Hello and welcome to today’s read on Web Development Certifications.
Given the many certification options, we want to cut through the noise and handpick the best Web Development Certifications to help take your career to the next level.
When done with this piece, you’ll be well vast with the options available and ready to choose the right certification.
In a nutshell, our discussion will cover:
- Top Web Development Certifications
- Importance of Web Development Certifications
- Tips for choosing a Web Development Certification program
Stay with us as we break down Web Development Certification options.
Top Web Development Certifications
Web Development Certifications provide Developers with the practical skills required for web design and development.
The certification programs are curated by industry experts with years of experience in Web Development.
Aspiring Web Developers can earn certification in a wide range of specialization areas.
They can also opt to specialize in a tool or a specific program used in Web Development.
The various certifications are structured differently.
Some certifications have full-fledged coursework you must complete to take the certification exam.
Others require years of experience to be eligible, while some require you to only take a cert exam, and it’s done.
Generally, certifications that require more commitment to earn usually hold more power.
Having said that, let’s look into the two categories of certifications that Web Developers can pursue.
Vendor-Specific Certifications
Vendor-specific certifications help bolster your knowledge and expertise in a specific industry tool or program.
These certifications are offered by computer tech companies.
Here is an overview of the many options you can choose from.
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Certification
Adobe offers a wide range of certifications to empower professionals using its tools and platforms.
With the ACE Certification, you can be certified by pursuing either Adobe Creative Cloud products like photoshop or Dreamweaver, or Adobe Digital Marketing Suite products.
These certifications don’t have any prerequisites.
However, you are expected to know the different topics tested in the exam.
For that reason, Adobe offers prep courses with many resources to help you prepare for the exams.
The cost per certification is $180.
There is also training to prepare for the certification exam, which ranges anywhere from $900 to $3,600 depending on whether you are going for virtual or in-person classes.
Adobe Certified Expert Certification equips you with skills in eLearning, technical communication, video, and web design.
Given how in-demand adobe savvy professionals are, ACE Certification is the key to tapping into digital communication and graphic design job opportunities that are always on the rise.
Once you are certified, you must maintain the certification every two years.
Microsoft Developer Certifications (MCSD, MCSA & MTA)
Microsoft is one of the most respected tech corporations in the world.
By the same token, its certifications are recognized widely.
The certification you settle for depends on your expertise, abilities, and skills.
Further, your proficiency in software development will lead you to the right certification.
You can pursue Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), or Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certifications.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is an entry-level certification ideal for aspiring Web Developers in colleges or those with a high school diploma.
It introduces learners to fundamental knowledge and skills in technology.
With MTA, you can get certification in game development, mobile development, windows development, and software development.
The exam for each topic is $115, and they comprise multiple-choice questions.
MTA is the building block for the other advanced certifications, MCSA and MCSD.
It’s the entry requirement to enroll in MCSA or MCSD.
MTA is the perfect certification to jumpstart your career in Web Development, information technology, or database management.
The good thing about MTA Certification is that it doesn’t expire.
You’ll be certified for life!
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is ideal for Developers with experience in Web Development.
Web Development skills you gain through the MCSA Certification catapults you to advanced Microsoft certifications.
With an MCSA, you’ll most likely land a job as a Network Support or a Technical Support Specialist in an IT firm.
To earn the certification, you’ll have to take several exams, each costing $115.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) is the perfect certification for individuals who are proficient in Microsoft technology.
MCSD equips you with the skills to build innovative solutions.
You’ll learn the nuts and bolts of HTML5.
You’ll also be proficient in developing web services and Microsoft Azure.
With MCSD, you can pursue Web Applications, Windows Store Apps, Website Application Lifecycle Management and SharePoint Applications.
Like MCSSA and MTA, the cost is $115 for each exam.
Both MCSD and MCSA expire after two years.
Zend Certified PHP Engineer
Zend Certified PHP Engineer is specifically structured for PHP professionals.
PHP is a server-side scripting language that is widely used by Back-End Web Developers.
It allows Web Developers to create outstanding websites.
The certification exam covers web features, syntax, object-oriented programming, security, data types, strings and patterns, SQL, handling errors, input/output, and, of course, PHP language.
The certification program doesn’t have official coursework to prepare for the exam, but you can buy instructor-led training from a third party to adequately prepare for the exam.
The only prerequisite to earning this credential is to be knowledgeable about the technologies used by PHP Developers.
The certification cost is $195.
Passing all the Zend Certified PHP Engineer examination levels validates your expertise as a PHP Professional.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer
AWS Certified Developer is the go-to certification for Developers with experience in AWS solutions.
Specifically, you must have not less than one-year of experience in designing, promoting, and maintaining AWS or any other Amazon Web Services-based application.
Further, you must be proficient in one or more programming languages.
AWS Certified Developer Certification exam costs $150.
You can get a practice exam for $20 to prepare for the main exam.
