Top 11 Web Application Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for web application developers because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They prove to potential employers that the developer has taken the time to learn and understand specific technologies, frameworks, and tools. This can be especially beneficial when working on complex projects or with cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, certifications provide a way for employers to quickly verify an applicant’s skill set and qualifications. Finally, certifications can make a job candidate stand out from other applicants by providing tangible evidence of their skills and experience.

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of some of the top certifications for Web Application Developers, and explain how they can help advance a Web Application Developer's career.

What are Web Application Developer Certifications?

Web application developer certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates a person’s ability to design, develop, and maintain web applications. It is typically awarded after an individual passes an exam or completes a course of study related to web development. This certification can help people who are looking for employment in the field of web development by providing them with proof of their knowledge and skills. Additionally, having this certification can give job applicants an edge over other candidates since it shows employers that they have the necessary qualifications to handle such tasks as developing websites, creating databases, and coding using various programming languages. Furthermore, those who possess this certification may be eligible for higher salaries due to the increased demand for qualified web developers in today’s market.

Pro Tip: When considering a web application developer certification, make sure to research the curriculum and credentials of the provider. Ensure that the certification is up-to-date with current industry standards and will provide you with the skills necessary to stay competitive in your field.

Related: What does a Web Application Developer do?

Top 11 Web Application Developer Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is a certification that demonstrates proficiency in developing and designing solutions for Microsoft technologies. It is designed to validate the skills of experienced software developers who use Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework to develop applications.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the MCSD certification, depending on your experience level and how much time you can dedicate to studying. To get certified, you must pass four exams: two core exams and two elective exams. The core exams cover topics such as developing Windows Store apps using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript; designing Windows Azure solutions; developing ASP.NET MVC web applications; and developing Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) services. The elective exams cover topics such as developing web applications with C#, designing Windows 8 apps using XAML, creating mobile applications with HTML5, and deploying enterprise solutions with SharePoint 2013.

The cost of the MCSD certification varies depending on which exams you take. Each exam costs $150 USD plus applicable taxes. Therefore, if you take all four exams it will cost approximately $600 USD plus taxes.

2. Oracle Certified Professional Java EE Web Component Developer

Oracle Certified Professional Java EE Web Component Developer is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in developing web applications using the Java Enterprise Edition (EE) platform. This certification validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in developing web components using the Java EE platform, including Servlets, JSPs, and EJBs.

The Oracle Certified Professional Java EE Web Component Developer exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 120 minutes to complete. To qualify for this certification, you must have at least two years of experience with Java EE development, as well as a strong understanding of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, and XML.

To get this certification, you must first register for the exam on the Oracle website. The cost of the exam varies by country; however, it typically costs around $245 USD. Once you have registered for the exam and paid the fee, you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will then be able to schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your Oracle Certified Professional Java EE Web Component Developer certificate from Oracle.

3. CIW Web Foundations Associate

CIW Web Foundations Associate is an entry-level certification that validates a person’s understanding of the fundamentals of web development. It covers topics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as basic concepts such as web hosting, security, and accessibility.

The certification requires the completion of a single exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, a minimum score of 70% is required.

In order to take the exam, you must first purchase a voucher from CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) or an authorized reseller. The cost for the exam voucher varies depending on where it is purchased from but typically ranges from $125 - $175 USD.

Once you have your voucher, you can register for the exam at Pearson VUE's website and schedule your test appointment at any of their testing centers worldwide. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive your CIW Web Foundations Associate certification in the mail within two weeks.

4. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Dreamweaver

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Dreamweaver is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced skills in using the web design and development application, Dreamweaver. The ACE certification is intended to validate an individual’s expertise in creating websites, web applications, and other interactive content with Dreamweaver.

To become an ACE, you must pass two exams: the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam for Dreamweaver and the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam for Dreamweaver. The ACA exam covers basic concepts of web design and development, while the ACE exam focuses on more advanced topics such as working with databases, scripting languages, and multimedia.

The time it takes to get your ACE certification depends on how much time you are willing to dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare adequately for both exams.

You can register for both exams through Pearson VUE at https://www.pearsonvue.com/adobe/. Each exam costs $180 USD, so the total cost of becoming an ACE is $360 USD.

5. Zend Certified PHP Engineer

The Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional's knowledge and expertise in developing web applications using the PHP programming language. This certification is designed to demonstrate the skills and abilities of an individual who has mastered the fundamentals of PHP, including object-oriented programming, security, performance tuning, database integration, and web services.

It typically takes around four to six months of preparation to become a Zend Certified PHP Engineer. During this time, individuals must gain experience with the latest version of PHP, familiarize themselves with the Zend Framework, and study for the exam. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals take online courses or attend workshops related to PHP development.

In order to become a Zend Certified PHP Engineer, individuals must pass a two-hour exam administered by Pearson VUE. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as object-oriented programming principles; security; performance tuning; database integration; web services; and more.

The cost for taking the Zend Certified PHP Engineer exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD.

6. Apple Certified Web Developer

Apple Certified Web Developer is a certification program offered by Apple Inc. to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in developing web applications for Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The certification is designed to provide developers with the skills and knowledge necessary to create cutting-edge web applications that are optimized for use on Apple devices.

The certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, AJAX, and other related technologies. It also provides hands-on experience with building web applications using Apple’s development tools such as Xcode and Interface Builder. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics and your ability to apply them in a practical setting.

It typically takes about six months to complete the training and pass the exam. However, this can vary depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying and practicing your skills.

To get certified, you must first register for the program through Apple's website or through an authorized training provider. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course materials and take the exam at an authorized testing center near you when you are ready.

The cost of becoming an Apple Certified Web Developer varies depending on where you choose to take the course and which training provider you select. Generally speaking, it can range from around $500-$1500 USD depending on what is included in your package (e.g., access to additional resources such as tutorials).

7. Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification

Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification is a certification program offered by Salesforce to validate a developer’s knowledge of the Salesforce platform. It is designed for developers who have experience building custom applications on the Salesforce platform. The certification covers topics such as Apex programming, Visualforce pages, Force.com development, and data modeling.

It typically takes around 150 hours to prepare for the exam and pass it successfully. This includes studying all the materials provided by Salesforce and taking practice tests. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 90 minutes or less.

To get certified, you will need to register with Salesforce and pay an exam fee of $200 USD. Once registered, you can take the exam at any authorized testing center near you or online via ProctorU. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from Salesforce within 10 business days.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on how much time you spend preparing for the exam and if you use any third-party study materials or services.

8. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in designing and deploying cloud-based solutions using AWS technologies. The certification is intended for individuals who have a good understanding of the AWS platform and its core services, as well as experience with building applications on the AWS platform.

The exam typically takes about 130 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions. It covers topics such as designing highly available, cost efficient, fault tolerant, scalable systems; selecting appropriate AWS services; estimating costs; deploying secure systems on the AWS platform; identifying appropriate use of AWS operational best practices; understanding data security options; and troubleshooting.

To get the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification, you must first pass the exam. You can do this by registering for an exam through the Amazon website or through a third-party provider like Pearson VUE or Prometric. Once you have registered for the exam, you will need to study and prepare for it in order to pass. This typically involves taking practice exams, studying course materials, attending training courses, or reading books related to the topics covered in the exam.

The cost of taking the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam varies depending on where you take it. If you take it through Amazon itself, it will cost $150 USD per attempt. If you take it through a third-party provider like Pearson VUE or Prometric, it will cost between $100 - $300 USD per attempt depending on your location.

9. CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI Certification

CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of system administrators, developers, and other IT professionals working with Linux systems. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of core system administration tasks across multiple distributions of Linux. The certification covers topics such as installation and configuration, networking fundamentals, security, troubleshooting and more.

The CompTIA Linux+ exam consists of two parts: LX0-103 and LX0-104. The exams are 90 minutes each and consist of 60 multiple choice questions for each part. To become certified, you must pass both exams within 12 months of each other.

To get the CompTIA Linux+ certification, you need to register with CompTIA for the exam. You can register online or through a local testing center. The cost for the two-part exam is $329 USD per part ($658 USD total).

Once you have passed both parts of the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Linux+ certification from CompTIA which is valid for three years from the date of passing.

10. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program from Red Hat, Inc. that validates a user's skills in managing and configuring Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is designed for experienced system administrators who have the knowledge and skills to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but generally ranges between $400-$500 USD.

To get certified as an RHCSA, you must first pass the RHCSA Exam (EX200). This exam tests your knowledge of installation, configuration, management, and troubleshooting of Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. To prepare for this exam, it is recommended that you take a course such as Red Hat System Administration I (RH124) or attend a training session with an authorized training partner. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the RHCSA certification.

11. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Web Development Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to help individuals gain technical skills and knowledge in the areas of web development fundamentals. The MTA certification provides a foundation for those looking to further their career in web development, as well as those who want to demonstrate their technical proficiency.

The MTA Web Development Fundamentals exam covers a wide range of topics related to web development, including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, ASP.NET and AJAX. The exam consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

To get the MTA Web Development Fundamentals certification, you must first pass the associated exam. You can purchase an exam voucher from Microsoft or one of its authorized resellers and then register for the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $100-$125 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your digital certificate and transcript from Microsoft’s Learning Portal. You can also use this portal to view your score report and download your certificate.

Do You Really Need a Web Application Developer Certificate?

When it comes to developing web applications, having a certification can be beneficial in some cases. However, it is not always necessary for success. It really depends on the individual and what their goals are.

For those who are just starting out in web development, a certificate can be helpful as it will demonstrate your knowledge of the subject and provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the industry. Having a certificate also shows potential employers that you understand the basics of web development and have received formal training in the field. This can give them confidence that you will be able to handle their project effectively.

However, there are many experienced web developers who do not have any certificates or formal training in the field. These developers often rely on their experience and self-taught skills to develop successful websites and applications. As long as they stay up-to-date with new technologies and trends in the industry, they can remain competitive without needing a certificate or degree.

In conclusion, it really depends on your individual goals and situation when deciding whether or not you need a web application developer certificate. For those who are just getting started in the industry, having one could be helpful for establishing credibility with employers or clients. For those with more experience under their belt, a certificate may not be necessary if they continue to hone their skills and stay abreast of current trends in the industry.

Related: Web Application Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Web Application Developer Certifications

Q1. What are the benefits of becoming a web application developer?

A1. Becoming a web application developer can provide you with many career opportunities, such as the ability to work remotely and on flexible schedules, increased job security, higher pay, and the potential to become an expert in your field.

Q2. How do I become certified as a web application developer?

A2. In order to become certified as a web application developer, you will need to complete an accredited program or course that covers topics such as programming languages, database design, software development processes and other related topics. Once you have completed your program or coursework, you can then apply for certification through organizations such as Microsoft and Oracle.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a web application developer?

A3. Yes, most programs and courses require applicants to have some prior knowledge of coding languages such as HTML5, JavaScript and CSS3 before enrolling in their programs. Additionally, applicants may be required to have experience with SQL databases and other back-end technologies in order to gain certification.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a web application developer?

A4. This depends on the program or course that you choose; however, most programs take between 6-12 months to complete depending on how much time is dedicated each week towards studying and completing assignments.

Q5. Is being certified as a web application developer worth it?

A5: Yes! Becoming certified as a web application developer can open up many job opportunities and increase your earning potential significantly compared to those without certification or experience in this field of work