Top 10 Rails Developer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a Rails developer’s resume. They demonstrate that the developer has a certain level of knowledge and understanding of the technology and can be used to differentiate them from other applicants. Certifications show employers that the developer is committed to their craft and willing to invest time in their professional development. Furthermore, certifications provide recognition for the skillset that developers possess, which can help a Rails developer stand out in the job market.

The article reviews the top certifications for Rails Developers and explains how they can help to enhance their career prospects.

What are Rails Developer Certifications?

Rails Developer Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Ruby on Rails developers. It is administered by the International Association of Software Developers (IASD) and is based on the official Ruby on Rails programming language guidelines established by the organization. The certification tests an individual's ability to create, deploy, manage, and maintain applications using the Ruby on Rails framework.

By obtaining a Rails Developer Certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in working with the Ruby on Rails framework to potential employers and clients. Having such a certification can help applicants stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or contracts related to web development. Additionally, employers may be more likely to trust developers with a certified skill set since it shows that they have received formal training in this area. Furthermore, having a Rails Developer Certification can also help individuals increase their rates for development services since it demonstrates proficiency in this field.

Pro Tip: When studying for a Rails Developer certification, it's important to focus on the fundamentals of the language, such as the MVC pattern, ActiveRecord, ActionPack, and other core components. Additionally, becoming familiar with popular gems like Devise and RSpec can give you an edge when it comes to taking the certification exam.

Related: What does a Rails Developer do?

Top 10 Rails Developer Certifications

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

1. Ruby on Rails Developer Certification from Credly

Ruby on Rails Developer Certification from Credly is a professional certification program that validates the skills of developers who use Ruby on Rails to build web applications. This certification is designed to assess the knowledge and experience of developers who are proficient in using Ruby on Rails, a popular open source web application framework.

The certification process takes approximately two hours and consists of an online assessment with multiple-choice questions about the fundamentals of Ruby on Rails development. The assessment covers topics such as database design, object-oriented programming, security, testing, and debugging. The exam also includes a practical project that requires the candidate to create a functional web application using Ruby on Rails.

To get certified, candidates must register for an account at Credly and then purchase the certification package which includes access to the online assessment and practical project. The cost for this package is $99 USD. Once purchased, candidates have 90 days to complete the assessment and submit their project for review by Credly’s team of experts. Upon successful completion of both components, candidates will receive their official certificate from Credly.

2. Certified Ruby on Rails Developer from the Open Group

The Certified Ruby on Rails Developer from the Open Group is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills in developing web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the principles, techniques, and best practices for developing web applications with Ruby on Rails.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for this certification exam. To get certified, you must pass a two-hour online exam that covers topics such as Ruby programming language syntax, database design, model view controller (MVC) architecture, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a score of at least 70% to pass.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD. You can find out more information about the Certified Ruby on Rails Developer from the Open Group website.

3. Certified Ruby on Rails Programmer from the Linux Professional Institute

The Certified Ruby on Rails Programmer from the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is a certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in developing web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to design, develop, and deploy web applications with the Ruby on Rails framework.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Candidates must have a minimum of 12 months experience working with the Ruby on Rails framework before taking the exam.

To get certified as a Ruby on Rails Programmer, candidates must pass an online examination which costs $250 USD. The exam covers topics such as application development, database management, security, debugging and troubleshooting, version control systems, deployment strategies and more. After passing the exam, candidates will receive an LPI Certified Ruby on Rails Programmer certificate.

The cost of getting certified as a Ruby on Rails Programmer includes the cost of registering for the exam ($250 USD) plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at your local testing center.

4. Certified Ruby on Rails Architect from Zend Technologies

Certified Ruby on Rails Architect from Zend Technologies is a certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of the Ruby on Rails web application framework. The certification covers topics such as the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, database integration, and security best practices. This certification is designed to help developers demonstrate their expertise in building robust and secure web applications with Ruby on Rails.

The Certified Ruby on Rails Architect certification requires passing a series of exams and completing a hands-on project. The exams cover topics such as object-oriented programming, database design, and web application development. The hands-on project requires applicants to build a fully functional web application using Ruby on Rails.

