Top 10 Software Developer Certifications

Certifications are an important part of being a successful software developer. They demonstrate your knowledge and skills, give you credibility and recognition in the job market, and help you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement and higher pay. Employers often look for candidates with specific certifications when hiring software developers, so having them can make you a more attractive candidate. Finally, having certifications makes it easier to stay up-to-date on current technologies and best practices in software development.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Software Developers and explain how these certifications can help to enhance a software developer's career.

What are Software Developer Certifications?

Software developer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in software development. It is often awarded by a third-party organization or institution, providing evidence that the individual has met certain standards of proficiency and expertise in software development. Certification can help individuals demonstrate their abilities to employers, increase their chances of being hired, and enhance their professional reputations. It can also be used to validate existing skills when applying for a job, or to gain qualifications for career advancement. With certification, software developers are able to stay current with the ever-changing technology landscape and prove their competency in the field. Additionally, software developer certifications can provide individuals with access to exclusive resources such as industry knowledge and networking opportunities. In summary, obtaining software developer certification can be beneficial for anyone wishing to validate their skills and advance their careers in the field of software development.

Pro Tip: If you are considering obtaining a software developer certification, research the specific certifications available and determine which one best fits your career goals. Additionally, make sure to verify that the certification is recognized by employers in your industry and that it is up-to-date with the latest technologies.

Related: What does a Software Developer do?

Top 10 Software Developer Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of developers who design, develop, deploy, and maintain applications and services that run on Microsoft platforms.

It takes approximately three to six months to prepare for the MCSD certification exams. The preparation time varies depending on your experience level and the amount of study time you are willing to commit. You can find a variety of resources available online that can help you prepare for the exams.

To get certified as an MCSD, you must pass four exams: two core exams plus two elective exams. The core exams are focused on developing solutions using Microsoft technologies such as Windows Store Apps, Web Applications, SharePoint Applications, Azure Solutions, and Office 365 Solutions. The elective exams cover topics such as ASP.NET MVC 5 Web Applications Development or Developing Windows Azure and Web Services.

The cost for each exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$200 per exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with training materials or courses that you may need in order to prepare for the certification exams.

2. Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP)

Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP) is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s expertise in the Java programming language. The OCPJP certification is offered by Oracle, and it is one of the most sought after certifications for software developers who specialize in Java development.

The OCPJP exam consists of two parts, each lasting 90 minutes. The first part covers basic concepts of the Java language such as syntax, data types, operators, classes and objects, and flow control. The second part covers more advanced topics such as threading, collections, I/O streams, generics, JDBC API, and more.

In order to get certified as an OCPJP programmer you must pass both parts of the exam with a score of 75% or higher. You can prepare for the exam by taking online courses or attending instructor-led training programs offered by Oracle or other third-party providers.

The cost for taking the OCPJP exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $245 to $395 USD.

3. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification that verifies the skills necessary to perform foundational IT support roles. It is an entry-level credential that validates the ability to troubleshoot, configure, and maintain PCs, mobile devices, laptops, printers and operating systems.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The Core 1 exam covers hardware, networking, mobile devices and troubleshooting while the Core 2 exam covers Windows operating systems, security and operational procedures. Both exams are 90 minutes long with a maximum of 90 questions each.

To get CompTIA A+ certified you must pass both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. You can take the exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website. The cost for each exam is $226 USD ($452 total for both exams).

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification depending on your experience level. Studying materials such as practice tests, textbooks, video tutorials or instructor led courses can help you prepare for the exams.

4. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification offered by the Scrum Alliance that recognizes individuals who have been trained and educated in the principles and practices of the Scrum framework. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the Agile methodology, as well as their ability to effectively lead teams using Scrum.

In order to become a Certified ScrumMaster, individuals must attend a two-day CSM course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During the course, students will learn about the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles, artifacts, events, and rules. After completing the course, participants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their certification.

The cost of taking a CSM course varies depending on where it is taken and who is teaching it. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000 - $2,500 USD. In addition to the cost of attending a course, there is also an annual membership fee associated with being a Certified ScrumMaster which ranges from $100 - $250 USD per year.

Once certified as a CSM, individuals can use their credentials to demonstrate their knowledge of Agile principles and practices as well as their ability to lead teams using Scrum.

5. Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates a person’s technical skills and knowledge in designing, deploying, and operating applications and infrastructure on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. The certification demonstrates that the individual has the ability to design, deploy, and operate highly available, scalable, fault-tolerant AWS solutions.

The exam typically takes about 2 hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. It covers topics such as networking, storage, security, compute services, databases, application services, deployment strategies, automation and cost optimization.

To get the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification you must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. You can register for this exam through the AWS Certification website or through a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $300 USD.

In order to prepare for this exam it is recommended that you have at least one year of experience working with AWS services in a real-world environment. Additionally there are several online training courses available that can help prepare you for the exam as well as practice exams which can be purchased online or through Pearson VUE testing centers.

6. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source software solutions. The RHCE certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to configure, deploy, manage and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems in a real-world environment. It is the highest level of certification offered by Red Hat and requires a comprehensive knowledge of Linux system administration.

