Almost every IT role today requires you to have some kind of certification, especially in programming languages like C++. If you are looking to begin a career in software development, or already have experience in the field and want to get certified as a professional, then attesting a programming certification to your name would be a great value add to your resume. If you are wondering how to get programming certifications, or what the best certifications to get are, this would be a great place to start. And the best part is, you can prepare for and take exams for most programming certifications online, from the comfort of your home.
Topics covered:
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCPCA)
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Certified Developer (AWSCD) – Associate
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification
MTA is an entry-level certification that shows you have acquired fundamental technical skills and knowledge. MTA asses and certifies your core technical skills as a developer, in database administration, and as an IT professional.
Getting an MTA certification will make it easier for you to take a Microsoft Certified Professional exam at a later stage. It is also useful when you are studying for a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) or a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification. All in all, it is a great place to start a career in technology, especially if you are a self-taught programmer.
Price: An MTA Certification exam voucher costs about $70 in the US.
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCPCA)
A professional cloud architect helps organizations leverage cloud technology. Google offers certification specializing in the use of Google Cloud and assesses your ability to design, develop, and manage cloud computing solutions for businesses.
The GCPCA exam tests your knowledge in designing and planning cloud solution architecture, managing cloud solution infrastructure, security and compliance design, technical and business process analysis, and implementation of cloud architecture. Google recommends you have at least 3 years of industry experience, including time spent designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud, before you attempt to write this exam.
Price: The entry fee for a GCPCA certification exam is $200, excluding tax.
CompTIA Security+
This is a good baseline certificate for IT professionals looking to build security credentials. CompTIA Security+ validates the baseline skills that you need for IT security-related programming. To obtain a CompTIA Security+ certification you need to be skilled at detecting types of compromise, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning. You also need to know how to install and configure network components, implement network architecture security concepts, implement and plan for risk management strategies, and install wireless security settings.
A CompTIA Security+ certification is essential for a number of security-related IT jobs, such as systems manager, security administrator, network administrator, and others.
Price: A CompTIA Security+ exam voucher costs $370 in the US.
AWS Certified Developer (AWSCD)- Associate
Similar to the GCPCA an AWS Certified Developer certification validates your understanding of AWS’s cloud platform. It is designed for individuals who have 2 or more years of experience in developing and managing an AWS-based application. An AWSCD certification will validate your understanding of AWS services, uses, and best practices in AWS architecture.
Before you attempt an AWSCD exam it is recommended that you have experience with a high-level programming language, an understanding of core AWS services and uses, experience deploying and debugging cloud-based applications, the ability to use CI/CD pipeline to deploy AWS based applications, and a proficiency in writing serverless code.
Price: The AWSCD certification associate exam costs $150, and the professional-level and specialty exams cost $300.