Most people think software engineering certificates are a terrific addition to an individual’s CV. However, how much do they help a person progress in software engineering?
Global knowledge revealed in a research published in 2022 that IT workers who credited their advancement to obtaining new skills or passing certifications received increases of $12,000 on average. That represents a significant increase above the $5,000 increase the average IT professional received when pay rose 6% across the board for the sector.
An emphasis on skill development seems to correlate with increased compensation and professional advancement favourably. In order to promote your professional progress in the field of software engineering, we have compiled a list of the best qualifications.
What Exactly is a Certified Software Engineer?
A software engineering certification is a technique for developing skills concentrating on a specific field area. Therefore, a certification focuses only on a small number of those abilities and topics, but a college degree covers a large variety of them. For instance, to obtain certification in software engineering for only one piece of software, such as Amazon Web Services, or a confident development approach, such as Agile.
Certification signifies a significant improvement in keen software.
A devoted career in software engineering will significantly advance if individuals obtain a certification (more on how to become a software engineer here). It shows that enthusiasm has dedicated effort to learn a specific language or expertise and are now prepared to employ those skills professionally. Individuals might need to complete a cornerstone project or pass a test, depending on the certification’s requirements, to receive their certificate. When confidence meets all those qualifications, managers and recruiters will give sincere talents in certain areas high marks.
For software developers, certifications can lead to new job opportunities. Let us imagine, for instance, that inspirational are unhappy with their job as database solutions architects and would want to work in cybersecurity. Obtaining cybersecurity credentials and then applying for jobs in the field are two simple ways to make that transition. It helps that certain positions demand particular certificates before an applicant may be employed. Therefore, keep an eye out for such requirements in job descriptions.
The Best Certifications for Software Engineering
Here is our ranking of the top certifications now offered to software developers.
Professional with Certified Secure Software Lifecycle for Software Engineering
The software development lifecycle is through a security lens in the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional certification. Students study how authentication, authorization, and auditing procedures in the development lifecycle may benefit from application security expertise.
Software engineering professionals who wish to adhere to security best practices while working on apps should get this cybersecurity certification. So energized, may earn this certification and gain employment as a software architect, project manager, penetration tester, or any other engineering-related position.
Certification Information
- Certification Provider: (ISC)²
- Duration: 3-hour exam
- Price: $431 (online instructor-led training)
How Might Choose It?
To qualify for this program, individuals must pass an exam and have at least four years of experience working in software development. On this website, the spirit may sign up to take the test.
Certified Professional in Software Development
The IEEE offers the Certified Software Development Professional credential, so conviction knows the proficient in excellent hands. The requirements, design, development, and testing aspects of the software engineering process will all cover in this course.
Certification Information
- Certificate Issuer: IEEE
- Duration: 3 hours for the exam
- Fee: For non-members, the course and test combo cost $775.
How Might Choose It?
Anyone interested in earning this certification must have two years of professional experience and at least two years of CSE or comparable undergraduate courses. To keep specialist Certified Software Development Professional certification current, individuals must recertify their every three years.
To begin applying for the Certified Software Development Professional certification, create an account on the Computer Society website.
Professional Web Developer CIW for Software Engineering
As its name implies, the CIW Web Development Professional certification aims at people who wish to prove their proficiency in web development.
For the certification to be an award, two courses must complete. The first is the CIW JavaScript Specialist course, which imparts knowledge of Javascript’s fundamental concepts. The CIW Database Design Specialist course is the alternative. Students will study Oracle Database, MySQL, MS SQL, and other database technologies in this course.
In addition to the Web Development Professional certification from CIW, if someone successfully finishes all those courses, they will receive specific certificates in Javascript and database design.
Certification Information
- Certification Issuer: Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)
- Duration: 90 minutes per exam
- Fee: $150 each for the Javascript and database design courses
How Might Choose It?
The CIW examinations can take in one of two ways. Using Pearson VUE, one is administered in person, while the other is done online with remote proctoring. Individuals can find all the information and register here.
