There’s no denying that software runs the world, and underpinning all excellent software is (hopefully) well-written code. Programming skills are considered among the most in-demand career skills in today’s IT environment, so it makes sense to hone and sharpen your programming expertise.
We’ll examine five worthwhile programming certifications for IT professionals to pursue to enhance their professional development and brighten their job prospects.
Did you know?: When hiring for a new business, owners and managers tend to outsource programming needs, making programming a valuable freelance skill.
Today’s computer programming certifications are as much about development platforms and environments as specific programming languages. The best programming certifications include an interesting mix of language-focused or language-specific credentials – like C/C++ certifications – and platform-oriented credentials like Microsoft’s Azure Developer Associate certification.
Here are our top five programming certifications to consider:
The programming languages C and C++ have been around for years, making their debut in the 1960s to 1970s (C) and the 1980s to 1990s (C++). Although nearly every college and university in the U.S. offers a C/C++ programming course, the C++ Institute and Pearson VUE decided to carve a niche in this part of the certification landscape by offering the world’s first international C/C++ certifications.
Candidates can choose the C or C++ path and move up the certification ladder from associate to professional to senior.
C++ Institute certifications are good for life because these languages haven’t changed much over the years. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a high demand for such skills. And a C/C++ certification is a perfect stepping stone to many platform- and vendor-specific certs.
Certification names |
|
---|---|
Prerequisites and required courses |
Professional- and senior-level credentials require certification in the lower credential. (Note: Online courses are free and offer a 50% discount on the cost of the exam if you score at least 70% on the course exam.) |
Number of exams |
There’s one exam per credential (55 to 60 questions; up to 75 minutes). Depending on the certification level, you’ll need a 70% to 80% score to pass. Pearson VUE administers exams. |
Cost per exam |
$295 for nonstudents (includes one free retake) $147.50 if taken in conjunction with the course (which is free) Retakes are free for candidates who paid the full exam price or completed the CPP course in self-study mode. You must request retake vouchers within 30 days of failing an exam. Retake vouchers are valid for 45 days. |
URL |
|
Self-study materials |
C++ Institute provides links on exam web pages to the exam syllabus, objectives, study resources and more. Free online courses are available at the C++ Institute. |
Did you know?: Knowledge of C++ is also helpful when becoming a mobile app developer because it helps provide a framework for working as a software developer in general.
As the combination of software development and IT operations (DevOps) becomes the norm to shorten software development timeframes and increase build quality, there’s a strong demand for Chef-certified professionals. Chef currently offers a wide and varied range of learning paths to help educate users about the various technologies underpinning Chef. These broad offerings allow professionals to match skills to emerging technologies and problems.
Currently, Chef offers a Chef Principles Certification Exam to demonstrate knowledge of Chef OSS tools, solutions and products. The exam also aims to provide a wider measuring stick for general DevOps practices. This certification is good for two years.
Certification name |
Chef Principles Certification |
---|---|
Prerequisites and required courses |
No prerequisites are specified, but training is highly recommended. |
Number of exams |
There’s one exam (90 minutes long) that requires 70% to pass. |
Cost per exam |
The exam is free. |
URL |
https://learn.chef.io/courses/course-v1:chef+CP101+exam/about |
Self-study materials |
Chef offers a range of self-study tracks that cover necessary materials and additional Topics relevant to professional development goals. |
Like other (ISC)2 certifications, the CSSLP is a vendor-neutral credential relevant to many programming and development projects. Aimed at software developers, engineers, enterprise IT architects, QA and penetration testers, security specialists, and others, the CSSLP recognizes competency in securing applications throughout the software development lifecycle.
The exam covers all phases of the software development lifecycle, including:
Candidates should also be up to speed on the eight CSSLP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains, which include:
Certification name |
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) |
---|---|
Prerequisites and required courses |
Candidates need at least four years’ full-time work-related experience in the software development lifecycle (SDLC) in at least one of the eight CSSLP domains or three years’ experience plus a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an IT-related field such as computer science or information technology. Other requirements include:
|
Number of exams |
There’s one exam (three hours, 135 questions) that requires 700 out of 1,000 points to pass. Pearson VUE administers the exam. |
Cost per exam |
$599 |
URL |
|
Self-study materials |
The certification web page maintains links to multiple study tools, including exam outlines, textbooks, glossaries, study guides, interactive flashcards and training seminars. Third-party certification prep materials are available at Amazon and other retailers. |
Tip: If the CSSLP isn’t for you, check out our guide on the best InfoSec and cybersecurity certifications of 2023 to help you get ahead in the IT industry.
Microsoft certifications have seen a accurate shift. Before Microsoft retired its Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certificate in January 2021, it was Microsoft’s prevailing certification for programmers and application developers. With a broad emphasis, MCSD focused on application developers and validated a candidate’s knowledge and the technical skills necessary to build web services, web applications and mobile apps.
