Top 10 Software & Web Design Certifications

Certifications are important for software and web design in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise. They can help employers quickly identify qualified candidates with the necessary skills to complete a project or task. Additionally, certifications provide validation that the candidate has completed studies related to software and web design, which adds credibility to their qualifications. Finally, certifications may be required by employers in order to qualify for certain positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Software & Web Designs and explains how they can help to advance a software & web design's career.

What are Software & Web Design Certifications?

Software & web design certification is a formal recognition of an individual's skills and expertise in the fields of software and web design. This certification can be obtained by taking courses or workshops on software and web design, or by passing an exam that tests one's knowledge of the subject matter. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate to employers that they possess the necessary skills to develop websites, applications, and other software-based products.

Certification in software & web design can help individuals advance their careers by demonstrating their skill set to potential employers. It can also help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, as having a certification shows that they have taken the time to become knowledgeable about the field. Additionally, having a certification may qualify individuals for higher salaries since employers are more likely to trust someone with proven expertise. Finally, obtaining a certification can open up new opportunities for those interested in pursuing advanced positions in software & web design.

Pro Tip: When considering software & web design certification, research the most up-to-date certifications available in your field to ensure that you have the most current knowledge and credentials.

Related: What does a Software & Web Design do?

Top 10 Software & Web Design Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Software & Web Designs today.

1. Certified Web Developer (CWD)

Certified Web Developer (CWD) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of web developers.

The CWD certification requires applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in web development topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, PHP, MySQL, and other related technologies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover these topics.

It typically takes about 30 hours of study time to prepare for the CWD exam. Applicants can use online resources or attend a training course to help them prepare for the exam.

To get certified as a CWD, applicants must pass an online proctored exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD.

2. Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in developing and designing applications on the Microsoft platform. It requires a combination of exams, training, and experience to achieve certification.

To become an MCPD, you must first pass three exams: one core exam and two elective exams. The core exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of developing applications on the Microsoft platform. The elective exams focus on specific technologies such as Windows Forms, Web Services, or Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).

In addition to passing the required exams, you must also have at least two years of professional experience in developing applications using Microsoft technologies. You can also complete a course from an authorized learning partner to fulfill this requirement.

The cost of becoming an MCPD varies depending on the number of exams you take and how many courses you choose to take. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000 - $2,000 for all three exams and any additional courses you may need to take.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to become an MCPD depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exams and completing any necessary courses.

3. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is an official certification from Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using Adobe products. This certification is designed to help employers identify professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively use Adobe products in their organizations.

To become an ACE, you must pass one or more exams that measure your proficiency in a specific Adobe product. The exams typically take between 1-2 hours to complete and are available online or at authorized testing centers around the world. The cost of each exam varies depending on the product being tested but generally ranges from $100-$200 USD.

In order to become an ACE, you must first register for an exam through the Adobe website. Once you have registered, you will need to schedule a time and location to take the exam. After completing the exam, your results will be sent to Adobe for review and if successful, you will receive your ACE certificate within 2-4 weeks.

4. Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP)

Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Java programming language. It is designed to validate a programmer’s knowledge of the core concepts and principles of the Java language, as well as its APIs and libraries.

To get certified, an individual must pass two exams: the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) Java SE 8 Programmer I exam and the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Java SE 8 Programmer II exam. The OCA exam covers basic concepts such as object-oriented programming, language fundamentals, and working with data types. The OCP exam focuses on more advanced topics such as generics, collections, concurrency, and JDBC.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for the exams depending on prior experience with Java. To get started, individuals should become familiar with the material covered in each exam by reading books or taking online courses. Once they are comfortable with the material, they can register for an official Oracle training course or practice tests to help them prepare for the exams.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether you take a training course or use practice tests to prepare for the exams. Training courses range from $1,000-$3,000 while practice tests typically cost around $100-$200 per test.

5. Apple Certified Developer (ACD)

Apple Certified Developer (ACD) is an official certification program offered by Apple to recognize developers who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in developing software for the macOS, iOS, watchOS and tvOS platforms. The ACD program consists of two levels: Apple Certified Associate (ACA) and Apple Certified Professional (ACP).

To become an ACA, developers must pass one of three exams: App Development with Swift, macOS Support Essentials or iOS Support Essentials. To become an ACP, developers must pass both the App Development with Swift and macOS Support Essentials exams.

The exams are administered by Pearson VUE and can be taken at any authorized testing center. Each exam costs $150 USD and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Depending on the developer’s experience level, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the exams.

Once certified, developers will have access to exclusive resources such as sample code, technical support and more. Additionally, they will receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their website or social media profiles to show off their accomplishment.

6. CIW Web Design Specialist (CIW-WDS)

CIW Web Design Specialist (CIW-WDS) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, and maintain websites. The program covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, web design principles, website accessibility and usability, website hosting solutions, and search engine optimization (SEO).

The CIW-WDS certification can be achieved by passing the CIW Web Design Specialist exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes or less. The exam is available online through Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

The cost of the CIW-WDS exam is $125 USD. To get certified you will need to pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam you will receive an official certificate from CIW confirming your certification status.

