Which Programming Certifications Are Employers Looking For?

As a programmer, I have often wondered what programming certifications potential employers are looking for. With the ever-evolving field of technology and the ever-growing range of certified programming courses, it can take time to narrow in on the right option. 

Learning about the various certifications available can help you identify the programming certificate for your career goals. It can provide insight into the qualifications, requirements, and benefits of each, allowing you to decide which certification exam is best suited for your professional development. I decided to do some research and consolidate the most sought-after certifications in one place. I'll share my knowledge and insights on these certifications in this blog.

So, whether you are interested in computer science or the IT industry, read on to find out more about the popular programming certifications!

Key Takeaways

  • A programming certification officially recognizes an individual's proficiency in a specific programming language or environment.
  • A programming certification is a great way to build credibility as a professional programmer.
  • The AWS CDA is a valuable certificate demonstrating proficiency in designing applications on the Amazon Web Services cloud platform.
  • MongoDB is a popular NoSQL database technology widely used for its scalability and effectiveness in handling large-scale data storage and is highly sought after by organizations of all sizes.
  • The Oracle Certified Foundations Associate Java Certification helps to validate your skills and knowledge of Java, providing employers with a reliable way to measure your qualifications.
  • Employers are always looking for developers with a CLA certification, which assesses a candidate's knowledge of basic programming concepts and the usage of the CPL.

Cartooned people studying programing languages

What are Programming Certifications?

As a programmer, staying up to date with the latest programming technologies, tools, and techniques is essential. Programming certifications can help you achieve this while also providing a way to demonstrate your expertise and give an edge to your career.

A programming certification officially recognizes someone's achievement in a particular programming language or environment. It's often completed by taking a course, exam, or series of tests that show how well a person understands the technology.

Certifications in programming can be a great way to show off your coding chops. Programming requires hard work and dedication, and you'll be able to demonstrate just how much you've accomplished by taking the certification test. Plus, it's great to list on your resume or portfolio so you can stand out from the crowd.

Developing programmer


These certifications can also be a great way to stay up to date with the latest technologies. It's essential to understand the underlying technology of different programming languages and also to be able to apply the principles and tools in real-world scenarios. Programming or developer certifications provide credibility and demonstrate to employers that a programmer has the skills to solve problems and the knowledge to move forward on tomorrow's applications.

Now, I'll walk you through the certifications that are most sought after by employers these days. These certifications can help you stand out in the job market, from industry-recognized qualifications to specialized skills.

AWS  Programming

AWS Certified Developer Associate

The AWS Certified Developer Associate certification is an online certificate demonstrating your ability to design, build and maintain applications on the Amazon Web Services cloud platform. This certification demonstrates your technical expertise in using AWS software development kits to write code, improve AWS application performance, and make necessary changes within the applications.

With the growing popularity of cloud-based applications among businesses, demand for AWS Certified Developer certification has skyrocketed. It is further propelled by the increasing number of mobile games and applications that rely on cloud services and software development.

The length of this exam is 130 minutes, and the cost of the exam is 150 USD. The exam format is composed of 65 multiple-choice questions. You may take the exam in a Pearson VUE testing center or a proctored exam online.
MongoDB


MongoDB Certified Developer Associate

MongoDB is a leading NoSQL database technology used for large-scale data storage. Its flexibility and scalability make it an excellent choice for many business applications. As a MongoDB CDA, you will become a qualified Database Professional certified to develop applications using MongoDB.

It is one of the most sought-after certifications by industries today due to its relevance in building modern applications. It tests an individual's expertise in the principles, administration, and development of MongoDB. It includes questions related to Philosophy & Features, Server Tools & Server Engines, CRUD, Aggregation Framework, Indexes and Performance, Data Modelling, Replication, and Sharding.

The exam consists of 53 multiple-choice questions, with a maximum duration of 75 minutes. It must be taken online, proctored, and in English. The price for the exam is $150, and taking the exam is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a certified MongoDB developer.
Programming code


C Programming Language Certified Associate CLP

The C Programming Language Certified Associate (CLA) certification is a specialized certification that tests a candidate's understanding of fundamental programming techniques and the usage of the CPL, as well as its library functions and preprocessor. The exam covers various topics, including universal concepts of computer programming, developer tools, syntax and semantics of the C language data types, and the ability to write programs utilizing language infrastructure on both hardware and software platforms.

The exam duration is 75 minutes, including a 10-minute tutorial and NDA, and consists of 55 questions in a single-choice and multiple-choice format. You'll need to score a minimum of 70% to pass the exam, and the fee is just USD 295.

Screen with a code

If you want to advance your career as a programmer and stay up to date with the latest developments in this field, consider taking the CLA exam. It is an excellent way to verify your expertise and set yourself up for success.

Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java Certification

Java is one of the most sought-after programming languages by employers worldwide. Earning a Java programming certification is invaluable in the tech world and is essential for any aspiring software developer to succeed. Preparing for and successfully passing the Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java Certification - 1Z0-811 exam is the first step to unlocking this potential.

This certification validates your skills, capabilities, and knowledge of the fundamentals of Java. It showcases your potential to become an ever more valued asset to any company for furthering your skills and attaining higher levels of certification.

A man typing out a code on his laptop


Knowing what you will face in the certification process is just as important as your skill set to ensure a passing score. The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 150 minutes. You will need to score a minimum of sixty-five percent to pass the exam, and the fee is just $244.

Many online programming courses are available to help with exam preparation and provide a better understanding of the fundamental concepts of JAVA programming and certification training.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of programmer is most in demand?

The most in-demand programmer right now is someone who can code and work with various languages, is comfortable developing web-based applications, and is knowledgeable about modern frameworks.

2. Do coding certificates help you get a job?

Yes, coding certificates can help you get a job. They demonstrate your industry knowledge and commitment to staying up to date with the latest coding trends.

Man sitting at a desk


3. What computer coding certification pays the most?

A certification in web development can open the door to an array of potential job opportunities, while a certification in software engineering can help you land more senior-level roles. And if you want to start freelancing or running your own business, certifications like cloud computing and cybersecurity can put you in a prime position to do so.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to picking certifications as a software developer. These certifications are great starting points to help you up your game and expand your skill set, but what works for one developer won't necessarily work for someone else.

So, consider your choices carefully, and make sure that the certifications you choose are worth the time, money, and effort.

Leave a Comment