The entire process typically takes around three months to complete, depending on the applicant's experience level and the amount of time they are able to dedicate to studying for the exams and completing the project.

The cost for the Certified Ruby on Rails Architect certification varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $299 USD, while the premium package costs $599 USD. Both packages include access to all of the required exams and materials needed for completion of the certification process.

5. Professional Ruby on Rails Developer Certification from Brainbench

The Professional Ruby on Rails Developer Certification from Brainbench is a certification program that tests an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Ruby on Rails development environment. It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to develop web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework.

The certification exam consists of 80 questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as Ruby programming language, object-oriented programming, database design, web application development, and deployment of web applications.

To get the certification, you must first register for an account with Brainbench. Once registered, you can purchase the exam for $99 USD. After purchasing the exam, you will be given access to practice tests and study materials that will help prepare you for the actual test. Once you have completed the practice tests and feel confident about your knowledge of Ruby on Rails development, you can schedule your exam with Brainbench. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your Professional Ruby on Rails Developer Certification from Brainbench.

The cost of the certification is $99 USD and it typically takes 1-2 weeks to complete depending on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exam.

6. Certified Ruby on Rails Specialist from Oracle University

Certified Ruby on Rails Specialist from Oracle University is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the Ruby on Rails web development framework. This certification is ideal for developers, software engineers, and IT professionals who want to prove their skills in developing web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework.

The Certified Ruby on Rails Specialist program consists of two courses: Introduction to Ruby on Rails and Advanced Ruby on Rails. The Introduction course covers the basics of the Ruby language and the fundamentals of building web applications with the Rails framework. The Advanced course focuses more on advanced topics such as database integration, AJAX, testing, and deployment.

In order to become a Certified Ruby on Rails Specialist, you must successfully complete both courses and pass an online certification exam. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete, so it typically takes around 20 hours total to become certified.

The cost for each course is $149 USD per person or $99 USD per person if you register for both courses at once. You can also purchase a bundle that includes both courses plus the certification exam for $299 USD per person.

7. Professional Ruby on Rails Engineer Certificate from Microsoft Learning

The Microsoft Learning Professional Ruby on Rails Engineer Certificate is a certification program that teaches developers the fundamentals of developing web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework. This certificate program is designed to help developers gain the skills and knowledge needed to create modern, efficient web applications.

The certificate program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. During this time, students will learn how to use the Rails framework, build databases, and develop web applications with real-world examples. The course also covers topics such as security best practices, debugging techniques, and deploying applications.

In order to obtain the Professional Ruby on Rails Engineer Certificate from Microsoft Learning, students must first complete a series of online courses and exams. The courses are offered through edX and include lectures by industry experts as well as hands-on activities for practical application of concepts learned in class. After completing all of the required courses and exams, students must then pass a final exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining the Professional Ruby on Rails Engineer Certificate from Microsoft Learning varies depending on which courses are taken and whether or not any additional fees are required for materials or other services. Generally speaking, however, it should cost between $500-$1,000 USD in total for all of the necessary courses and exams.

8. Certified Advanced Ruby on Rails Developer from W3C Schools

Certified Advanced Ruby on Rails Developer from W3C Schools is a professional certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the Ruby on Rails development framework. It is an advanced level certification that requires a comprehensive understanding of the Ruby language and its associated frameworks.

The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project. The written exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of Ruby on Rails, including topics such as object-oriented programming, databases, web services, and security. The practical project requires you to develop an application using the Ruby on Rails framework.

It typically takes about six months to complete the program, depending on your experience and dedication. To get started, you will need to sign up for an online course or attend a classroom course at one of W3C's training centers. You will then need to pass the written exam and complete the practical project before being awarded your certification.

The cost for the Certified Advanced Ruby on Rails Developer program varies depending on which training center you choose and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD.

