Top 10 Web Architect Certifications
Updated 15 min read
Certifications are important for a web architect in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge. They show employers that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn more about their craft and is serious about their career. Certifications can also give candidates an edge over other applicants who may not have the same qualifications. In addition, having certifications can open up opportunities for higher-level positions, as well as provide access to more lucrative salaries. Finally, certifications can help establish credibility and trust among potential clients, which is essential in any web development role.
The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Web Architects and explain how they can bolster a web architect's career.
What are Web Architect Certifications?
Web Architect Certification is a certification program offered by various organizations to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of web architecture. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in web development, design, and architecture. The certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career or gain recognition as a professional web architect.
The certification process typically involves taking an exam that tests the applicant’s understanding of the industry and its principles. The exam focuses on topics such as security, system architecture, coding standards, and more. Upon successful completion of the exam, the applicant will receive their certificate from the organization offering the certification.
Having a Web Architect Certification can provide many benefits for professionals in the field. It can help them stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions at companies or organizations that require web architects. Additionally, it can also be used as proof of expertise for potential employers or clients who may want to verify an individual’s level of knowledge and experience when considering hiring them for a project or job. Finally, having this type of certification may also qualify individuals for higher pay rates since they have proven themselves to be knowledgeable in their field.
Pro Tip: When considering web architect certification, research the certification requirements and make sure it is applicable to the type of work you are hoping to do. Also, look into the institution offering the certification and ensure they have a good reputation in the industry. Finally, make sure that the cost of certification is worth it in comparison to any benefits that may be gained by obtaining it.
Related: What does a Web Architect do?
Top 10 Web Architect Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Web Architects today.
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and their ability to design, deploy and manage AWS solutions. This certification demonstrates that the holder has a strong understanding of AWS services, architecture design principles, and best practices.
The exam typically takes around 80 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions. The exam covers topics such as designing fault-tolerant architectures, selecting appropriate AWS services for a given scenario, implementation/deployment considerations, security best practices, cost optimization strategies, and troubleshooting.
To get the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification you need to pass the corresponding exam. You can register for the exam through the AWS Certification Portal or through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 - $300 USD.
In addition to passing the exam you will also need to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS in order to qualify for the certification.
2. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert is a certification that validates an individual's expertise in designing and implementing solutions on Microsoft Azure, the cloud computing platform from Microsoft. It is designed for experienced IT professionals who have a deep understanding of cloud infrastructure and services, as well as the ability to design and implement secure, resilient, and scalable solutions that run on Azure.
It typically takes around 3-6 months to prepare for this certification exam depending on your experience level. To get certified, you need to pass two exams: AZ-300 (Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies) and AZ-301 (Microsoft Azure Architect Design).
The cost of these exams varies by region but generally range from $165 USD to $200 USD per exam.
3. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE Web Component Developer
Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE Web Component Developer (OCPJWCD) is an Oracle certification program that validates a developer’s knowledge and ability to develop web applications using the Java Enterprise Edition (EE) platform. This certification is designed for developers who have experience developing web components using technologies such as Servlets, JSPs, and EJBs.
It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam and complete all of the necessary coursework. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score of 65% or higher. The cost of the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $245 to $395 USD.
In order to become certified, you must first complete two courses: “Java Programming Language” and “Java EE Web Component Development”. These courses can be taken online or in person at an Oracle University facility. After completing these courses, you will then need to register for the OCPJWCD exam through Oracle’s website. Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to access the exam and submit your answers electronically. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive an official Oracle Certified Professional certificate in the mail within four weeks.
4. Zend Certified PHP Engineer
The Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE) is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s expertise in developing applications using the popular open source scripting language, PHP. It is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of PHP, including object-oriented programming, security, web services and other advanced topics.
The exam takes approximately two hours and consists of 70 multiple choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for the exam varies by country but typically ranges from $150 to $250 USD.
To prepare for the exam, you should have a working knowledge of PHP and be familiar with various aspects of web development such as HTML, JavaScript, CSS and MySQL. You should also be comfortable with object-oriented programming concepts and have experience building applications using frameworks such as Zend Framework or Symfony. Additionally, it is recommended that you take an online course or attend a training session to ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam.
5. CIW Web Foundations Associate
The CIW Web Foundations Associate is a certification program designed to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of web development. It is intended for those who are new to web development, or those who want to refresh their existing knowledge.
The CIW Web Foundations Associate program consists of two courses: CIW Site Development Associate and CIW JavaScript Specialist. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, and more. Upon completion of both courses, you will receive the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification.
To get the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification, you must first purchase a study package from the official website. The cost of the package varies depending on which version you choose; however, most packages range from $200-$300 USD. After purchasing your package, you can begin studying right away. Once you have completed both courses and passed all required exams with a minimum score of 70%, you will receive your certification.
Overall, it takes approximately 80 hours to complete the entire program and obtain your certification.
