Whether you want to sharpen your coding skills or land a cushy job as a programmer for a top-tier company, you’re going to need the right training. As you may already know, coding is an umbrella term that encompasses a multitude of programming languages.
Bluehost eloquently defines “coding” as, “A way of telling a machine what to do.” And that’s exactly what coding is, but there’s a world of difference between writing JavaScript to design an Android app and using C# or C++ to create 3D video games.
So which certifications are the best? Well, the answer depends on the type of coding that interests you. Here are four popular certifications that are currently in high demand among employers:
- Android Certified Application Developer
tom’s IT PRO published the results of a study that evaluated job board postings to identify the most sought-after app developer certs. The winner?The Android Certified Application Developer certification.
As outlined in the Android Application Development guide, the certification process tests a candidate’s knowledge and experience in Android app design. This cert tells employers that you know how to:
- Develop an Android application;
- Debug an Android app;
- Maintain the functionality of an Android app;
- Use Android’s background processing techniques; and
- Use Android storage techniques.
Candidates will also learn about the main components and lifecycle of an Android application. This is an essential credential if you hope to land a job as an Android app developer.
- MCSD: Windows Store Apps
If you already know C#, then you will have an easier time acquiring the MCSD: Windows Store Apps certification.This cert tests a candidate’s knowledge and experience in creating a Windows 8 app. You can develop these apps using either C# or HTML5.
A MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using HTML5 certification shows that a candidate can:
- Code a Windows app in HTML5 using JavaScript and CSS3;
- Use HTML5 and JavaScript to create a Windows Store app; and
- Develop an advanced Windows Store app with JavaScript and HTML5.
A MCSD: Windows Store Apps Using C# certification shows that a candidate can:
- Code in C#;
- Use C# to create a Windows Store app; and
- Develop an advanced Windows Store app with C#.
- C++ Certified Professional Programmer
Most universities with computer science programs offer C++ training. But you don’t need to attend an expensive college to earn your stripes.
The C++ Institute offers a series of international certification programs for C and C++ coding. Examples include:
- C Programming Language Certified Associate (CLA)
- C++ Certified Associate Programmer (CPA); and
- C++ Certified Professional Programmer (CPP).
If you’re new to coding, there are distinct advantages to learning C++ compared to other programming languages. To start, C++ code hasn’t changed much over the last decade, so you won’t need to refresh your skills constantly to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques. Also, a programmer with a C++ certification will have the knowledge to acquire a range of other certs, such as the MCSD certification for Windows Store apps.
- HTML Developer Certificate
Want to design websites? Then you’ll need to learn HTML and CSS.
W3schools.com offers a series of relatively inexpensive yet comprehensive certifications in a range of programming languages. The HTML Developer Certificate costs only $95. Candidates must pass a multiple choice and true/false test that evaluates their knowledge and experience in HTML. The company also offers a CSS Certificate for the same price.
Programming languages are constantly evolving, and the Digital Age will continue to produce new job opportunities for coders. The variety of options may seem overwhelming, but today’s coders have more choices than ever before when it comes to selecting a career path.
Whether you want to design apps, build websites or create a best-selling video game, a smart first step is to acquire the right certification. With these four certs, you’ll have an edge over other applicants and a foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