9. Certified Expert in Ruby on Rails Development from the International Webmasters Association

The Certified Expert in Ruby on Rails Development from the International Webmasters Association (IWA) is a professional certification that demonstrates mastery of the Ruby on Rails framework. This certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in developing web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an online exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as Ruby language fundamentals, object-oriented programming, database design and development, web application development with Ruby on Rails, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To get started, applicants must first register for the certification program by visiting the IWA website and filling out an application form. Once registered, applicants will need to purchase a copy of the official study guide for the exam ($99 USD). After studying for the exam, applicants can then take it online at their own convenience.

The cost of the Certified Expert in Ruby on Rails Development from IWA is $299 USD. This fee includes access to all necessary materials and resources required for taking and passing the exam.

10. Certified Senior Ruby on Rails Developer from the American Academy of Computer Science

The Certified Senior Ruby on Rails Developer from the American Academy of Computer Science is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in developing web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in building, deploying, and maintaining web applications with Ruby on Rails.

To obtain the certification, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with a fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as database design, object-oriented programming principles, HTML/CSS/Javascript fundamentals, security best practices, and more. The exam is typically taken over two days and consists of multiple choice questions and coding challenges.

The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you are taking it for yourself or through an employer. For individuals taking the exam independently, it costs $495 USD plus applicable taxes. For employers sponsoring employees for the exam, there is an additional fee of $395 USD per employee.

Once successfully completed, applicants will receive their Certified Senior Ruby on Rails Developer certificate from the American Academy of Computer Science. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by passing another comprehensive exam at any time during that period.

Do You Really Need a Rails Developer Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need a Rails developer certificate, the answer depends on your individual situation. If you are looking to become a professional Rails developer and work for a company that requires certification, then it may be necessary for you to obtain one. However, if you are just looking to learn more about the language and use it for personal projects, then a certificate is likely unnecessary.

Rails is an open-source framework that allows developers to quickly create powerful web applications. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its flexibility and scalability. As such, many companies have begun requiring certification from their developers in order to ensure they are adequately trained in the language. In addition, some employers may view having a Rails developer certificate as an indication of dedication and commitment to the technology.

In general, obtaining a Rails developer certificate can be beneficial if you plan on pursuing a career as a professional Rails developer. It can demonstrate your knowledge of the language and help set you apart from other applicants who may not have taken the time to acquire formal certification. Additionally, having this type of credential can provide evidence that you are qualified for certain roles and make it easier for potential employers to assess your skillset.

On the other hand, if you already have experience with Rails or simply want to explore its capabilities without seeking out employment opportunities in the field, then obtaining certification may not be necessary. You could instead focus on learning through tutorials and practice building apps with the framework without needing any sort of official recognition from an organization or institution. Ultimately, it is up to each individual person’s preferences and goals when deciding whether or not they need a Rails developer certificate.

Related: Rails Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Rails Developer Certifications

1. What is the difference between a Rails developer certification and a Rails development degree?

Answer: A Rails developer certification is an industry-recognized qualification that demonstrates expertise in developing web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework. A Rails development degree, on the other hand, is an academic qualification awarded by an accredited institution upon successful completion of a course of study related to software development and programming.

2. How do I become a certified Rails developer?

Answer: To become a certified Rails developer, you need to complete hands-on training courses related to the Ruby on Rails framework and pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills. There are several organizations that offer certifications for developers who specialize in Ruby on Rails.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Rails developer?

Answer: Becoming a certified Rails developer can give you an edge in the job market, as employers often look for candidates with official qualifications when hiring for positions related to web application development. Additionally, certification can help you stay up-to-date with best practices and trends in the industry, as well as demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

4. How long does it take to get a Rails developer certification?

Answer: The length of time required to obtain a Rails developer certification will depend on your experience level and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it takes most people between 1–3 months to prepare for their certification exams if they are already experienced in Ruby on Rails development or have taken courses related to the framework.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting a Railss Developer Certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be certain prerequisites depending on which organization or company is offering the certification program. For example, some organizations may require applicants to have previous experience working with Ruby on Rails before they can apply for their certifications while others may not have any prerequisites at all. It’s important to read through all of the requirements carefully before signing up for any certification program so that you know what you’re getting into beforehand.