Top 10 Senior Web Developer Certifications

Certifications are an important way for senior web developers to demonstrate their skills and experience in the job market. Having certifications can give employers the assurance that a candidate has the knowledge and experience needed to fulfill the role. Certifications also allow employers to compare candidates’ qualifications in a standardized way, making it easier to identify which applicants will be best suited for a particular job. Additionally, certifications from well-known organizations can provide further credibility to a senior web developer's resume and show that they have put in the effort required to become certified.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Senior Web Developers and explains how they can help enhance a senior web developer's career.

What are Senior Web Developer Certifications?

Senior web developer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in developing websites and web applications. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that the certified individual has the skills necessary to build, maintain, and improve complex web applications. The certification consists of several elements including knowledge-based assessments, hands-on projects, and interviews.

The benefits of senior web developer certification include recognition by employers as a certified professional, increased job opportunities due to enhanced credibility, and improved earning potential due to higher wages for certified professionals. Additionally, having this credential can help individuals stand out from their peers who may not have the same level of expertise or experience. With this certification, individuals demonstrate to employers that they possess the skills necessary to create effective websites and web applications that are both secure and efficient. This can give them a competitive edge when it comes to finding jobs in the industry or obtaining high-level positions within organizations.

Pro Tip: If you're interested in becoming a senior web developer, be sure to look into certification programs and courses that are offered both online and in-person. Having a certification can give you an edge when applying for jobs, as it shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required for the position.

Related: What does a Senior Web Developer do?

Top 10 Senior Web Developer Certifications

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

1. Certified Web Developer (CWD)

Certified Web Developer (CWD) is a professional certification that validates a web developer’s expertise in web development. This certification is issued by the International Association of Web Professionals (IAWP).

To obtain the CWD certification, you must pass a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge and skills in web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

The duration of the exam varies depending on the individual’s level of experience and proficiency in web development technologies. Generally speaking, it takes around two hours to complete the exam.

To get certified as a CWD, you must first register with IAWP and pay an examination fee of $250 USD. Once registered, you will receive access to study materials and practice exams that can help you prepare for the actual certification test. After passing the exam, you will be awarded a digital certificate from IAWP which can be used to demonstrate your expertise in web development.

2. Certified Senior Web Developer (CSWD)

Certified Senior Web Developer (CSWD) is a professional certification program for web developers who have at least five years of experience in developing websites and applications. The certification is offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced web developers and to provide them with recognition from their peers.

The CSWD exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project. The written exam covers topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, SQL, XML, PHP, ASP.NET, Web Services, and more. The practical project requires applicants to build a website or application that meets certain requirements set by IASA.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CSWD certification process. During this time applicants must study for the written exam and complete the practical project. Applicants must also submit an application form to IASA along with their resume and other required documents.

The cost of the CSWD certification varies depending on where you are taking it from but generally ranges between $400-$600 USD.

3. Certified Professional Web Developer (CPWD)

Certified Professional Web Developer (CPWD) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Web Developers (IAWD). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of web developers in the areas of web design, development, and maintenance. The CPWD certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a web developer’s expertise in building websites.

The CPWD certification requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, and other related technologies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must also demonstrate their experience with web development tools such as Adobe Dreamweaver or Microsoft Expression Web.

The cost for the CPWD certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or online proctoring service.

To get certified as a CPWD, candidates must first register for an IAWD account and then apply for the CPWD certification by submitting their application form along with proof of their experience in web development. Once approved by IAWD, candidates will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time. After successfully completing the exam with a passing score, candidates will receive their official CPWD certificate from IAWD within four weeks of completing their test.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications is a certification that validates the skills of web developers in building and maintaining modern web applications and services. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to design and develop high-quality solutions that meet customer needs, using Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the MCSD: Web Applications certification. To get certified, you must pass three exams: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 (70-480), Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications (70-486), and Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services (70-487).

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location. The exam fee for each exam is usually around $150 USD.

5. Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6

Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6 is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using the features and functions of Adobe Dreamweaver CS6. This certification proves that an individual has mastered the skills needed to create, develop, and maintain websites using this software.

To become an Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6, you must pass a 90-minute exam administered by Adobe. The exam covers topics such as creating and managing web pages, working with HTML5 and CSS3, incorporating multimedia elements into websites, and optimizing websites for search engines. You can prepare for the exam by taking online courses or attending instructor-led classes.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $180 to $250 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive an official Adobe Certified Expert: Dreamweaver CS6 certificate and digital badge that can be used to show off your expertise on social media sites or job applications.

6. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 5 Web Component Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 5 Web Component Developer is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to develop web applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 5. It is designed for experienced developers who have a strong knowledge of the Java programming language and the Java EE platform.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the exam and obtain the certification. To get certified, you must first pass a multiple-choice exam administered by Oracle. The exam covers topics such as servlets, JSPs, EJBs, web services, security, and more.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $245 to $295 USD.