7. CompTIA Web Technologies Certification (CWTC)

CompTIA Web Technologies Certification (CWTC) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals working in web technologies. The CWTC certification is offered by CompTIA, a leading provider of IT certifications.

The CWTC certification covers the fundamentals of web technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, XML and more. It also covers topics such as developing websites using web frameworks and content management systems. The certification requires an understanding of how web technologies interact with each other and how they can be used to create effective websites.

The CWTC certification is valid for three years from the date it was earned. To maintain the validity of the certification, individuals must complete continuing education activities every three years or retake the exam.

To obtain the CWTC certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers all topics related to web technologies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $250-$300 USD per attempt.

8. Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE)

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

To become a ZCPE, applicants must pass a rigorous examination that tests their understanding of the core aspects of PHP programming. The exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, security, web services, and database integration. It also assesses problem-solving skills and knowledge of best practices for developing applications with PHP.

The ZCPE exam takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you are located but typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, applicants should have experience working with PHP in a professional environment and be familiar with its syntax, functions, classes, objects and other features. Additionally, they should have a good understanding of HTML/CSS/JavaScript and be able to apply these technologies when building web applications with PHP.

Once applicants have passed the ZCPE exam they will receive an official certificate from Zend Technologies which will serve as proof of their expertise in developing applications using PHP. This certification can help them stand out from other developers when applying for jobs or promotions within their organization or when seeking new opportunities elsewhere.

9. Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection Certification

Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a user’s expertise in the use of Adobe Creative Suite software. This certification demonstrates proficiency in the design and production of digital media, including web, print, video, and mobile applications.

The certification requires passing two exams: Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam for Creative Suite 6 Master Collection and one additional ACE exam for any other Creative Suite product. The exams are designed to test a user’s knowledge of the features and capabilities of Adobe Creative Suite products.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you are willing to dedicate to studying and preparing for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the exams. It is also important to note that there is no set timeline or deadline for completing the certification process; rather, it is up to each individual user as to how quickly they want to complete their studies and pass their exams.

In order to get certified, you must purchase an exam voucher from Adobe directly or through a third-party vendor such as Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. The cost of each exam voucher varies depending on which product you are certifying for; however, generally speaking, vouchers cost between $125-$150 USD per exam.

Once you have purchased your exam voucher, you will need to register with Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers in order to schedule your exam date and time. Once your exam has been scheduled, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to access your online study materials prior to taking the actual exam.

After successfully passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, you will be awarded your Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection Certification credential which can be used as proof of your expertise in using the software suite.

10. Autodesk Certified User in 3ds Max Design

Autodesk Certified User in 3ds Max Design is an industry-recognized certification that validates a user’s knowledge and skills in the Autodesk 3ds Max Design software. It is designed for entry-level users who want to demonstrate their proficiency with the software. The certification requires users to pass both a written exam and a performance-based exam.

The written exam covers topics such as interface navigation, geometry creation, materials and mapping, lighting, rendering, animation, and other related topics. The performance-based exam requires users to complete a series of tasks using the software.

It typically takes about 4 hours to complete the Autodesk Certified User in 3ds Max Design program. To get certified, you must first purchase an Autodesk Certification Voucher from an authorized reseller or directly from Autodesk. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for the exams at the Autodesk Certification website.

The cost of the Autodesk Certified User in 3ds Max Design certification varies depending on where you purchase your voucher. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 USD for both exams combined.

Do You Really Need a Software & Web Design Certificate?

Whether or not you need a software and web design certificate depends on your career goals. If you’re looking to enter the field of software and web design, then a certificate can be useful in demonstrating your knowledge of the subject and helping you stand out from other job applicants. It can also provide evidence of your skillset and familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies.

However, if you already have experience in software and web design, then it may not necessarily be necessary for you to get a certificate. You may already have enough technical knowledge or have worked in the field long enough that employers are confident in your abilities without needing additional proof.

At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide whether or not getting a software and web design certificate is worth your time and money. Consider what kind of job opportunities you’re looking for, as well as how much experience you already have in the field before making your decision.

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FAQs About Software & Web Design Certifications

Q1. What is a software and web design certification?

A1. A software and web design certification is an official recognition that an individual has demonstrated competence in the field of software or web development. It is usually awarded by a professional association or educational institution after successful completion of a course, examination, or other requirements.

Q2. What are the benefits of getting a software and web design certification?

A2. Obtaining a software and web design certification can help you stand out from other job applicants, demonstrate your commitment to professional development, increase your earning potential, give you access to exclusive job opportunities, and provide you with additional credibility in the industry.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified?

A3. The length of time it takes to obtain a certification varies depending on the type of program you choose. In general, most programs require at least one year of study and hands-on experience before you are eligible for certification.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

A4. Yes, depending on the particular program you choose, there may be certain prerequisites such as prior education or experience in the field that must be met before enrolling in a certification program.

Q5. Are there any costs associated with getting certified?

A5: Yes, most certifications require some form of payment such as tuition fees or registration fees in order to participate in the program and receive your certificate upon completion.