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.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Unlike the AWS or Google cloud-based certifications, CISSP certifications are awarded by an independent body called International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)2. CISSP is a core certification for security analysts, created to ensure that IT security professionals have a standardized understanding of the field. CISSP certifies security professionals in:
- Access control systems and methodology
- Business continuity planning
- Disaster recovery planning
- Physical security
- Operation security
- Management practices
- Telecommunications and network security
To become a CISSP you must have at least five years’ experience as a full-time security analyst in security domains such as cryptography, software development security, or academic qualification of equal value. After the exam, you will also need to get a professional endorsement from a security professional of good standing.
Price: The CISSP certification needs to be taken every three years to be valid, and costs $85.
Conclusion
These are some of the best and most widely sought-after, programming certifications available today. Most employers in the IT industry will expect certification of some kind or the other, often in addition to a formal higher studies degree in the subject. Getting certified in these subjects will be a great value add to your resume, and now that you know where to get programming certifications, you can take the next big step up the career ladder.
Are you looking for a job in Information Technology?
See all of our current openings here!
Check out our latest video on YouTube!
About the Company:
Peterson Technology Partners (PTP) has been Chicago’s premier Information Technology (IT) staffing, consulting, and recruiting firm for over 22+ years. Named after Chicago’s historic Peterson Avenue, PTP has built its reputation by developing lasting relationships, leading digital transformation, and inspiring technical innovation throughout Chicagoland.
Based in Park Ridge, IL, PTP’s 250+ employees have a narrow focus on a single market (Chicago) and expertise in 4 innovative technical areas;
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Cloud & DevOps
PTP exists to ensure that all of our partners (clients and candidates alike) make the best hiring and career decisions.
Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Review: Google | Glassdoor | Yelp | All Review Links
Apply: Dice | LinkedIn | Glassdoor | All Job Openings
Peterson Technology Partners is an equal opportunity employer.