However, Microsoft revamped its certification process and learning paths to focus on employee roles. Following this shift, Microsoft recommended that any MCSD aspirants pursue its Azure Developer Associate certification. This certification is designed for cloud developers who participate in – or are interested in learning more about – cloud development, deployment and maintenance.
This certification assumes candidates have one to two years of professional experience and familiarity with the Azure command line, an Azure-supported language and Azure PowerShell.
Did you know?: If you’re interested in cloud certifications, consider exploring Google Cloud certifications to enhance your knowledge of cloud security, storage, engineering and more.
Certification name |
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate |
---|---|
Prerequisites and required courses |
Training and familiarity with Azure are recommended. |
Number of exams |
One exam: the AZ-204 exam |
Cost per exam |
$165 per exam; prices vary by location outside the U.S. |
URL |
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-developer/#certification-exams |
Self-study materials |
Exam reference materials, including practice tests, instructor-led training, self-paced training kits, Microsoft Press books and Microsoft online resources, are available at Microsoft Learning. |
The Puppet Certified Professional (PCP) first appeared in this roundup in 2017. Founded in 2005 by Luke Kanies, Puppet is best known for its configuration management tool (offered in both open-source and commercial formats) and its automation software. Since its inception, Puppet has grown considerably. Its reach now extends to offices in the U.S. (Portland, Oregon) and the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and the Czech Republic. According to Puppet, more than 40,000 companies worldwide use the Puppet tool and software.
The PCP validates a candidate’s technical knowledge and expertise in administering systems using Puppet. While there are no formal requirements to earn the PCP, successful candidates should understand Puppet documentation and best practices, working with data (developing modules, external sources and data separation), and maintaining OS components.
Candidates should also have hands-on experience using Puppet. The company highly recommends that candidates take the Foundation and Practitioner training courses (or possess equivalent skills) before attempting the exam. The cert does not expire, but exams are updated to match the current version of Puppet software.
Certification name |
Puppet Professional Certification (PCP) |
---|---|
Prerequisites and required courses |
Candidates should have familiarity with Puppet documentation, best practices and the Puppet Language Style Guide. Additionally, they should have experience working with Puppet automation software, administration of system infrastructure and the ability to develop basic modules. Also recommended are Puppet Fundamentals and Practitioner training courses or equivalent skills. |
Number of exams |
One exam: PPT 206 – System Administration Using Puppet (60 questions; 90 minutes) |
Cost per exam |
$200 QuestionMark administers this exam. |
URL |
|
Self-study materials |
The certification and exam web pages have links to various Puppet docs, the Puppet Language Style Guide, practice exams, the Puppet Enterprise Users Guide, training opportunities and more. |
Many other certification programs can help further the careers and professional development of IT professionals who work as programmers. Here are a few certs and resources to consider:
Tip: Consider vendor-specific certification programs like SAS certifications and Oracle certifications, and take advantage of free AWS online training resources.
Pursuing the best IT certifications, including programming certs, is an excellent career advancement asset that validates your skills and knowledge.
Those interested in programming certifications have no shortage of choices, so choose carefully and wisely. IT professionals should carefully determine the technologies used in their work environments and consider the roles they may want to pursue in the future.
While certifications can be highly beneficial in demonstrating your current state of knowledge, they are also helpful aspirational tools if you are interested in making a career shift.
Jeremy Bender contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.
As big tech companies including Twitter and Facebook lay off thousands of programmers, the job market becomes increasingly competitive.
As such, developers who seek gainful employment and top-tier compensation must find ways to set themselves apart from the crowd. One of the ways to do that is to complement your education and work experience with certifications that are highly in demand and respected in the industry you’re in.
For Scrum developers who wish to find work on cross-functional and self-managed Agile teams, here are the top 5 Scrum developer certifications:
A certified Scrum developer understands the importance of the five, core Scrum values.
Employers want developers that are immediately productive. They don’t want to waste time explaining software development processes and procedures to new hires.
When a Professional Scrum Developer Certification appears on a programmer’s resume, an employer knows that the application fully understands the following:
Relatively few programmers are certified as Scrum developers. A developer this certification on their really stands out from the crowd.
Developer certifications in Scrum can be obtained by several organizations, but the premier designation comes from scrum.org.
Modern software development happens in the cloud.
A productive software developer on a Scrum teams must know how to provision cloud-based resources, troubleshoot code in the cloud and overcome cloud-based security and firewall issues.
Employers know that the ability to develop and manage cloud-based applications is essential to modern-day businesses. A cloud developer certification on an applicant’s resume tells the hiring manager that you understand and can take full advantage of the benefits of cloud computing for a software development team.