Amazon Web Services for Software Engineering
Amazon Web Services is a well-known international provider of cloud computing infrastructure and commercial storage (AWS). Software developers may learn how to develop and deploy cloud-based web apps by earning the AWS Certified Developer – Associate credential.
Certification Information
- Certification Provider: Amazon AWS
- Duration: 130-minute exam
- Price: $150
How Might Choose It?
Before enrolling in this course, People must have at least a year’s experience working with AWS-built apps. AWS offers free training resources on its website for individuals seeking the certification. If their prepared to take the test, click the “Schedule an Exam” option on this page.
Oracle Certified Master for Software Engineering
One of the most complex qualifications in database management is the Oracle Certified Master (OCM). People must obtain this certification if they wish to develop their careers as database administrators, technical consultants, or support engineers.
Oracle’s OCM certification involves several requirements. These requirements entail passing the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) exam, finishing two specialist courses, and fully understanding Linux command-line functionality. This page has further information on the program.
Certification Information
- Certification Provider: Oracle
- Duration: Exams spread out across two days
- Price: Contingent on the candidate’s location
How Might Choose It?
Before attempting to take the certification test, the firm advises that someone acquire at least three years of experience working as an Oracle Database Administrator. On this website, keen may register for the certification.
Salesforce Administrator For Software Engineering
Software professionals who wish to demonstrate their skill in configuring, customizing, and administering Salesforce deployments may consider earning the Salesforce Administrator certification. People who are already familiar with the platform and are interested in learning more about its capabilities and features should read it.
Certification Information
- Certification Provider: Salesforce
- Duration: 105 minutes
- Price: $200 plus taxes
How Might Choose It?
For this certification, individuals must have at least six months of Salesforce administration experience. Candidates must be able to manage a Salesforce organization and carry out the fundamental duties of an administrator.
By registering on 591Lab, people may arrange their certification exam.
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect for Software Engineering
Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing service, is one of the company’s most lucrative products. It is also a technology that many companies use, such as the Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect program. It could help folks demonstrate how adept they are at using the tools to build hybrid and cloud-based apps.
Certification Information
- Certification Provider: Microsoft
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Price: $165 in the USA (dependent on the test taker’s location)
How Might Choose It?
Before seeking this certification, people should have a firm understanding of IT operations in several areas, including virtualization, disaster recovery, and security. A second criterion is that individuals get the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.
If they have taken care of those things, they can sign up to take the certification exam here.
Certified Agile Leadership
An expedited route to developing a thorough grasp of the agile software development technique is the Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) program. After completing this course, passionate will be qualified to oversee software development teams that employ agile techniques.
Three courses comprise the certification: CAL Essentials, CAL for Teams, and Organizations. It is intended for software professionals at all levels, including managers, executives, and members of agile teams.
Certification Information
- Certification Provider: Scrum Alliance
- Duration: Two-day course
- Price: Dependent on the instructor
How Might Choose It?
By using this page’s search function to find a CAL certification course that meets at a time that works for everyone and click the register button, individuals may register to attend.
Project Management Professional
The de facto requirement for people looking to work as project managers in the software sector is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Project management approaches such as agile, predictive, and hybrid explore.
Certification Information
- Certification Issuer: Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Fee: $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members
How Might Choose It?
The requirements for acquiring a PMP differ depending on whether the ardent has a four-year college degree or a high school diploma/degree. If the latter, passionate requires 35 hours of project management training and five years of project leadership experience. Holders with four-year degrees can get by with 35 hours of project management training and three years of project leadership experience.
More information on the PMP certification application process is available here.
Do You Need a Certificate as a Software Engineer?
Your career can benefit from a software engineering certification in several ways.
Certification’s primary goal is to ensure you keep up with technological advancements in your field. In the world of software, evolution is ongoing. The top software developers never stop learning. Getting certifications is an excellent strategy to provide oneself with a targeted learning path in a new domain.
Certifications might also help your work chances. In the realm of technology, several positions need certification. Every time you get a new qualification, recruiters will find you to be that much more appealing.
Do you, therefore, require certification? You most certainly do if you are interested in moving up quickly in your profession as a software developer.