To earn the certification, you’ll take an 80 minutes multiple-choice question exam.
Amazon Web Services Certified Developer is perfect for Web Developers interested in learning more about what goes into AWS and the structure behind its architecture.
It’s a sure sign that you are proficient in the development and maintenance of AWS-based applications.
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
PMI ACP Certification is highly recognized in the project management world.
The certification focuses on agile projects.
You’ll learn about analyzing agile fundamentals and tools.
This certification is your best bet if you want to validate your expertise in agile principles.
The certification course covers kanban, test-drive development (TDD), lean extreme programming (XP), and scrum.
The examination consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes 3 hours.
The cost depends on whether you are a PMI member and the type of examination.
PMI non-members pay $435 for the computer-based exam and $495 for the paper-based exam.
For members, the exam costs $385 if it’s computer-based and $445 if it’s paper-based.
Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 11 Developer & Java EE 7 Application Developer
There are two certifications for Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer, and Java SE 11 Developer.
Let’s start with the former Java EE 7 Application Developer Certification.
Here, you’ll learn how to build applications using Java EE.
This certification is particularly ideal for Software Engineers, Back-End and Front-End Web Developers, and Architects.
Basically, development professionals who use Java applications to design web-based user interfaces will find this certification worthwhile.
The Java SE 11 Developer is one of the best certifications for Web Developers.
You’ll gain knowledge of java programming and coding practices.
The certification exam covers object orientation, modularity, and functional programming.
The prerequisite for Java SE 11 Developer includes having a Java EE 7 Application Developer certification and programming experience.
Once done with the certification, you’ll have in-depth knowledge of java technology applications.
Each of the Oracle Certified Professional certifications costs $245.
W3 HTML5 Developer Certificate
W3 HTML5 Developer Certificate is yet another certification that’s accepted internationally.
This Web Development Certification enhances your skills in CSS, XHTML, and HTML5.
With the foundational knowledge gained in this certification, you can easily scale to earn more specialized certifications in web design.
This certification costs $95.
You’ll be required to take and pass a 70 minutes exam which comprises 70 multiple-choice questions to earn the certification.
Non-Vendor Specific Certifications
Let’s now shift gear to certifications that are offered by professional bodies.
Certified Software Development Professional
This certification is issued by the IEEE Computer Society.
The certification course equips Programmers with knowledge in software development, from the requirements to design to construction and testing.
IEEE gives you one year to complete the coursework before sitting for the exam.
The Certified Software Development Professional exam takes three hours to complete and has 180 questions.
Aspiring Developers who are members of the IEEE Computer Society pay $390 to take the certification exam, while non-members pay $485.
Suppose you fail in the first attempt.
You’ll pay an additional $125 to retake the examination.
CIW Web Development Professional
This Web Development Certification is administered by CIW.
The certification combines back-end Web Development languages with the front-end scripting language to provide a watertight Web Development course that adequately prepares Web Developers for the tech world.
To earn this prestigious certification, you must pass the Database Design Specialist and JavaScript Specialist exams.
Each of these examinations costs $150.
Certified Web Development Professional
Certified Web Development Professional is offered by Mark Lasoff.
The curriculum for this certification program is as comprehensive as they get.
It’s an excellent certification for beginner Web Developers interested in general knowledge of web design and development.
The course covers key programming languages, including HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript.
You’ll also learn MySQL and several other technologies and tools used in web design and development.
The coursework combines 180 hours of lecture units and an online lab.
By the time you complete the certification, you’ll have what it takes to build and maintain a high-quality, professional website.
You can then proceed to level 2, where you’ll tackle advanced skills like advanced JavaScript, GitHub, AJAX, and Document Object Model.
And that wraps our list of the best Web Developer Certifications you can pursue to advance your career and expertise.
The certification you choose depends on the coding skills you want to learn, which are directly linked to your career path.
Importance of Web Development Certification
Pursuing a Web Development Certification has many benefits.
Apart from learning a wide range of coding skills, you’ll be steps ahead of your peers and boost your career prospects.
Here are the top reasons why earning a Web Development Certification is important.
Gain In-Depth Web Development Knowledge
Honestly speaking, the knowledge and expertise you gain from a certification program are unmatched.
You stand to learn a great deal within a shorter time using less cash compared to a degree program in a course like computer science.
So, it’s a cost-effective way to gain valuable education in Web Development.
Further, the recertification that comes with many certifications allows you to stay up-to-date with new practices in Web Development.
You can confidently apply to Web Developer jobs knowing you have the knowledge and skills required to complete tasks successfully.
Improve Career Prospects
Earning a Web Development Certification is a sure way to advance your career.
Since most certification courses are hands-on, requiring you to build websites and web applications, you can pick the best projects and showcase them in a portfolio.
Your certification proves to employers that you can build responsive designs and top-notch web pages.
It’s also an indicator that you are self-driven, one trait that will definitely sweep employers off their feet.