All of the major cloud vendors offer a cloud developer certification. Cloud developer certifications from Google, Amazon and Oracle are all held in high regard.
Organizations expect a software developer on a Scrum team to know how to write code. Therefore, every Scrum developer should have a some type of a programming language certification on their resume.
For example, I like to see a Certified Java Programmer designation from Oracle on a resume, even if a company’s main language is Python or JavaScript.
A Java programmer certification proves a developer knows the following:
Industry-recognized certifications in other languages, such C# from Microsoft, also demonstrate to potential employers that you have a strong grasp of programming fundamentals.
Agile’s highest priority is the continuous delivery of software.
An Agile Scrum developer must understand the toolchain that enables continuous software delivery. DevOps certifications proves one’s knowledge of that toolchain.
The two most highly coveted DevOps certifications come from Amazon and Google. Both are considered ‘Professional’ designations, which means they go further in depth than introductory or associate certs.
Both the AWS and GCP certifications cover the same breadth of topics, including how to:
A Scrum developer certified by Amazon or Google as a DevOps Engineer brings a qualification to the table that few other job applicants possess.
The DevOps infinity loop shows an iterative dev process often embraced by Agile teams.
A Kubernetes certification is rare, but it’s definitely a plus.
A developer with strong knowledge of cloud-native computing, 12 factor app development and the limitations of Docker and Kubernetes will help streamline an organization’s microservices development and play a key role in its digital transformation efforts.
The CKAD designation is provided through the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, a highly respected open source organization in the cloud native computing space. Scrum developers with this certification have proof of competency in the following areas:
Scrum development teams that build cloud-native applications that are managed at runtime by Kubernetes will be well-served to have a Certified Kubernetes Application Developer.
In a competitive job market, it is important to stay ahead of your competition. With these five Scrum developer certifications on your resume, you will find your Agile development skills in great demand.
One of the most potentially lucrative fields in the realm of human resources is that of corporate trainer or training specialist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, corporate training and development specialists earn a median wage of $59,000 while training and development managers can expect median earnings of more than $100,000 with the top tier earning almost $185,000. Depending on the job role, corporate training-related positions are expected to grow between 10 and 11 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is higher than the national average.
Corporate trainers assess organizational learning and training requirements, create training materials and solutions designed to fulfill those needs, and then deliver the training. In addition, corporate trainers evaluate training effectiveness and may perform administrative tasks, including class scheduling and enrollment management, along with monitoring the costs of training. At the managerial level, corporate trainers ensure training programs align with organizational goals, review training and related materials, select the delivery format, and conduct train-the-trainer sessions. Managerial trainers frequently oversee a staff of corporate trainers and may have advanced administrative duties.
Professionals working in corporate training and development environments need a variety of skills ranging from instructional design to change management to organizational leadership. Excellent communication and presentation skills are a plus along with related soft skills and a knowledge of HR environments.
In researching training and development certifications, we found that most employers look for a combination of human resource (HR) and training-based certifications. The following table lists the top five certifications most commonly requested by employers for training and development job roles. The numbers are a snapshot in time and reflect the number of open positions found on the specific day the job search was conducted.
Certification |
SimplyHired |
LinkedIn Jobs |
Total |
---|---|---|---|
ATD Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) |
146 |
149 |
295 |
HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR) |
3,961 |
4,163 |
8,124 |
HRCI Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) |
2,734 |
3,387 |
6,121 |
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) |
1,241 |
1,611 |
2,852 |
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) |
701 |
1,151 |
1,852 |
The ATD Certification Institute (ATD CI) is the credentialing arm of the Association for Talent Development (ATD). Its premier talent development and training credential is the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP). The CPLP validates a candidate’s skill across six foundational competencies (personal, interpersonal and business skills, technology literacy, global mindsets and industry knowledge) along with 10 additional areas of expertise, or AOEs. AOEs include knowledge management, managing learning programs, learning impact evaluation, learning technologies, training delivery, instructional design, performance improvement, change management, coaching and integrated talent management.
To earn the CPLP, candidates must pass both a knowledge-based and skills exam. exam fees are $900 for members and $1,250 for nonmembers (fee includes both exams). In addition, candidates must possess either five years of full-time experience working in talent development or four-years’ talent development experience plus an additional year of college in a talent development related field or four years’ experience plus completion of an ATD Master Series program.
The most requested certification in the job board numbers was the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). PHR professionals are implementers. It’s the PHR team member who understands the logistics involved to turn plans into reality and implement organization programs (or training) and solutions. PHR responsibilities may be localized to a departmental level rather than the entire corporate organization.
To earn the credential, candidates must pass a single exam plus meet one of the following education and experience requirements:
The exam fee is $395 with an additional $100 application fee. Some 60 recertification credits are required during a three-year period to maintain the credential.