7. Zend Certified Engineer in PHP 5

Zend Certified Engineer (ZCE) in PHP 5 is a professional certification program for PHP developers. It is designed to demonstrate a developer's proficiency in the development of web applications using the PHP 5 programming language.

The ZCE certification exam is a two-hour, multiple-choice test that covers topics such as object-oriented programming, security, databases and web services. The exam consists of 75 questions and must be completed within two hours. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70%.

In order to get certified as a Zend Certified Engineer in PHP 5, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Zend Technologies. The cost of the voucher varies by country but generally ranges from $150 to $250 USD. You can then register for an exam at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online practice tests provided by Zend Technologies. These practice tests are designed to help prepare you for the actual certification exam and should be taken before attempting the real thing.

After passing the certification exam, you will be awarded a Zend Certified Engineer in PHP 5 certificate and digital badge that can be used on your resume or website to demonstrate your expertise in developing web applications with PHP 5.

8. CIW Advanced HTML5 and CSS3 Specialist

CIW Advanced HTML5 and CSS3 Specialist is a certification from the Certified Internet Webmaster Association that demonstrates advanced knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3. It requires passing an exam that tests an individual’s understanding of HTML5, CSS3, web design principles, and JavaScript. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $200. To get the certification, individuals must pass the CIW Advanced HTML5 and CSS3 Specialist Exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as HTML5 document structure, styling with CSS3, creating interactive web pages with JavaScript, optimizing websites for mobile devices, and more. Passing the exam requires a score of 70% or higher.

9. CIW Site Development Associate

CIW Site Development Associate is a certification program offered by the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) organization. It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, and maintain websites. The certification requires an individual to pass two exams: CIW Site Development Fundamentals and CIW JavaScript Specialist.

The CIW Site Development Fundamentals exam covers topics such as HTML, CSS, web page design principles, site architecture, search engine optimization (SEO), web hosting and server management, website security, and more. The CIW JavaScript Specialist exam focuses on client-side scripting using JavaScript.

It typically takes around three months of study time to prepare for the two exams. However, this can vary depending on the individual’s experience level with web development and their ability to learn quickly.

In order to get certified as a CIW Site Development Associate, you must first register for an account with the CIW website. Once your account is created, you can purchase the exams from their store. Each exam costs $125 USD. After purchasing the exams, you will have 90 days to complete them both before they expire.

Once you have successfully passed both exams, you will be awarded your official CIW Site Development Associate certification which will be valid for three years.

10. CIW JavaScript Specialist

CIW JavaScript Specialist is a certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in JavaScript programming. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills necessary to develop interactive web pages using JavaScript. The certification requires a passing score on one exam, which covers topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript fundamentals, DOM manipulation, AJAX, jQuery and more.

The exam typically takes around 90 minutes to complete and costs $125 USD. To obtain the CIW JavaScript Specialist certification you must pass the CIW 1D0-635: JavaScript Specialist exam. This exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via their website.

Do You Really Need a Senior Web Developer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. If you are an experienced web developer looking to expand your skills and knowledge, a senior web developer certificate may be beneficial. The certificate will show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further your education and have achieved a higher level of expertise than other job applicants.

On the other hand, if you are new to web development or do not have much experience in the field, it may not be necessary for you to obtain a senior web developer certificate. You can still demonstrate your knowledge and skill set through other means such as coding challenges and portfolio projects. Additionally, employers often prefer candidates with real-world experience over those who simply possess a certification.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a senior web developer certificate is up to you and depends on your individual goals and circumstances. It is important to consider all of your options before making a decision so that you can make the best choice for yourself and your career.

Related: Senior Web Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Web Developer Certifications

Q1: What is a Senior Web Developer Certification?

A1: A Senior Web Developer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in web development. It typically requires practical experience working with web technologies as well as passing an exam.

Q2: How can I prepare for the Senior Web Developer Certification Exam?

A2: To prepare for the exam, you should become familiar with the topics covered in the exam, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, PHP, MySQL, and other web development technologies. You should also practice with sample questions to get comfortable with the format of the exam.

Q3: What are some benefits of having a Senior Web Developer Certification?

A3: Having a Senior Web Developer Certification gives employers confidence that you have advanced knowledge and skills in web development. Additionally, it can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. It also shows that you are committed to improving your skills and keeping up with current trends in web development.

Q4: How much does it cost to get a Senior Web Developer Certification?

A4: The cost of getting a Senior Web Developer Certification varies depending on where you get certified and which program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2000 USD depending on how long they take and what materials they include.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for getting a Senior Web Developer Certification?

A5: Most programs do not require prerequisites but may require prior experience working with web technologies or passing additional exams before taking the certification exam. Additionally, some certifications may require completion of coursework or training programs before taking the certification exam.