Top 10 Technical Lead Certifications

Certifications are important for a technical lead in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of proficiency and knowledge in a particular field. They also show potential employers that the technical lead has taken the time and effort to gain additional skills and expertise, which can be an asset when competing for jobs. Certifications provide proof that the technical lead is knowledgeable in their field and have gained a certain level of mastery, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for the technical lead, as many employers prefer to hire people who have been certified in their area of expertise.

This article reviews the top certifications for Technical Leads and explains how they can help Technical Leads advance their career.

What are Technical Lead Certifications?

Technical Lead Certification is a professional certification designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of technical leads in software development. It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has mastered the essential skills, knowledge, and practices necessary to effectively lead a successful software development project. This certification can help individuals advance their careers by providing a recognized credential that verifies their expertise in leading complex software projects. It can also provide employers with assurance that the technical lead they are hiring has the necessary qualifications for the job. Additionally, it can help organizations develop standards for evaluating potential technical leads and ensure that their teams have the right people in place for success.

Pro Tip: When looking for a technical lead certification, consider the specific skills and experience you need to succeed in your current role. Look for certifications that focus on the specific technology stack and development practices you use, as well as soft skills such as leadership, communication, and project management.

Related: What does a Technical Lead do?

Top 10 Technical Lead Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Technical Leads today.

1. Certified Technical Lead (CTL)

Certified Technical Lead (CTL) is a professional certification from the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). It is designed to recognize technical leaders who have demonstrated their technical leadership skills and expertise in the areas of software architecture, design, development, and management.

The CTL certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in software engineering or related fields. Candidates must also complete an approved course on software architecture and design, as well as pass an exam administered by IASA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as software architecture fundamentals, design patterns, object-oriented programming principles, system performance optimization techniques, and more.

To get the CTL certification, candidates must first register with IASA and pay the associated fee. After registering for the certification program, candidates will be assigned a mentor who will help them prepare for the exam. The mentor will provide guidance on how to best utilize study materials and resources available to them. Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, candidates will receive their Certified Technical Lead certificate.

The cost for the CTL certification varies depending on your location and other factors such as whether you are taking an online or in-person course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 to $1,500 USD.

2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum in software development. The CSM certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful Scrum Masters.

A Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a person who has been trained and certified as a Scrum Master. The CSM certification is based on the principles of the Agile Manifesto and provides a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively implement and manage projects using the Scrum framework.

The CSM certification process typically takes 2-3 days and involves attending an approved training course, passing an online assessment, and participating in a post-course survey. After successfully completing all requirements, participants receive their official CSM certificate.

The cost of obtaining a CSM certification varies depending on the type of training course taken. Generally, courses range from $800 - $2,000 USD per person.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of project management. The PMP credential is highly sought after and respected by employers, as it demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects.

It typically takes between six to twelve months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on an individual’s background and experience. To become certified, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements, as well as pass the PMP exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as project scope management, risk management, quality management, resource management, communication management, and more.

The cost to obtain the PMP credential varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, the cost is $555 USD; for members it is $405 USD. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with obtaining the credential such as study materials or courses.

Overall, obtaining the PMP credential requires dedication and hard work but can be very rewarding for those who pursue it. It can open up many doors in terms of career advancement opportunities and can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

4. Certified Agile Leadership (CAL)

Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) is a certification program designed to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to lead successful agile transformations. It is an IC Agile Certified Professional (ICP-ACC) certification, which is recognized globally as a standard of excellence in agile leadership. The CAL certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the ability to lead agile teams, organizations, and projects successfully.

The CAL certification consists of two parts: a course and an exam. The course takes approximately 16 hours to complete and covers topics such as understanding agile principles, creating an environment for success, leading change, building high performing teams, and scaling agile across the organization. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

To get certified as a CAL, you must first take the course and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After completing the course and passing the exam, you will receive your CAL certificate from IC Agile.

The cost of getting certified as a CAL varies depending on where you take the course and which provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on your location and provider.

5. Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)

Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) is a professional certification for software developers. It is awarded by the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). The CSDP certification demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and skills to design, develop, maintain, and test software applications.

It takes an average of six months to complete the CSDP program. To get certified, you must first pass a written exam that covers topics such as software engineering principles, development processes, design patterns, and testing methods. After passing the exam, you must then complete a project to demonstrate your understanding of software development best practices.

The cost of the CSDP certification varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it will cost between $500 and $1,000 USD.

