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Best programmer certifications
The best certifications for a programmer are Programming in C# Certification, Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC), and Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP).
Programmer certifications demonstrate your competency as a programmer to employers. However, not all programmer certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best programmer certifications. Obtaining a programmer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for programmers
| Rank | Programmer certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Programming in C# Certification | MS |
| 2 | Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC) | IEEE |
| 3 | Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) | Sun Microsyst... |
| 4 | Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer I (OCP) | Oracle |
| 5 | SAS Certified Advanced Programmer for SAS 9 | SAS Institute... |
| 6 | Certified Agile Developer (CAD) | GAQM |
| 7 | Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) | Global Knowle... |
| 8 | Program Design Specialist | IFPA |
| 9 | SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 (CBP) | SAS Institute... |
9 best programmer certifications
1. Programming in C# Certification
This exam is intended for developers with one or more years of experience programming the essential business/application logic for a variety of application types and hardware/software platforms using C#.
- 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. Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)
This foundation certification is for programmers interested in demonstrating proficiency in the fundamentals of the Java programming language.
- 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. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer I (OCP)
This foundation certification is for programmers interested in demonstrating proficiency in the fundamentals of the Java programming language. To achieve this certification, candidates must successfully complete one exam. It is not necessary to be a Sun Certified Java Associate prior to taking this exam.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. SAS Certified Advanced Programmer for SAS 9
SAS offers professional certifications validating a candidate's knowledge at the job role level. Designed in tracks, each certification will require the successful completion of one or more exams to earn a credential.
- 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?
6. Certified Agile Developer (CAD)
Agile approaches help teams respond to unpredictability through incremental, iterative work cadences, known as sprints. Agile methodologies are an alternative to waterfall, or traditional sequential development. Agile, a popular method of delivering top-quality software on schedule through a collaborative, iterative approach. Certification helps in understanding the key principles of Agile software development, which promote faster release cycles, better deliverable's and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. You’ll gain knowledge on policies and process improvements that can enhance interactions between developers and project and program managers. Agile software development, uses iterative, feature-driven, customer-focused Agile practices to develop applications that meet user requirements. In this certification, you also gain practical experience performing each role within an Agile team.
- 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? No
7. 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
8. Program Design Specialist
The IFPA Program Design Specialist Certification prepares you to design exercise programs for specific client populations, eliminate training plateaus, and achieve maximum results for your clients. This course covers 40 individual exercise programs to create your own personal training arsenal. The IFPA Program Design Specialist Certification is also designed to teach the student advanced principles in strength training program design.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 (CBP)
The SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 credential is the ideal certification for those relatively new to SAS programming or new to SAS certification. It is also the principle certification for other advanced certifications available from SAS. Candidates should be familiar with the enhancements and new functionality that are available in SAS 9.2.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a programmer?
The best programmer certification is Programming in C# Certification. The Programming in C# Certification is awarded by the Microsoft Corporation. This certification tests for knowledge about the use of proprietary software or hardware products. It is used primarily for computer-related companies.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this programmer certification:
- To become a certified Programming in C# Certification, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What certifications can impact a programmer career and salary?
The Programming in C# Certification certification will help you to secure a programmer analyst position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A programmer analyst's average salary is $66,482 whereas programmers make an average salary of $73,007.
The most common combination of programmer certifications include: Programming in C# Certification, Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC), and Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP).
Online courses for programmers to earn certifications
1. 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!...
2. C# Console and Windows Forms Development w/ Entity Framework
C# .NET Core Console Programming Windows Forms Data-driven development OOP Git Hub SQL Entity Framework...
3. Learn ASP NET with Bootstrap,Entity Framework,JavaScript,C#
Learn to Build Production based Web Applications with Microsoft's ASP.NET, C#, Entity Framework, Java Script & Bootstrap...
4. PL/SQL by Example - Beginner to Advanced PL/SQL
Using PL/SQL learn how to combine the efficiency of SQL & Procedural Language(PL) to build a powerful PL/SQL Application...
5. C#.NET Core 7 with MS SQL Complete Beginner to Master 2023
Learn API Development with C# .NET Core 7 and MS SQL Server from Mac, Linux or Windows!...
6. A 18 Hour SQL/SQL Server 2014/Visual Studio 2017 Course
Learn SQL, SQL Server, SSMS, ASP.NET, Visual Studio, C#, HTML and More!...
7. The Complete PL/SQL Bootcamp: Beginner to Advanced PL/SQL
A Comprehensive Guide to Make You a Job-Ready PL/SQL Developer.Also Covers Oracle 1Z0-144 and 1Z0-149 PL SQL Exam Topics...
8. Windows Service Programming, Debugging, Installing in C#.Net
Windows Service Tutorial: How to Create Windows Services in C# .Net/Visual Studio, Windows Service debugging techniques...
9. Mastering PL/SQL
Simplified way to learn PL/SQL...
10. Building an Enterprise Application with ASP.NET Core MVC
Full-Stack MVC Web Application with ASP.NET Core 3.0, ASP.NET Core 2.2 & Entity Framework Core...
11. 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...
12. Rest Api's in Asp.Net and C#
Build REST Api's With Asp.Net , Entity Framework and C#...
13. Rest Api's in Asp.Net Core and C# 2023 Edition
Build REST Api's with Asp.Net Core , Entity Framework Core and C#...
14. Master C# And SQL By Building Applications
Become a better software developer by learning how to build real world applications using C# and SQL...
15. Learn C# With Windows Forms and SQL Server
With a real database project!...
16. Project Based SQL Course: Code like a SQL Programmer
Attempt Projects and Tests on a mock database that is designed to simulate the day-to-day work of a SQL programmer...
17. Build ASP.NET Core Web API - Scratch To Finish (.NET 7 API)
Use C# and Build an ASP.NET Core Web API with Entity Framework Core, SQL Server, Authentication & Authorization .NET 7...
18. High Performance Coding with.NET Core and C#
Learn how to write high performance and scalable .NET Core and ASP.NET Core applications in C#...
19. Building Applications with Angular 11 and ASP.NET Core 5
Use Angular, ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, Material Design, JWT, Leaflet, for developing a complete application...
20. Oracle PL/SQL Fundamentals vol. I & II
A complete introduction to PL/SQL database programming language...