It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the RHCE exam, depending on your experience level with Linux. To become certified, you must pass both the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam and the RHCE exam. The RHCSA exam tests your knowledge of basic system administration tasks such as configuring networking, managing users and groups, setting up services, and using command line tools. The RHCE exam tests your ability to configure advanced features such as firewalls, SELinux security policies, clustering technologies, storage management and more.

The cost of the RHCE certification depends on whether you choose to take the exams online or in person at an authorized testing center. Online exams typically cost between $400-$500 USD while in-person exams can range from $600-$800 USD depending on your location.

7. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) is a certification program offered by Adobe for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in one or more of its products. This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of skill and proficiency with Adobe products.

To become an ACE, you must pass one or more Adobe product-specific exams. These exams are designed to test your knowledge and skills in the use of specific Adobe products. The exams are administered through Pearson VUE, an authorized testing center, and typically take between 1-2 hours to complete. The cost of each exam varies depending on the particular product being tested, but generally ranges from $100-$200 USD.

Once you have passed the required exam(s), you will receive an official certificate of completion from Adobe and will be listed on the official Adobe Certified Expert registry. This certification is valid for two years after which time you will need to retake the relevant exam(s) in order to maintain your ACE status.

Overall, becoming an ACE requires dedication and commitment as well as significant investment in both time and money. However, it can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise with Adobe products and can open up new opportunities for career advancement or increased earning potential.

8. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual's skills in installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting medium-sized routed and switched networks. The CCNA certification is the foundation level of Cisco's networking certifications and is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the CCNA certification process. To get the CCNA certification you must first pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2). After passing both exams you will receive your CCNA certification.

The cost of obtaining the CCNA certification varies depending on where you take your exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 for each exam.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most recognized and respected certification in the project management field. The PMP demonstrates that an individual has the experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects.

To get the PMP certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience over the last 8 years, or a secondary degree with at least three years of project management experience over the last 8 years. You must also pass an exam administered by PMI.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. To prepare for the exam, you can take courses offered by PMI or other organizations. There are also many books and online resources available to help you study for the exam.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of PMI. In general, it costs around $555 USD for non-members and $405 USD for members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials to prepare for the exam.

10. Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT)

Apple Certified Mac Technician (ACMT) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to give technicians the skills they need to service and repair Apple products. The certification is offered by Apple and requires passing a rigorous exam that tests a technician’s knowledge of Mac hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting techniques.

The ACMT certification typically takes about three months to complete. The process starts with self-study or online courses to prepare for the exam. Once the preparation is complete, the applicant must pass a two-hour proctored exam at an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store. The cost of the ACMT exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD.

Once certified, technicians are eligible for discounts on Apple products and services as well as access to exclusive resources such as technical support and product information. They may also be able to receive additional training opportunities from Apple or its authorized partners.

Do You Really Need a Software Developer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not necessarily need a software developer certificate to be successful in the software development industry. However, it can certainly help and give you an edge over other potential candidates.

Having a software developer certificate shows that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job, as well as dedication to your craft and career. It also demonstrates that you are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in software development.

When considering whether or not to pursue a certification, it’s important to evaluate your current skill set and experience. If you already have a good amount of experience working with software development tools and techniques, then there may not be as much of a need for a certification. On the other hand, if you are relatively new to the industry or feel that you could use some extra training or practice on certain topics, then obtaining a certification might be beneficial.

In addition, having a software developer certificate may also improve your chances of landing interviews for positions within the industry. Companies often look for candidates who possess certifications as it demonstrates their commitment to learning new technologies and keeping up with changes in the field. Furthermore, employers may view this type of credential favorably when making hiring decisions since it confirms that an individual has met certain standards in their training program and has acquired specific knowledge related to software development.

Overall, while having a software developer certificate isn’t necessarily required for success in this field, it can certainly prove helpful by demonstrating your expertise and commitment to staying up-to-date with relevant technologies. Ultimately, whether or not pursuing such a certification is right for you depends on factors such as your level of experience and familiarity with existing tools and techniques used in the industry.

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FAQs About Software Developer Certifications

Q1. What is a software developer certification?

A1. A software developer certification is an industry-recognized credential that confirms a developer’s proficiency in developing and testing software applications. The certification is typically obtained by passing an exam or completing a series of courses.

Q2. How do I get certified as a software developer?

A2. In order to become certified, you will need to complete the necessary training and/or pass the corresponding exam for the specific certification you are pursuing. Different certifications may require different levels of experience and knowledge in order to qualify for the exam.

Q3. What are some popular software developer certifications?

A3. Popular certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), Oracle Certified Professional Java Developer (OCPJD), Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and CompTIA A+ Certification.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining software developer certifications?

A4. Prerequisites vary depending on the type of certification being pursued, but many require prior experience or knowledge of related topics such as computer programming, web development, database management, network security and operating systems.

Q5. How much does it cost to obtain a software developer certification?

A5. Costs vary depending on the type of certification being pursued, however most exams range from $100-$300 per attempt, with additional costs for study materials and preparation courses if needed