6. CompTIA Cloud+ Certification
CompTIA Cloud+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in cloud computing. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their ability to securely implement and maintain cloud technologies. The certification covers topics such as cloud models, virtualization, infrastructure, security, resource management, and business continuity.
It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CompTIA Cloud+ exam. To get certified, candidates must pass a 90-minute exam with 80 multiple-choice questions. The exam fee is $319 USD.
To prepare for the exam, candidates should review the CompTIA Cloud+ Exam Objectives and use online resources such as practice tests or study guides. Additionally, there are several training courses available from CompTIA or third-party providers that can help candidates gain a better understanding of the material covered on the exam.
7. Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching
Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching is a certification program that validates the ability of IT professionals to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is one of the most popular certifications in the networking industry.
The Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on your experience level. To obtain this certification, you must pass two exams: ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105). You can also opt to take a single exam, known as the CCNA Composite Exam (200-125), which covers both ICND1 and ICND2 topics.
The cost of obtaining the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification varies depending on whether you choose to take individual exams or the composite exam. The cost for taking the ICND1 exam is $165 USD, while the cost for taking the ICND2 exam is $165 USD. The cost for taking the composite exam is $325 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for an exam or purchasing study materials such as books or practice tests.
8. Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder
Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in building custom applications on the Salesforce platform. This certification is designed for individuals who have experience developing custom applications on the Salesforce platform.
It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the training and pass the exam required for this certification. To get started, you'll need to register for an online course or attend an instructor-led class at a local training center. The cost of the course varies depending on where you take it, but it generally ranges from $300-$500 USD. After completing the course, you must pass a multiple-choice exam consisting of 60 questions with a passing score of 65%.
Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder credential by mail. You will also be able to access your digital badge through My Trailhead, which can be used to showcase your achievement on social media and other professional networks.
9. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – ColdFusion 9
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – ColdFusion 9 is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional's expertise in the development of ColdFusion 9 applications. The certification is administered by Adobe and requires passing an exam to become certified.
The exam covers topics such as application architecture, security, debugging, and optimization. It also tests a candidate’s knowledge of the ColdFusion language, including CFML tags, functions, and components.
The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass.
To get certified, candidates must register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam is $180 USD per attempt. Candidates can take the exam as many times as needed until they pass.
Once a candidate passes the exam, they will receive their ACE – ColdFusion 9 certification from Adobe within four weeks. The certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking another ACE – ColdFusion 9 exam before it expires.
10. IBM Certified Solution Architect – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment
IBM Certified Solution Architect – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment is a professional certification that validates the skills and knowledge of experienced IT professionals in designing, deploying, and managing complex WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment environments. This certification is designed for experienced IT professionals who have at least two years of experience with WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment.
To get the IBM Certified Solution Architect – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment certification, you must first pass the C9560-519 exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.
Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official IBM Certified Solution Architect – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment certificate and digital badge to show off your accomplishment. You can also add this certification to your resume to demonstrate your expertise in this area to potential employers or clients.
Do You Really Need a Web Architect Certificate?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking for a career in web architecture, then having a certificate can certainly help you stand out from the competition. It will demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to gain specialized knowledge in the field of web architecture, which can be very beneficial in getting hired for positions related to this field.
However, if you are already working in the web architecture industry and do not plan on changing careers, then a certificate may not be necessary. Depending on your experience and skill set, employers may be more impressed with your portfolio or professional references than an academic certificate. Furthermore, if you have been working in the industry for some time, then it is likely that you have already developed the necessary skills required of a web architect without needing additional certification.
In conclusion, whether or not you need a web architect certificate ultimately depends on your current situation and career goals. If you are just starting out and want to gain an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs related to web architecture, then having a certificate could be beneficial. However, if you are already experienced in the field then it may not be necessary.
Related: Web Architect Resume Examples
FAQs About Web Architect Certifications
Q1: What is a Web Architect Certification?
A1: A Web Architect Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's knowledge and skills in web architecture and development. It covers topics such as web architecture principles, design patterns, application security, scalability, performance tuning, and more.
Q2: What are the benefits of having a Web Architect Certification?
A2: Having a Web Architect Certification can provide you with valuable credentials to demonstrate your expertise in web architecture and development. It also provides proof of your ability to design and develop secure, scalable, and high-performance web applications.
Q3: How do I obtain a Web Architect Certification?
A3: You can obtain a Web Architect Certification by taking an accredited course or exam from an approved provider. Depending on the provider, you may need to pass one or more exams or complete specific courses to earn the certification.
Q4: How long does it take to get a Web Architect Certification?
A4: The amount of time required to earn a Web Architect Certification varies depending on the provider and the type of exam or course you take. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete the necessary requirements for certification.
Q5: Is there any cost associated with obtaining a Web Architect Certification?
A5: Yes, there are costs associated with obtaining a Web Architect Certification. These costs vary depending on the provider and the type of exam or course you take. In some cases, you may be able to find free resources online that will help you prepare for the certification exams or courses.