Coming in at the number two slot is HRCI’s Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). The SPHR targets senior practitioners who are well versed in all facets of HR. SPHR credential holders are typically engaged in planning, designing, and creating policies, goals, and programs at the organizational level.
To earn the SPHR, candidates must pass a single exam plus meet the prerequisite education and experience requirements. The exam fee is $495, and there’s an additional $100 application fee. To fulfill the prerequisite requirements, candidates must possess a:
As with the PHR, 60 recertification credits are required during a three-year period to maintain certification.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a global leader in HR competencies. It currently offers two credentials: the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), which is geared to entry-level professionals, and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), which targets senior practitioners. Both credentials are well recognized by employers and made the top five list. SHRM validates skills against eight competencies in three target areas:
To earn the SHRM-CP credential, candidates must pass a single exam plus meet the prerequisite experience requirements. The exam fee is $300 for SHSRM members and $400 for nonmembers. This includes a $50 non-refundable application fee. Experience requirements are tied to three factors: the amount of education a candidate possesses, the amount of direct HR-related experience possessed and if the degree was in an HR-related field.
Sixty professional development units (PDUs) during a three-year cycle are required to maintain the credential.
Also making an appearance in the top five list is SHRM’s Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). This credential targets senior-level HR professionals who exemplify leadership and can influence and implement organization goals.
As with the SHRM-CP credential, the SHRM-SCP requires candidates to pass a single exam and possess the required prerequisite education and skills. exam fees are $300 for members and $400 for nonmembers. Because this is a senior-level credential, the experience requirements are more stringent than are required for the SHRM-SCP.
As with the SHRM-CP, 60 PDUs are required every three years to maintain credential currency.
While they didn’t make the top five list, we found other interesting related certifications. The International Society for Performance Improvement’s (ISPI) offers the Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) for professionals interested specifically in performance improvement. For professionals who don’t meet the requirements for the CPLP, ATD offers an Associate Professional Talent Development (APTD) credential along with a Master Trainer Program credential that allows professional to focus on a particular area of interest.
Several universities offer professional development courses in executive coaching and corporate training. Some of the examples we found included an Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies and leadership coaching courses from the Harvard University Extension School of Professional Development. Dale Carnegie Training also offers a Corporate Training Certificate program.
ISA certification and certificate programs offer a standards-based learning approach to critical Topics within the automation industry. Certificate programs increase professional recognition and validate specific knowledge areas such as safety and cybersecurity, while certification programs provide an objective, third-party assessment and confirmation of your skills and experience.
Benefits for Individuals
Benefits for Employers
ISA offers the following certification programs. When you earn ISA certification, you will receive a digital badge and can be listed in the ISA credential directory, which is accessable to anyone via our member community platform, ISA Connect.
Earning an ISA certification demonstrates your mastery of working with a standardized body of automation knowledge. By verifying your expertise with ISA—the global leader in automation education and training—you can showcase your automation proficiency to employers and stand out among your peers. These programs leverage the Automation Competency Model, which outlines the core skills needed to excel in today's automation environments.
ISA certificate programs are designed to increase knowledge and skills across a broad range of Topics including cybersecurity, safety instrumented systems, automation project management, and many others. We offer certificate programs based on industry-developed job performance criteria and IEC adopted standards.
Learn more about our certificate programs and how they can add value to your career.ISA supports the Control Systems Engineer (CSE) License, a specialized Professional Engineering (PE) license recognized in the United States for engineers working in automation and control. ISA offers training courses and review materials to help engineers prepare for state boards' exams held each October. Learn about the CSE Licensure Preparation Program.
For over 75 years, ISA has been developing international standards for the industrial automation and control systems industry. Currently, ISA runs two conformity programs based on third-party conformity assessment and/or certification.
Together, these programs establish that a product meets expectations regarding safety, security, performance, and other essential criteria. For more information or questions about product certification and conformance programs, please contact Andre Ristaino.
Blockchain courses and certifications can play an important role in helping individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology and its applications. By completing these courses, individuals can develop technical skills, stay current with industry developments, enhance their career opportunities and increase their earning potential.
Here are seven blockchain courses and certifications for beginners.
INE’s Blockchain Security course is an online course offered by Internetwork Expert (INE) that provides a comprehensive overview of the security aspects of blockchain technology. The course covers various Topics such as consensus algorithms, cryptography, network security, smart contract security, and blockchain attacks and defenses.
Related: What is a smart contract security audit? A beginner’s guide
This course is available as a monthly or annual subscription. The course is suitable for security professionals, developers and anyone interested in learning about blockchain security and how to secure blockchain solutions. There are seven modules in the course, as follows:
Throughout the course, students will be exposed to hands-on projects, case studies and real-world examples that help reinforce the concepts covered in each section. The course is modular, allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit Topics as needed.
Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional (CEBP)™ is a professional certification program offered by 101 Blockchains, an industry-leading provider of training and research in the area of enterprise blockchain. The course is organized week by week into the following Topics and can be completed in four weeks:
The CEBP™ certification is intended for professionals involved in the development, implementation and management of blockchain solutions in their organization. It demonstrates the individual’s expertise in the field of blockchain and can enhance their career opportunities and marketability. The overall cost of the certification course is $399.
To earn the CEBP™ certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam (20 multiple-choice questions) that covers Topics such as blockchain architecture, cryptography, consensus algorithms and smart contracts, among others. The exam is designed to test the individual’s knowledge of the concepts and their ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The Certified NFT Professional (CNFTP)™ is a certification program offered by 101 Blockchains that focuses on the concept of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and provides a comprehensive understanding of the technology and its applications.
The program likely covers a range of modules related to NFTs, including:
This certification course is valid for a lifetime at the price of $179. By completing the Certified NFT Professional (CNFTP)™ certification program, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in nonfungible tokens and their potential applications, making them more competitive in the job market. The certification can also help individuals stay up to date with the latest developments and trends in the NFT space.
Certified Blockchain Expert is a professional certification offered by the Blockchain Council. It is designed to verify the skills and knowledge of individuals in the field of blockchain technology. The course features various modules, including:
This self-paced course is available for $179. To earn the CBE certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam (conducted for a total of 100 marks) with 60 or more marks. The exam covers Topics such as blockchain architecture, cryptography, consensus algorithms, smart contracts and other related topics. The exam is designed to test the individual’s understanding of the concepts and their ability to apply that knowledge in practical scenarios.
The Blockchain Specialization is a series of courses offered by Coursera in partnership with the University of Buffalo and the State University of New York. The specialization covers the fundamental concepts and technologies behind blockchain and how they are used to build secure, decentralized applications.
There are four courses in this specialization, namely:
Each course includes a mix of video lectures, quizzes and hands-on projects to help learners apply their knowledge and develop practical skills. The Blockchain Specialization is intended for professionals and students interested in learning about blockchain technology and its applications. Completing this specialization can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in the field of blockchain technology and enhance their career opportunities.
Blockchain A-Z™: Learn How To Build Your First Blockchain is a course offered by Udemy that teaches the basics of blockchain technology and how to build a blockchain from scratch. The course is designed for individuals who are new to blockchain and want to learn how it works and how to create a blockchain solution. The course costs $74, includes 14.5 hours of on-demand video and includes modules like:
Related: A step-by-step beginner’s guide to creating your first cryptocurrency token
The course includes video lectures, quizzes and hands-on projects to help learners apply their knowledge and develop practical skills. By completing this course, individuals can gain the knowledge and abilities necessary to work in the field of blockchain technology and Excellerate their employment options.
Blockchain – Principles and Practices by Pluralsight is an online course that provides an introduction to the concepts and practices of blockchain technology. The course covers the basics of blockchain, including its history, architecture, consensus algorithms and security.
It also explores various use cases for blockchain in various industries, such as finance, supply chain and healthcare. To access this course, users must have a Pluralsight membership, which is about $29 per month or $299 per year. Free access to this course is also available with a 10-day free trial. The table of contents of this course is organized as follows:
The course is designed for those new to blockchain technology, but it may also be helpful for those who want to deepen their knowledge and expertise in this field. Individuals can learn the underlying principles of blockchain and how the technology can be applied to real-world scenarios by completing this course.
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A shrewd business professional looks for ways to move up (or over) to Excellerate their salary, benefits and job opportunities. One way to reach that goal is by getting a business certification.
It’s tricky to nail down what constitutes a “business certification.” Think about the sheer number of lines of business (LOBs) in U.S. companies, and that most LOBs can have multiple associated certifications. To narrow our focus, we looked at general business and management credentials, as well as customer resource management, supply chain, sales and purchasing certifications. Although most of the certifications we selected are vendor-agnostic – not tied to a specific system or application – we researched several credentials from SAP, SAS and similar companies that specialize in business applications.
These are the certifications we examined:
Whether you’re just starting out in a professional track or have been at it for a while, you should find one or more of the certifications described in this article of interest and value.
The following table lists the top business-related certifications based on the number of open positions on a single day that call for the certification specifically. This isn’t a scientific analysis in which every job description is examined (especially when the numbers reach into the hundreds or thousands); it’s just an overall glance at search numbers as of Dec. 23, 2020.
