Top 11 Web Programmer Certifications

Certifications are important for web programmers in the job market because they demonstrate that a programmer is knowledgeable and experienced in specific coding languages, technologies, and industry standards. Employers often look for certifications to ensure that potential employees are qualified to do the job. Additionally, certifications provide an objective measure of a programmer’s skills, making it easier for employers to compare candidates. Lastly, certifications can help web programmers stand out from other applicants and make their resumes more attractive to potential employers.

The article reviews the top certifications for Web Programmers and explains how they can help to enhance a web programmer's career.

What are Web Programmer Certifications?

Web programmer certification is a form of professional certification that verifies the knowledge and skills of web programmers. It is designed to help employers identify qualified candidates who have the knowledge and skills necessary to create and maintain websites. This certification can also help individuals demonstrate their expertise in web programming to potential employers, allowing them to stand out from other job applicants.

The certification process typically involves passing an exam that tests the individual's knowledge and understanding of web programming languages, such as HTML and CSS, as well as web development technologies such as JavaScript and PHP. Additionally, some certifications may require the completion of a project that demonstrates the individual's ability to apply their knowledge of web programming in practical scenarios.

Having a web programmer certification can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. It shows potential employers that an individual has taken the time to invest in their professional development by obtaining additional qualifications related to their field. It also serves as a way for employers to quickly assess if an applicant has the necessary skills for certain positions without having to conduct lengthy interviews or review lengthy resumes. Finally, it can also provide individuals with an opportunity for career advancement since having certifications can make them eligible for more advanced positions within their organization or industry.

Pro Tip: When considering web programmer certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and that are accredited by reputable organizations. This will ensure you receive the highest quality education and will provide you with the best possible chance of success.

Related: What does a Web Programmer do?

Top 11 Web Programmer Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications is a certification that validates a professional’s ability to develop and maintain web applications using Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is designed for experienced developers who already have experience in developing web applications with Visual Studio and the .NET Framework.

To get the MCSD: Web Applications certification, you must pass three exams: Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3; Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications; and Exam 70-487: Developing Windows Azure and Web Services. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE, an independent testing organization. You can register for the exams online or by phone.

The cost of each exam varies depending on your location, but generally ranges from $150 to $200 USD per exam. In total, it will cost around $450 - $600 USD to complete all three exams for the MCSD: Web Applications certification.

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for all three exams, although this can vary depending on your experience level and how much time you dedicate to studying each day.

2. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer is a certification that demonstrates a professional's ability to develop web applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 (Java EE 6) technology. It is designed for experienced Java developers who have an understanding of the basic concepts and technologies of the Java EE platform.

To obtain this certification, you must pass one exam: 1Z0-899 - Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer. This exam covers topics such as web application development with Servlets and JSPs, web services development with JAX-WS and JAX-RS, and developing enterprise beans with EJB 3.1. The exam takes approximately 150 minutes to complete and costs $245 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, Oracle recommends taking the following courses: Introduction to Java Programming Language (7 days), Developing Applications with Java EE 6 (5 days), Developing Web Applications with Servlets & JSPs (4 days), Developing Web Services with JAX-WS & JAX-RS (4 days), and Developing Enterprise Beans with EJB 3.1 (4 days). Additionally, there are several self-study resources available online that can help you prepare for the exam.

Overall, it may take anywhere from 2-3 months of preparation in order to pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer exam.

3. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Dreamweaver CS6

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Dreamweaver CS6 is an industry-recognized certification that validates a user’s skills and knowledge of Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 software. This certification is designed to demonstrate a user’s ability to create, manage, and publish web content using Dreamweaver CS6.

To become an ACE Dreamweaver CS6, users must pass the Adobe Certified Expert exam for Dreamweaver CS6. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test a user’s understanding of the features and functions of the software. The exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete.