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an advanced certification program designed to demonstrate a professional's knowledge of information security. It is the most popular and globally recognized certification for information security professionals.

The CISSP certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in at least two out of eight domains of information security, including Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Legal Regulations and Compliance, Operations Security and Physical (Environmental) Security.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the exam depending on your prior experience in the field. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $699 to $1,199 USD. To become certified you must pass an exam that consists of 250 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 6 hours.

7. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in Lean Six Sigma, a business process improvement methodology. It is designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead successful Lean Six Sigma projects and initiatives.

The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their understanding of the principles of Lean Six Sigma and apply them in real-world scenarios. To become certified, individuals must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and have at least three years of experience in leading or supporting Lean Six Sigma projects.

It typically takes around six months to complete the training and certification process. The length of time can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete the coursework and pass the exam.

To get started with your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, you will need to find an accredited provider offering courses in Lean Six Sigma. Once you have identified a provider, you can register for their courses and begin learning about the principles and best practices associated with Lean Six Sigma.

The cost for obtaining your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification can vary depending on which provider you choose and what type of program they offer. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD for all course materials, exams, and certifications fees.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level qualification that provides a comprehensive introduction to IT service management best practices. It is designed to help individuals understand the core concepts of ITIL and how they can be applied to improve the delivery and management of IT services. The certification is awarded by Axelos, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc.

The ITIL Foundation certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of study time, including self-study or attending a training course. It covers five core modules: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass an exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions with a score of at least 65%.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, you can either take an online course or attend an instructor-led classroom course. The cost for the online course ranges from $200 to $400 depending on which provider you choose. For classroom courses, prices vary from $800 to $1,500 depending on location and duration.

In addition to the cost of the course itself, there is also an exam fee which typically ranges from $150-$250 depending on where you take it.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies. The MCSE covers a wide range of topics, including Windows Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, System Center, Office 365, Azure and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the MCSE certification exams. To get the certification you must pass one or more exams related to the specific technology you are seeking certification in. The cost of each exam varies depending on the technology and can range from $100-$300 per exam. Additionally there may be fees associated with registering for and taking the exams.

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 expertise in designing and deploying scalable, secure, and highly available applications on the AWS platform. The certification requires a thorough understanding of the AWS platform and its services.

It typically takes around 4-6 months to prepare for the exam, depending on the individual’s experience level. To get certified, an individual must pass an 80-minute multiple choice exam that covers topics such as networking, storage, databases, security, virtualization, and more.

The cost for the exam varies depending on location and currency exchange rates. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD to take the exam. There are also additional fees associated with retaking the exam if necessary.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every three years. This includes attending conferences or taking online courses related to AWS technologies and services.

Do You Really Need a Technical Lead Certificate?

When considering whether or not you need a technical lead certificate, it is important to understand what a technical lead does and how a certificate might help you in the role. A technical lead is someone who is responsible for managing the development of complex software projects by overseeing the entire project lifecycle from conception to delivery. The technical lead must have strong leadership skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and an in-depth understanding of the technology used in their project.

A technical lead certificate may be beneficial to those looking to pursue a career as a technical lead because it provides evidence of your knowledge and experience in the area. It also demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about best practices and have developed your skills as a leader. Additionally, having a certificate can make you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a technical lead certificate will depend on your individual goals and needs. If you are looking for ways to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in this field, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial. However, if you already possess all of the necessary skills and experience required for a successful career as a technical lead, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one.

Related: Technical Lead Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Lead Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Technical Lead?

Answer: Generally, you will need a degree in computer science or software engineering and at least five years of experience in software development. Additionally, certifications such as the Certified Technical Lead (CTL) can help demonstrate your expertise in technical leadership roles.

2. What is the Certified Technical Lead (CTL) certification?

Answer: The CTL is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s technical leadership skills and knowledge. It shows employers that you are well-versed in key areas such as software architecture, project management, and team building.

3. How much does it cost to become a Certified Technical Lead?

Answer: The cost of the CTL certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $599 to $999 USD.

4. How long does it take to complete the Certified Technical Lead course?

Answer: The time needed to complete the CTL course depends on the provider and your own pace of learning; however, most courses are designed to be completed within two months if studied consistently.

5. Is there an exam associated with becoming a Certified Technical Lead?

Answer: Yes, after completing the coursework for the CTL certification, you must pass an online exam to receive your official certification from the provider.