may include having taken courses in computer science or having completed other relevant training programs related to coding languages such as JavaScript or HTML/CSS.