Regardless of which IT field you’re interested in, certifications add extra weight and gravitas to your skill set and value as a job candidate. Whether it's IT programming certifications, developer certifications, or one of the countless other offerings, certifications offer tangible, measurable proof that you have the necessary understanding for the position you're applying for.
There are many programming jobs out there, but plenty of candidates are also looking to fill those vacancies. If you gain some programming certifications, you can stand out from the pack and not only become more likely to get picked but possibly even get a better salary offer.
Here are ten programming certifications to help you round out your resume and skillset. But first, let’s look at what programming certifications are.
What Are Programming Certifications?
In general terms, programming certifications are designed to prepare you for an entry-level position as a programmer. Students with a programming certificate receive a grounding in various programming languages. In addition, they can often choose electives that focus on different aspects of programming such as Java and mobile applications programming, web programming, database management, or even game programming.
Some experienced programmers also pursue programming certifications to upskill. There's no such thing as having too much knowledge and skills in the fast-paced, ever-changing IT world!
10 Most Popular Programming Certifications
Here are the most popular certifications for a programmer, presented in no particular order.
- AWS Certified Developer Associate
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate
- C and C++ Certifications
- Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer OCAJP
- Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP)
- R Programming Certification
- CCA Spark and Hadoop Developer
- Oracle MySQL Database Administration Training and Certification (CMDBA)
- CompTIA Security+
- MongoDB Certified Developer Associate Exam
AWS Certified Developer Associate
We already know that AWS is the top cloud platform service available, so it's not surprising that we have another AWS-related course in this year's top ten. Consequently, the demand for AWS-based solutions architects is just as acute as the need for the AWS mentioned above developers.
Simplilearn's AWS Solutions Architect Certification training course teaches you how to master AWS architectural principles and services such as IAM, VPC, EC2, EBS. In addition, you will learn how to design, plan and scale AWS implementations utilizing over 70 cloud computing services. The AWS course is aligned with the latest AWS exam featuring Amazon-designated best practices.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate
We already know that AWS is the top cloud platform service available, so it’s not surprising that we have another AWS-related course in this year’s top ten. Consequently, the demand for AWS-based solutions architects is just as acute as the need for the aforementioned AWS developers.
Simplilearn’s AWS Solutions Architect Certification training course teaches you how to master AWS architectural principles and services such as IAM, VPC, EC2, EBS. You will learn how to design, plan and scale AWS implementations utilizing over 70 cloud computing services. The AWS course is aligned with the latest AWS exam featuring Amazon designated best practices.
C and C++ Certifications
The C and C++ programming languages are tried and true venerable IT tools that have been a vital part of the computer programming scene for decades. In fact, it’s safe to say that C and C++ are the foundations of the Internet as we know it today!
That’s why every programmer, and yes, that includes dedicated Java and Python devotees should have certification in these two languages. Simplilearn offers two courses that are tangentially related to these languages. Check out the CISM Certification training class and the .NET Programming Certification course.
Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer OCAJP
Since we referenced Java programming in the last paragraph, it’s only fair to highlight it for our next entry. Java is a high-level, robust, general-purpose, pure object-oriented programming language that consistently resides at the top of any decent “most used programming languages” list. In addition, Java is one of the most extensively used software development platforms, and software development is more significant than ever today!
Simplilearn provides a Java Certification training course, ideal for aspiring web developers. It also offers a Full Stack Java Developer master’s program to help you grasp front-end, middleware, and back-end Java web developer technologies.
Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP)
And, since we’ve already touched upon two of the most popular programming languages in the world today, it’s only fair we include another prevalent language and make our collection complete. Python is an interpreted, general-purpose, high-level programming language released in 1991. Python became the most popular and widely-used programming language for specific digital disciplines less than a decade after its release. Today, organizations use Python for data science, machine learning, GUI and CLI-based software development, web development (server-side), Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drone systems, creating cyber-security tools, mathematics, system scripting, and more.
If you want to amplify your programmer skillset and become a true development superstar, you should learn C, C++, Java, and yes, Python too! Aspiring programmers will stand out if they have mastered this full suite of languages.
Simplilearn offers a Python Certification course that teaches you the basics of Python, data operations, conditional statements, shell scripting, and Django. It’s the perfect certification for data science or software development roles.
R Programming Certification
Although it isn’t as big a superstar as programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, R enjoys popularity among statistical and graphical programmers. Statisticians and data miners favor R for data analysis purposes. It also holds significant importance in data analysis, financial, and telecom circles.