With the technical and soft skills gained from the certification, you can apply for better-paying Web Development jobs or seek promotion in your current place of work.
Further, there’s the potential to earn more since you have specialized skills.
Gives You an Edge Over Your Peers
Apart from the knowledge you’ll gain and career prospects, a Web Development Certification sets you apart from the pack.
The coding skills you’ll gain will give you an edge when applying for jobs.
Additionally, your certification will always make an impression on employers.
Again, certification programs equip you with leadership skills, which will come in handy in your career.
It’s the seal you need to formalize your newly gained skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, certification gives you credibility as a Full-Stack Web Developer or even Freelance Web Developer.
It makes you noticeable and more marketable compared to Developers without one.
Tips for Choosing a Web Development Certification Program
Now that we’ve covered the Web Development Certifications available and why it’s important you get one, let’s steer our discussion in a slightly different direction.
What exactly do you need to look into when choosing a certification?
You wouldn’t know unless you stick with us a little longer as we outline the key to finding the right certification.
Consider Current Level of Experience
Your experience level will guide you toward the right certification course.
There are Web Development Certifications for beginners, mid-level, and senior-level Web Developers.
And so, your level of experience will determine the certification you qualify for.
In the same breath, Web Development Certifications focus on different areas of specialization.
So, from your experience, assess the Web Development tools or programs that best suit your career trajectory.
You may settle for a certification focusing on user experience, UX design, full-stack development, etc.
Further, based on your experience, assess the development tools you are proficient in.
These are the tools you want to polish.
Therefore, if you have basic skills in jQuery or MongoDB, you want to enroll in a certification course that will help you hone these development tools.
Determine Whether Online or In-Person
In-person programs have fixed schedules, which may be the weekend, part-time, or a web development boot camp.
On the flip side, most online courses allow you to study at your own pace.
So, before you enroll in any course, determine how much time you will dedicate to the course.
As you decide on the time, ask yourself if you are better off learning on your own or if you need the help of an instructor.
Settle for the certification that suits your learning mode and the time you can devote.
Find Out the Changes in the Industry
The tech industry is ever-changing.
And that’s precisely why you must only sign up for certification courses that are up-to-date with the industry trends.
Therefore, take your time to comb the landscape and find out the changes in the industry.
Ensure you are only enrolling in a program whose curriculum reflects those changes.
Hands-On Experience
Lastly, at the core of becoming a Web Developer is being able to demonstrate your practical skills.
Thus, your chosen Web Development Certification must have hands-on projects that allow you to put the lessons learned into practice.
By the end of the coursework, you should have built web pages and applications, which you can use as your portfolio when searching for Web Development jobs.
Conclusion
Be weary of the many Web Development Certifications.
Most of the free courses you find online are not legit.
They may help you gain knowledge in Web Development, but they’ve not met the industry standards to qualify as certifications.
If you are not careful, you may waste your time and money working for a certificate that’s worthless in the real world.
Do your research before enrolling in any program.
You can also get reviews from experts or senior Web Developers on the best Web Development Certification.
Better still, use our comprehensive list to have a footing on the Web Development Certifications you should look into.
FAQs
What certification should I get for Web Development?
There are many options to choose from.
Here are the top choices:
Certified Software Developer Professional
Certified Web Development Professional
Adobe Certified Expert
Microsoft Technology Associate
Zend Certified PHP Engineer
The certification you settle for depends on several factors, including experience, time commitment, changes in the industry, etc.
What qualifications do you need to be a Web Developer?
To become a Web Developer, you need practical skills in programming language and development tools.
Coding languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and PHP, among others.
Web development frameworks libraries, such as bootstrap and jQuery
User interface and user experience
Technical SEO
Visual design
Do you need a certificate to be a Web Developer?
Not necessarily.
A certificate indicates your specialized expertise in Web Development, which is impressive.
But you can be a Web Developer without one.
As long as you can demonstrate your Web Development work and proof that you’ve mastered the technical skills, you can jumpstart your career.
Do you need to study for a Web Development Certification?
It depends.
There are various Web Development Certifications with different requirements.
Some require applicants to study for a particular period before the cert exam.
For others, applicants can take the exam straight up, especially if they have experience.
Others offer exam prep courses.
What is the cost of a Web Development Certificate?
Web Development Certification prices vary widely.
For example, Adobe Certified Expert certification goes for $180 per certification.
On the other hand, Microsoft Developer Certifications are $150 per certification.
For others like Certified Software Developer Professional, the cost varies, depending on membership.
To get the exact cost, visit the certification’s website.
How many Web Development Certificates are there?
There are many Web Development Certifications.
Here is an overview:
Certified Web Development Professional
CIW Web Development Professional
Certified Web Software Development Professional
W3 HTML5 Developer Certification
Zend Certifeid PHP Engineer
Microsoft Developer Certifications
Amazon Web Services Certified Developer
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner
Adobe Certified Expert
