Are you a software developer looking to enhance your skills and boost your career prospects? Acquiring certifications can be a game-changer. In this article, we will explore some of the best software developer certifications available today. These certifications are recognized industry-wide and demonstrate your expertise in specific programming languages, frameworks, and development methodologies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, earning these certifications can open doors to new opportunities and validate your proficiency in the ever-evolving world of software development.
What is a software engineer certification?
A certification program covers all the fundamentals of software engineering and programming. This includes methods and tools for software development.
They indicate your experience and particular talents. Moreover, professional certifications help you stand out in a crowded job market and land advanced positions in your career. Numerous leading technology firms, including Oracle, Salesforce, Amazon, and Microsoft, provide certifications for software experts.
Software engineering qualifications require a combination of education and experience. However, there are some professions where a novice can earn certification. Frequently, you won’t need to renew your certification for several years after receiving the credentials.
How Important Is a Software Engineering Certification?
One of the most crucial components of one’s programming resume is a portfolio of software engineering credentials. You can distinguish yourself from other applicants and reach your job goals by enrolling in a certification program. You’ll discover that there are certificates you may get that will show your prospective employer that you have mastered the subject, regardless of what area of programming you shine in.
Certification often requires extensive training and testing procedures. You may make sure that you have a strong foundation of information and abilities in software engineering by going through this method. You can improve your ability to solve problems and increase your self-confidence by doing this.
Through networking events, online groups, and forums, certification programs frequently offer chances for professionals to engage with one another. Participating in this group can open up chances for mentorship, useful contacts, and exposure to various viewpoints and experiences.
Best Software Developer Certifications
1. Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate
Microsoft certificates are among the most well-known in the IT sector and have a lot of prestige. The Microsoft Azure Developer Associate certificate covers cloud services for overcoming organizational issues in business. You can develop, manage, and deploy scalable, highly available, and effective online apps with Azure. You should have some familiarity with Microsoft technologies and software development as a prerequisite.
2. Springboard Software Engineering Bootcamp
The Software Engineering Bootcamp from Springboard is a comprehensive course that culminates in a certification that attests to your programming language mastery. You get training and mentoring from academics and business professionals in addition to access to a variety of resources.
3. AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers lessons on scalable cloud computing for the development of Web applications. Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification, which attests to a person’s proficiency in creating and maintaining applications on the AWS platform. It is best for people with experience in designing and constructing applications using AWS services who work as software developers.
Software engineers that create and run applications on the AWS platform are eligible for the AWS Certified Developer – Associate Level certification. There are no requirements for this programming certification, but you must pass a multiple-choice exam covering the basics of Amazon Web Services, as well as designing, developing, and deploying cloud-based solutions, security, and debugging.
4. Oracle MySQL certified professional
Cloud computing has experienced rapid expansion in recent years and is now an essential component of the technology sector. The global public cloud computing market is worth $495 billion and expanding, according to Statista.
Software, platforms, infrastructure, and business processes are all part of the cloud computing sector. Oracle is a cloud platform and application supplier that grants certifications to verify product knowledge. Software engineers who have certifications in Java, cloud infrastructure, systems, SQL, and virtualization are at an advantage. Oracle has six degrees of competency, ranging from Junior Associate to Master. Getting certified in Oracle MySQL is very helpful if you use SQL to create software projects.
The Oracle Certified Professional MySQL certification denotes expertise in software architecture, syntax, and other areas.
5. Certified Application Developer – ServiceNow
With this qualification, you become a crucial ServiceNow developer. As seasoned ServiceNow administrators with actual expertise in development and administration on a ServiceNow instance, attendees will be well-equipped to capitalize on the Now program. Participants will learn how to develop applications by defining application tables, implementing forms, governing access, and incorporating processes during the program.
The company Kryterion administers the 90-minute computer-based test under proctored conditions. Kryterion is a ServiceNow testing partner. There are 60 multiple-choice questions on it, and you are not allowed to use any printed or internet resources while taking the test.
6. Google Professional Cloud Developer
Perhaps the most well-known brand in cloud computing is Google. Consider taking Google’s Professional Cloud Developer certification test if you’re serious about creating on the cloud.
The certification test evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for successfully designing, developing, deploying, and managing applications using Google Cloud technology. It covers subjects like the architecture of cloud-native apps, creating applications with Google Cloud services, and debugging and troubleshooting Google Cloud applications.
No requirements are necessary, although Google suggests having “3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ year designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud.”
7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
If you want to work in information systems security, the CISSP certification is quite challenging to pass yet is completely worth. In the realm of information security, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a well-respected and well-known certificate. (ISC)², developed the certification. It is a global nonprofit company specializing in cybersecurity training and certifications.
A CISSP certification can confirm a person’s proficiency in developing, implementing, and maintaining an extensive cybersecurity program. It includes a wide range of information security knowledge disciplines,
For seasoned security analysts, managers, and executives looking to demonstrate their understanding of a range of security systems subjects and concepts, this program is excellent. The exam lasts two to three hours, which you will take after a 15-hour lecture.