Certification | SimplyHired | LinkedIn Jobs | Total |
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) | 528 | 988 | 1,516 |
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) | 246 | 399 | 645 |
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) | 426 | 791 |
1,217 |
Project Management Professional (PMP) | 11,910 | 20,485 | 32,395 |
SAP Certified Application Associate – Business Planning and Consolidation | 340 | 728 | 1,068 |
Salesforce Certified Administrator | 694 | 1,170 | 1,864 |
HubSpot Inbound Marketing | 599 | 108 | 707 |
Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) | 830 | 1,444 | 2,274 |
The following sections provide details on the top business certifications according to job site searches, as well as other certifications from their various organizations.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) has been around since 1969, helping business workers develop careers in project management, mainly through professional development and certifications.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is ideal for up-and-coming project managers. You need to show proof of a high school diploma, associate degree or global equivalent. The single exam has 150 questions, costs $225 for PMI members or $300 for nonmembers, and is available through Pearson VUE. By the time you take the exam, you need to have attained 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education. The certification is valid for five years, and you must retake the exam to maintain the credential.
PMI has other certifications aimed at the business community, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP) and PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP).
If you’re interested in analyzing business needs and coming up with solutions, take a look at the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). The CBAP is an advanced certification aimed at managers and leaders with more than five years of business analysis experience. More precisely, you need at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience over the last decade, and 900 of those hours must directly relate to four of the six BABOK Guide knowledge areas. On top of that, you need at least 35 hours of professional development credits (earned over the last four years), plus two references.
The CBAP exam has 120 multiple-choice questions, based on scenarios and case studies, and is available through PSI. The exam costs $325 for IIBA members or $450 for nonmembers, and a $125 application fee is required. To maintain the CBAP, credential holders must earn at least 60 continuing development units within three years of achieving certification.
The IIBA offers related credentials, such as the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA), Certificate of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA), Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC) and Certification in Business Data Analytics (IIBA-CBDA).
APICS is all about supply chain management. As part of its goal to develop qualified operators, supervisors and leaders, it offers the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and a few other certifications. The CSCP covers supply chain concepts and technology, plus strategies for end-to-end operations, from supplier to company to consumer.
To earn the CSCP, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, at least one other approved certification, and at least three years of related business experience. You also need to pass an exam that costs $695 to $965, depending on your APICS membership status.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI is among the most recognized and sought-after certifications for both business and IT. The requirements are stiff. Option one requires a high school diploma, associate degree or global equivalent; 7,500 hours of experience leading projects; and 35 hours of project management education. Option two is a four-year degree, 4,500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of project management education. [Read related article on our sister site Business News Daily: Best Project Management Certifications]
You must pass a 200-question exam to earn the PMP, which is available through Pearson VUE. The exam costs $405 for PMI members and $555 for nonmembers. You maintain the PMP certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
Are you SAP savvy? SAP, a European multinational software program, stands for “systems, applications and products.” The software is used by companies around the world to manage business operations and customer relationships across several lines of business, including human resources, marketing, sales, manufacturing and supply chain.
The SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM recognizes a consultant’s skills in understanding and using SAP CRM software, including how it integrates with other SAP solutions like NetWeaver. SAP recommends that candidates have a combination of experience and training before sitting for the certification exam; training courses are available if needed. The exam has 80 questions and costs $571. You can take the exam through the SAP Certification Hub.
If you’ve ever worked with or considered using a customer relationship management (CRM) platform, you’ve likely heard of Salesforce. From help desk and lead management to sales and customer service, Salesforce is an all-in-one CRM platform that scales with a business’s needs as it grows. The platform has become so popular since its launch in 1999 that it’s considered an industry leader and won our best pick for enterprise CRM usage.
If you’re looking to leverage the platform at an administrative level, Salesforce offers a certification program to increase your knowledge of the platform. The program requires you to take several classes and workshops before completing a proctored credential exam. The classes and exam typically cost a few thousand dollars.
Salesforce suggests that anyone seeking this certification should already have a decent handle on the platform, since the certification seeks to build upon their understanding of existing features and functions. Once you complete this program, the company also offers the Advanced Administrator certification to further your knowledge of the platform.
HubSpot is a CRM platform that helps businesses handle their marketing, sales and help desk needs. While the platform covers various specialties, the HubSpot Inbound Marketing certification teaches how to use content creation, social media and other inbound marketing methods to your advantage.
This is a free certification course comprising seven lessons, complete with 34 videos and eight quizzes, that takes slightly over four hours in all.
Oracle is a leading cloud database software company that helps apply the nebulous digital concept to numerous business functions. More than 2.2 million people have earned their Oracle Certified Professional credentials, and our initial research found over 2,000 job openings for the designation.
With numerous certification paths spanning the platform’s cloud-based and on-premises software and hardware solutions, Oracle offers free learning courses in a wide range of specialties. Once you’re ready for an exam, you must purchase a voucher at prices ranging from $95 to $245. These vouchers are good for six months, giving you enough time to hone your skills with the Oracle platform before committing to a test.