There is an apparent shortage of professionals proficient with R, so if you’re looking for a field with less competition and more opportunities, here you are! Simplilearn offers a Data Science With R certification course that helps you become a data analytics expert with the R programming language.
The course covers data exploration, data visualization, predictive analytics, and descriptive analytics techniques with the R language. In addition, you will learn about R packages, how to import and export data in R, data structures in R, various statistical concepts, cluster analysis, and forecasting.
CCA Spark and Hadoop Developer
Big Data is great, but it’s like a tidal wave of information, quickly overwhelming even the best data analysts. That’s why you need tools like Hadoop, and that’s why this certification is so valuable in today’s IT marketplace.
Hadoop and Spark are practical data management tools designed to handle the challenge of Big Data and large-scale data processing. Simplilearn offers a Big Data Hadoop certification training course designed to give you an in-depth knowledge of the Big Data framework using Hadoop and Spark. In addition, your training will provide you with an understanding of the various components of the Hadoop ecosystem that fit into the Big Data processing lifecycle.
Oracle MySQL Database Administration Training and Certification (CMDBA)
Structured Query Language (SQL) is one of today's foremost database management query languages. It allows database administrators and analysts to access and manipulate databases. If you want to crank up your database skills during a job interview for a database analyst position, you should consider this choice.
Simplilearn provides a SQL certification training course that includes MySQL. This certification course gives you the information you need to successfully start working with SQL databases and use the database in your applications. In addition, you will learn how to correctly structure your database, author efficient SQL statements and clauses, and manage your SQL database for scalable growth..
CompTIA Security+
Cybersecurity is a big concern today, and there's enormous demand (and a persistent skill gap) for cybersecurity professionals. CompTIA, short for Computing Technology Industry Association, is the world's leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications. If you want to work in the IT industry, you will want CompTIA certification. It's as essential to your IT security career as learning Java and Python are for programmers.
Fortunately, Simplilearn has you covered with its CompTIA Security+ Certification - SY0-601 Exam Training course. CompTIA Security+ certification is trusted and accepted worldwide, and validates foundational, vendor-neutral IT security knowledge and skills. This certification training covers the essential principles of network security and risk management, offering a benchmark for IT security and risk management best practices.
MongoDB Certified Developer Associate Exam
MongoDB is a document-based, NoSQL, high-volume heterogeneous database system that uses a collection of documents instead of using tables with rows and columns. MongoDB is a database development system that gives data professionals the scalability and flexibility they need for their query requirements.
Simplilearn offers a MongoDB certification training course that gives you the relevant skills to become a MongoDB Developer. You will master data modeling, query, ingestion, sharding, and data replication with MongoDB and install, update, and maintain the MongoDB environment. You will also gain skills in MongoDB configuration and backup methods and monitoring and operational strategies.
FAQs
1. Do Programming Certifications Matter?
Yes, if you already have a skill set and can demonstrate a high degree of knowledge, certificates can only strengthen your case for better prospects, higher income, and so on. Programmer credentials can be beneficial not just to companies, but also to customers.
2. What are the best programming certifications to get your dream job?
Some of the best programming certifications are AWS Certified Developer Associate, C and C++ Certifications, R Programming Certification, CompTIA Security+, MongoDB Certified Developer Associate Exam, Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer OCAJP, etc.
3. Are Programming Certifications Worth It?
Yes, if you already have a skill set and can demonstrate a high degree of knowledge, certificates can only strengthen your case for additional possibilities, higher compensation, and so on. Programmer qualifications can benefit both organizations and customers.
4. Which Programming Certificate Pays the Most?
Some of the highest paying programming certifications are Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Certified Professional Cloud Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
5. How Can I Get My First Programming Job Without Experience?
Programming jobs are ideal for persons who appreciate working with computers, particularly those who enjoy performing coding chores. While work experience can help you gain a programming job, many organizations hire programmers with no formal experience.
6. What certifications are in demand for developers?
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Certified Professional Cloud Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner are some of the in-demand programming certifications.
Wrapping It All Up
The very nature of the IT world requires the people who work in the field to constantly stay on top of the current technology. So it doesn’t matter if you’re a long-time veteran of the IT industry or just getting your start; you need the skills and the certification to back them up.
Information Technology is a funny beast. Although the experts constantly sound the alarms about skill gaps and IT worker shortages, candidates still need to distinguish themselves from the rest of the job-seeking mob. Moreover, opportunities and demand fluctuate based on the specific branch of IT and the geographical location.
That’s why if you apply yourself to these certification courses (and others), you will be a well-rounded candidate who has the certification cred to show that you’ve done the work. This way, you show yourself to be the best candidate, regardless of location and position.
Good luck!