8. Professional Software Developer Certification – IEEE
This professional certification will demonstrate your competency in software engineering standards. It features a comprehensive curriculum instruction that is relevant to the business. You must pass an exam to obtain this certification, which requires you to demonstrate your proficiency in software requirements, software designs, software construction, and software testing. 160 questions will be on the three-hour online test, which will be remotely proctored. To be eligible to apply for this certification, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or its equivalent and two years of work experience.
9. Salesforce Developer Certification
A certificate from Salesforce, a market-leading supplier of customer relationship management (CRM) software, demonstrates your proficiency in creating apps that use their platform. This makes it a worthwhile software engineering certification that makes you stand out at businesses that need to personalize their salesforce implementations. The certification exams for the Salesforce Platform Developer, JavaScript Developer, and B2C Commerce Developer test your coding abilities using the various Salesforce and related platforms. A certified Salesforce developer can become one in 14 to 16 months.
10. CIW Web Development Professional
Software engineers can pursue a broad and thorough certification path with the CIW Web Development Professional program. This CIW program includes three certification examinations and requires a major time and financial commitment, but it could be well worth it to demonstrate your web development abilities. The three certificates CIW JavaScript Specialist, CIW Database Design Specialist, and CIW Advanced HTML5 & CSS3 Specialist are all a part of the Development Professional path. You will earn the title of development professional after passing all three.
11. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer
This exam “is targeted to intermediate to advanced level Java Front-End and Back-end application developers, architects, and software engineers” for those proficient in the Java Enterprise Edition platform. The exam covers topics like Java EE architecture, business logic, Java Message Service API, servlets and JSPs, WebSockets, and more. A complete list is available on Oracle’s website. Although there are no prerequisites, Oracle advises having substantial hands-on programming experience and a prior Java SE certification.
12. Certified Scrum Developer
The Scrum Alliance is a membership-based organization that advocates for the usage of Scrum through networking, cooperation, and advocacy. The entry-level Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) credential is best for software engineers who are familiar with Agile engineering best practices and Scrum principles.
Developers with expertise in creating software using Scrum can get the Professional Scrum Developer I (PSD I) certification from Scrum.org. This includes applying Scrum efficiently in your area of expertise, such as testing, coding, and designing, as well as development processes, support tools, and these
13. Red Hat Certified Engineer
Over 90% of Fortune 500 corporations use open-source software from Red Hat, a reputable provider of such solutions. Your ability to automate Red Hat Enterprise Linux tasks, your familiarity with new Red Hat technologies, and your general knowledge of automation are all recognized by the Red Hat Certified Engineer path.
You may learn more about Red Hat’s thorough tiering exam procedure on its website. These routes give candidates options for how to progress through the certification process and include both compulsory and recommended exams.
14. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Similar techniques employed in traditional computer hacking, like social engineering, reconnaissance, and penetration testing, are frequently needed to catch cybercriminals. To assist professionals in learning how to recognize and stop these types of hostile cyber threats, professionals established the Certified Ethical Hacker Certification program.
Security systems professionals who want to learn how security systems work and become compromised should pursue this certification. The training lasts about six months, and the exam lasts four hours and consists of 125 questions.
15. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification targeted towards professionals who wish to demonstrate an advanced understanding of cloud ideas, security operations, and more. The same organization that gives the CISSP offers the CCSP certification.
The best candidates for this certification are individuals who are advancing their certification and have experience with cloud security. One can finish the course in six months, although it takes four full days to complete. While the instructor-led online class including the exam costs $1793.92, the self-paced online course costs $836.45.
FAQs
What are the ‘must-have’ certificates for software developers?
Although having a degree in a discipline relevant to software engineering is advantageous, getting certified is not absolutely necessary. It’s crucial that you can persuade a potential employer that you are the right fit for the position they are hiring for. Success in software engineering is not solely based on certifications.
A robust portfolio of completed projects, practical knowledge, and real-world experience can all be very beneficial. Some employers give these things more weight than certifications, viewing them as supplementary credentials rather than prerequisites.
The significance of a software engineering certification ultimately depends on your professional objectives, the niche market or sector you’re pursuing, and the standing and applicability of the certification program in question. It’s important to do some study on the particular qualifications you’re thinking about and assess how well they fit with your career goals.
Are certifications for software engineers worth it?
Your certifications’ worth will vary depending on the firm you are applying to. Some businesses place a high value on them, particularly if they collaborate with your certification vendor. This is so because the amount of certified personnel they have determines whether they have a gold, silver, or bronze status with the vendor. Then there are businesses where having a certification gives you a distinct advantage over similarly qualified candidates.
Additionally, you can get a wage raise occasionally. Finally, we reach the businesses that have bad opinions on your certificates. Fortunately, there aren’t many of these businesses. These are the organizations who think an applicant with certification is likely to seek a considerably higher salary or that certifications don’t actually reflect the candidate’s qualifications.
At the very least, becoming qualified nearly always helps, although credentials alone rarely guarantee employment. These credentials should only add to your professional experience, preferably with a degree or diploma. Although certificates can be helpful, you should not view them as the only factor in determining your value as a software engineer. Rather, they should supplement real-world experience and ongoing education.