The American Purchasing Society is the membership organization behind the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM), Certified Green Purchasing Professional (CGPP), Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing (CPDW), and Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC) programs.
If your career involves the creation, use, retrieval and disposal of business records, check out the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), Certified Records Analyst (CRA) and Certified Records Manager (CRM) programs.
On the global front, the Institute of Management Consultants offers the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification, and NASBITE’s Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) focuses on global business management and marketing, supply chain management, and trade finance.
Finally, the Business Relationship Management Institute has two certifications: the Business Relationship Management Professional (BRMP) and Certified Business Relationship Manager (CBRM).
Andrew Martins contributed to the writing and research in this article.
The purpose of the USATF course certification program is to produce road race courses of accurately measured distances.
For any road running performance to be accepted as a record or be nationally ranked, it must be run on a USATF-certified course. In addition, the certification program is very important to the average road racer, as well as those of exceptional speed. Most runners like to compare performances run on different courses, and such comparisons are difficult if course distances are not reliable. No one can truly establish a personal best if the course distance is not accurate.
Certification now follows a rolling model for applications and approvals. If you have questions after reviewing this website, please contact cert@nullesa.org or 202-833-8773.
The period of certification lasts for 5 years, retroactive to the first day of the month the application was approved and expiring on final day of the same month 5 years hence. ESA staff will communicate with you about your status beginning at least 60 days prior to expiration, and will additionally remind you to submit your CEU data on a regular basis.
If you currently hold a certification from pre-2021 and will expire the next June from now, you should recertify in the spring of the year your certification expires; if your certification expired in the previous June, you may still recertify or upgrade.
We allow 2 years’ grace periods to recertify or upgrade, but you will be required to pay a penalty fee if your certification has lapsed beyond that grace period. All recertifications at all levels (except Emeritus) cost $25 for ESA Members and $50 for non-members.
Starting in 2022, the penalty fee is the cost of recertification for each year of lapse, with the first 2 years waived if you recertify within 2 years. In other words:
0 yr lapsed: $25 for recertify
1 yr lapsed: $25 for recertify (1 yr of back recertification fees waived)
2 yr lapsed: $25 for recertify (2 yr of back recertification fees waived)
3 yr lapsed: $75 for recertify
4 yr lapsed: $100 for recertify
Candidates for certification must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree or a higher degree in ecology or a related science. Completed undergraduate or graduate coursework must include the following, totaling 42 semester credit hours. Full requirements include areas of coursework and should include some core topics.
Please use this table for a general overview of requirements; specifics for each category follow below. Following approval of the minimum CEU type requirements by the Board of Professional Certification, this table will list requirements to upgrade as well.
Degree Requirement | Professional Experience (Years) | |
Ecologist in Training | Bachelor’s + | 0 |
Cover Letter Detail: Career aspirations, highlights of research/work to date | ||
— | ||
Associate Ecologist | Bachelor’s + | 1 |
Cover Letter Detail: Field work, data skills, understanding of the human dimension in ecological systems | ||
— | ||
Ecologist | Bachelor’s + | 2 with master’s degree; 5 with bachelor’s |
Cover Letter Detail: Independent studies, complex data analyses, journal publication, report writing, oral presentations, understanding of the human dimension in ecological systems | ||
— | ||
Senior Ecologist | Bachelor’s + | 5 with doctoral degree; 10 with bachelor’s/master’s |
Cover Letter Detail: Thorough knowledge of ecological theory and application, including the interdependence and impact of humans on ecosystem structure, function, and environmental change; written original contributions of original interpretation of ecological information; technical or organizational competence as evidenced by supervision of projects |
Certified Ecologist and Senior Ecologist certification holders who hold that status for at least 10 consecutive years and are no longer working full-time may upgrade to each level’s respective Emeritus/ta designation. Contact cert@nullesa.org to learn more.
Please note that beginning 2021, all newly certified ecologists are required to complete 44 continuing education units over 5 years to be eligible for recertification or upgrade. Currently certified ecologists will be permitted to recertify or upgrade per their original requirements up to 2025; beginning with 2026, all recertifications and upgrades will require having met the CEU requirements. The ESA Board of Professional Certification approved this framework in January 2021.
Certified ecologists should report their CEU as they are earned, or at least on an annual basis. You can see how to do so here.
Interpretive leeway will be given to participants to identify suitable professional development opportunities per the requirements. ESA is partnering with other scientific organizations and training bodies to recommend opportunities for CEU in addition to the content that ESA provides — see the directory. Participants are encouraged to share ideas with staff as well.
All ecologists certified by ESA shall conduct their activities in accordance with the ESA Code of Ethics and with the highest standards of professional conduct and personal honor.
You can review the full application requirements here.
Here are additional details about the requirements for each certification level.