To get certified, users must register for the exam through the Adobe website or through an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

Once a user has passed the exam, they will receive their Adobe Certified Expert certificate in the mail within 4-8 weeks. They will also be listed in the official Adobe Certified Experts directory on the Adobe website.

4. Zend Certified PHP Engineer

Zend Certified PHP Engineer is a certification program created by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open source PHP programming language. The certification is designed to validate a developer’s knowledge and skills in developing applications using PHP.

The certification exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as object-oriented programming, security, performance tuning, database integration and web services. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To become certified, you must first register for the exam on the Zend website. You will then have access to study materials and practice exams that can help you prepare for the actual exam. Once you are ready to take the exam, you can schedule it at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

The cost of taking the Zend Certified PHP Engineer exam is $195 USD.

5. CIW Web Design Specialist

CIW Web Design Specialist is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to design, build, and maintain websites. The CIW Web Design Specialist credential is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s ability to create and manage effective web sites.

The program consists of two courses: CIW Site Development Associate (CIW SDA) and CIW Web Design Professional (CIW WDP). The CIW SDA course covers topics such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Responsive Web Design, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, and eCommerce. The CIW WDP course covers topics such as project management, search engine optimization (SEO), web server configuration and administration, website security, usability testing, content management systems (CMS), social media integration, and more.

To get the CIW Web Design Specialist credential you must pass both the CIW SDA and WDP exams. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. You can take each exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online with a proctored exam provider.

The cost for the certification program varies depending on which training options you choose. If you decide to take self-paced online training courses it will cost approximately $700 USD for both courses combined. If you opt for instructor-led virtual classes it will cost around $1,000 USD for both courses combined.

6. Apple Certified Webmaster (ACW)

Apple Certified Webmaster (ACW) is an Apple certification program that validates a web developer’s knowledge and skills in creating, managing and maintaining websites using Apple technologies. It is designed to help developers build websites that are secure, reliable and optimized for the best user experience.

The ACW certification process consists of two exams: the Apple Certified Webmaster Foundations Exam and the Apple Certified Webmaster Advanced Exam. The Foundations exam covers core concepts such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, PHP and MySQL. The Advanced exam covers topics such as server-side programming with PHP, database design with MySQL, content management systems (CMS), ecommerce solutions and more.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the ACW certification process depending on your level of experience. To get started you will need to register for an Apple Developer Account which costs $99 per year. Once you have registered for an account you can purchase the study materials needed for each exam from the Apple Developer website or from third-party vendors like Amazon or Udemy. You will also need to schedule a time to take each exam at an authorized testing center near you.

The cost of taking both exams is around $400 USD but may vary depending on where you take them. After passing both exams you will receive your official ACW certificate from Apple which is valid for one year after which it must be renewed by taking additional courses or retaking the exams if necessary.

7. CIW JavaScript Specialist

CIW JavaScript Specialist is a certification program designed to demonstrate proficiency in the fundamentals of JavaScript programming. It is designed for web professionals who want to gain a deeper understanding of the language and its applications. The certification validates an individual’s ability to develop interactive, dynamic web pages using JavaScript.

The CIW JavaScript Specialist exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least six months of experience with HTML and basic web page design, as well as knowledge of client-side scripting languages such as JavaScript.

To get certified, individuals must pass the CIW JavaScript Specialist exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam fee is $125 USD and can be taken online or at an authorized testing center. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official CIW certification badge and certificate.

8. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): HTML5 App Development Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) HTML5 App Development Fundamentals is a certification program designed to help those who are interested in developing web applications with HTML5. The certification covers key topics such as creating and styling HTML documents, using JavaScript for dynamic content, and using CSS3 for page layout. It also covers how to use the Windows 8 APIs to create apps that work on both desktop and mobile devices.

The MTA HTML5 App Development Fundamentals exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher. The cost of the exam is $127 USD.

To get the MTA HTML5 App Development Fundamentals certification, you must first register for an account on Microsoft Learning website. Once registered, you can purchase the exam voucher from the Microsoft Store. After purchasing the voucher, you can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center near you.

