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Best lead developer certifications
Lead developer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an lead developer to employers. However, not all lead developer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a lead developer are Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD).
Below is a list of the best lead developer certifications. Obtaining an lead developer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for lead developers
| Rank | Lead developer certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 2 | Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC) | IEEE |
| 3 | Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) | Global Knowle... |
| 4 | Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Fnd Applications (MCTS) | MS |
| 5 | The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) | The Open Grou... |
| 6 | Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) | Global Knowle... |
6 best lead developer certifications
1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)
This professional competency certification requires successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management, Software Engineering Project Management, Software Engineering Economics and the successful completion of two advanced applied modules.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs) can actively design and develop leading-edge business solutions with the latest development tools, technologies, platforms, and architectures.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
4. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Fnd Applications (MCTS)
Candidates work on a team in a medium-sized or large development environment that uses Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 Enterprise Developer, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, or Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. Candidates should have at least two to three years of experience developing Web-based, Windows-based, or distributed applications by using the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0, the .NET Framework 1.1, the .NET Framework 2.0, or the .NET Framework 3.5. Candidates should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF)
The TOGAF® standard, a standard of The Open Group, is the open Enterprise Architecture standard used by the world's leading organizations to improve business efficiency. The Open Group TOGAF Certification Program, with over 75,000 certifications, enables Enterprise Architects and trainers around the globe to demonstrate their proven knowledge of the framework. The TOGAF 9 Certified qualification is achieved through passing two exams, following a course of self-study or attendance at an Accredited Training Course. There is also an entry level qualification, TOGAF 9 Foundation, which is achieved by passing just the first exam.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs) use Microsoft technologies to develop and administer applications and deploy and implement web back-end data solutions. Join the community of developers who are leveraging the power of .Net.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
What is the best certification for a lead developer?
The best lead developer certification is Certified Scrum Master (CSM). The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is awarded by the Scrum Alliance. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this lead developer certification:
- To become a certified Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for lead developers?
The most in-demand lead developer certification is Certified Scrum Master based on all active job postings. Having this lead developer certification will give you access to more lead developer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a lead developer career and salary?
The Certified Scrum Master certification will help you to secure a product manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A product manager's average salary is $118,441 whereas lead developers make an average salary of $116,340.
The most common combination of lead developer certifications include: Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD).
Online courses for lead developers to earn certifications
1. Software Engineering Immersive (Full-time)
Meet the global demand for technical problem-solvers by developing your coding skills to create full-stack web applications across multiple frameworks, incorporating functionality from third-party APIs, executing software engineering projects in an Agile development workflow, and more...
2. Data Science Immersive (Full-time)
Harness the power of data science to solve the world’s most challenging problems by developing your skills in predictive modeling, pattern recognition, data visualization, wrangling massive data sets, forecasting trends, and informing strategy across diverse industries like public policy, robotics, and FinTech...
3. Programming for Data Science with R
Prepare for a data science career by learning the fundamental data programming tools: R, SQL, command line, and git...
4. Full Stack Web Developer
Design and develop modern web applications.Students will also learn how to deploy a Flask-based web application to the cloud using Docker and Kubernetes...
5. Full Stack Web Development with C# OOP, MS SQL & ASP.NET MVC
Web development with C#, ASP.NET MVC, MS SQL, C# OOP. All gathered for full stack web development in one course!...
6. Ultimate ASP.NET Core Web API Development Guide
Learn how to create a maintainable Web API using ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework and Enterprise Level Design Patterns...
7. Data Science (Part Time)
Create robust predictive models with statistics and Python programming. Build confidence and credibility to tackle complex machine learning problems on the job. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
8. Python Programming (Part Time)
Gain fluency in Python — the world's fastest-growing major programming language — and start leveraging its versatile capabilities to build web and data science applications. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
9. Android Kotlin Developer
Master Android app development with Kotlin, a modern programming language that enables developers to be more concise and productive. Build professional apps for the world's most popular mobile platform using Android Studio and Kotlin...
10. Artificial Intelligence for Trading
Complete real-world projects designed by industry experts, covering topics from asset management to trading signal generation. Master AI algorithms for trading, and build your career-ready portfolio...
11. Single-Page Application with ASP.NET & jQuery Hands-On
Learn how to build a single-page application from start to finish with ASP.NET Web API 2, Entity Framework and j Query...
12. ASP.NET MVC: Complete Practical Guide (.NET 7) C# Web Dev
The best ASP.NET MVC Course providing practical real world example of creating ASP.NET MVC Website with Entity Framework...
13. Front-End Web Development (Part Time)
Start building responsive websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — a versatile skill set with powerful applications in a variety of design, marketing, and other tech-adjacent roles. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
14. JavaScript Development (Part Time)
Gain fluency in JavaScript — the world's most popular programming language — and start leveraging its versatile capabilities to build rich, interactive websites and applications. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
15. Data Engineer
Learn to design data models, build data warehouses and data lakes, automate data pipelines, and work with massive datasets...
16. iOS Developer
Master the Swift programming language, and create a portfolio of iOS apps for iPhone and iPad to showcase your skills!...
17. Complete ASP NET MVC Web Development - Newbie to Ninja!
Quickly Learn Web Development with ASP NET MVC and C#. From absolute basics to ninja! Learn C# and MVC like a Pro...
18. The Complete ASP.NET MVC 5 Course
Learn to build fast and secure web applications with ASP.NET MVC 5 - The most popular course with 40,000+ students!...
19. React Development (Part Time)
Expand your JavaScript programming skills, and boost your profile at work — and on the job market. Learn to build sophisticated, scalable web applications. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
20. Intro to Coding
Discover if coding is a career fit for you In this free, two-hour livestream, explore the building blocks of the web — HTML and CSS — and learn how you can apply these programming languages to develop your own simple sites. All in real time, taught by an industry professional. Come learn the basics and gain the skills you need to write your first line of code!...