9. CompTIA Strata IT Fundamentals: Internet and Web Technologies

CompTIA Strata IT Fundamentals: Internet and Web Technologies is a certification exam that tests the knowledge of basic Internet and web technologies. It is designed to measure the ability to understand, configure, manage, and troubleshoot basic network infrastructure. The exam covers topics such as networking concepts, TCP/IP protocols, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP/SFTP protocols, web browsers and email clients.

It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete the exam. You can take the exam at any authorized CompTIA testing center or through an online proctoring service. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location and testing center. In the United States it typically costs around $220 USD.

10. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) in Red Hat OpenStack

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) in Red Hat OpenStack is a certification program that provides IT professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, and manage a Red Hat OpenStack cloud environment. It is designed for system administrators who are responsible for deploying and managing an OpenStack cloud environment.

The RHCSA in Red Hat OpenStack certification exam is an online exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and requires a passing score of 80%.

To get the RHCSA in Red Hat OpenStack certification, you must first pass the online exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from Red Hat. You can then register for the official RHCSA in Red Hat OpenStack course to gain hands-on experience with the technology.

The cost of the RHCSA in Red Hat OpenStack certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD to take the online exam and around $2,000 USD for the official training course.

11. LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate

The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate is an entry-level certification program designed to provide a basic understanding of the Linux operating system. It is intended for individuals who are just starting out in the IT field or those who want to gain a better understanding of Linux.

The LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate takes approximately 10 hours to complete and consists of two parts: a course and an exam. The course covers topics such as the command line, file systems, networking, security, and scripting. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics and requires you to answer multiple-choice questions and complete hands-on tasks.

To get the LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate, you must first register for the course through the LPI website. Once registered, you can access the online course materials and complete the exam at your own pace. After successfully completing both parts of the certification program, you will receive your certificate via email within 1–2 weeks.

The cost for the LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate is $99 USD plus applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Web Programmer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a web programmer certificate depends on your goals and the industry you are hoping to enter. Having a certificate can be beneficial if it is from a reputable program, as it can demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to work in the field. It may also give employers confidence in your abilities when they are considering you for open positions. Additionally, some companies may require that applicants have certain certifications before they will hire them.

On the other hand, depending on the industry and your experience level, having a certificate may not be necessary. If you already have experience working with web programming languages, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, then having an additional certification may not be necessary. You could demonstrate your knowledge through portfolios of projects and by showcasing any awards or recognition you've received for your work.

In the end, whether or not you need a web programmer certificate comes down to what goals you want to accomplish and how competitive the field is in which you want to work. Certifications can be valuable tools for those looking to stand out from their peers and show employers that they have the skills needed for success. However, if you already have extensive experience in the field or know that employers do not require certifications for certain positions, then obtaining one might not be necessary.

Related: Web Programmer Resume Examples

FAQs About Web Programmer Certifications

Q1: What is a Web Programmer Certification?

A1: A Web Programmer Certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of an individual in designing, developing, and maintaining web applications. It is usually awarded by an accredited organization after the successful completion of a certification program.

Q2: How long does it take to get a Web Programmer Certification?

A2: The exact duration of the certification process depends on the type and level of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it takes anywhere from one to three months to complete the certification program.

Q3: What are the benefits of getting a Web Programmer Certification?

A3: Having a Web Programmer Certification can help you gain recognition in the industry as an expert in web programming. It can also help you stay up-to-date with industry trends, increase your confidence, and open up new job opportunities.

Q4: How much does it cost to get a Web Programmer Certification?

A4: The cost of getting certified varies depending on the type and level of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, certifications can range anywhere from $200-$1000 USD.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for getting a Web Programmer Certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications require some level of prior experience or knowledge in web programming before taking the exam. Additionally, many organizations require applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in web programming before applying for their certifications.