This category is for graduating students who have met the education requirements for ESA certification but do not have the required professional experience for the current certification categories. The basic requirement is:
A holder of the Ecologist in Training designation is encouraged to use the full term, “Ecologist in Training,” on business cards or in official signatures, but may use the initialism “EiT” if space limits require.
This category is for ecologists in the early stages of their career. Course requirements may be met with post-baccalaureate courses from an accredited college or university, but professional experience may not be counted until all coursework requirements for certification are met. The basic requirements are:
A holder of the Association Ecologist designation is encouraged to use the full term, “Certified Associate Ecologist,” on business cards or in official signatures, but may use the initialism “CAE” if space limits require.
This category is for established professional ecologists.
A holder of the Ecologist designation is encouraged to use the full term, “Certified Ecologist,” on business cards or in official signatures, but may use the initialism “CE” if space limits require.
This category is for previously Certified Ecologists who are no longer working full-time. The requirements are:
If the Certified Ecologist Emeritus/ta desires to depict certification on any official document, they are encouraged to use the term “Certified Ecologist Emeritus/ta.” This is meant as an honorary lifetime recognition and does not imply continued professional status. The initialism “CEE” is acceptable if space limits require.
This category is for professional leaders in ecology who have established a track record of excellent contributions to the field in applied and analytical environments.
A holder of the Senior Ecologist designation is encouraged to use the full term, “Certified Senior Ecologist,” on business cards or in official signatures, but may use the initialism “CSE” if space limits require.
Recertification applications at the senior ecologist level require only a cover letter and up-to-date CV if the applicant is, at the time of application, currently certified as a Senior Ecologist by ESA and a member of the Society in good standing.
This category is for previously certified Senior Ecologists who are no longer working full-time. The requirements are:
If the Senior Ecologist Emeritus/ta desires to depict certification on any official document, they are encouraged to use the term “Senior Ecologist Emeritus/ta.” This is meant as an honorary lifetime recognition and does not imply continued professional status. The initialism “SEE” is acceptable if space limits require.
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Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification can make you stand out against the competition in the field of project management. If you’ve wondered how to get PMP certification, know that you must first complete work experience, training courses and an exam.
But is PMP certification worth it? In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to get certified, how much you might have to pay and how PMP certification can help you level up your project management career.
Professional certifications verify your career skills and allow you to learn more about important concepts and industry best practices that can help in your day-to-day operations.
PMP certification is the most widely recognized in the world of project management. It’s available through the Project Management Institute (PMI), which publishes the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK). The PMBOK is the holy grail of knowledge when it comes to project management concepts.
PMP certification demonstrates a strong understanding of the concepts set forth in the PMBOK and other reference materials. This designation can help you distinguish yourself from your peers and gain respected credentials in your field. Along the way, you’ll learn about concepts like Agile, waterfall project scheduling, leadership and business management.
The first step to earning PMP certification is to begin work in the field of project management. PMP certification requires months of work experience. Precise requirements vary depending on your level of education. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need 36 months of relevant project experience to qualify for the PMP credential. Without a degree, you must complete 60 months of experience.
If you have this work experience or are working toward it, the next step is to complete at least 35 hours of formal PMP training, also called “contact hours,” or hold a current CAPM certification. You can complete contact hours through a PMP certification course, which you may take online or in person. These courses take a few weeks to a few months to complete, and they teach the concepts you should understand before taking the PMP certification exam.
Below, we’ll discuss how to get a PMP certification in more detail, including prerequisites and PMP exam costs.
You must accomplish a certain amount of professional experience and formal training before you qualify for PMP certification.
If you have completed high school or an associate degree but not a bachelor’s, PMP certification requirements are as follows.
If you have a bachelor’s degree, you must complete the following before pursuing PMP certification.
Most PMP certification training programs (through which you can earn your contact hours) range in cost from around $300 to around $3,000. Courses offered through well-known colleges and universities tend to cost more, but many also offer for-credit programs that result in undergraduate or graduate certificates. Consider a program that holds GAC accreditation when searching for courses. Free PMP certification training is available through some resources, but usually only for short trial periods.
To sit for the exam, the cost is $405 for PMI members or $555 for nonmembers.
How long does it take to get PMP certification? The most time-consuming part of the PMP certification process is completing the required work experience. Consider documenting your work experience as soon as you consider applying for PMP certification. Once you get that experience under your belt, the rest of the certification process involves studying and scheduling your test. The time spent on this step can be different for each individual, as well as dependent on location and testing center availability.
Most PMP certification training courses take only a few weeks to a few months to complete. After that, it’s up to you how much time you spend studying for the certification exam. Retakes cost $275 for PMI members and $375 for nonmembers, so it’s best to go into the exam as prepared as possible.
Once you’ve passed the PMP exam, you must complete a certain level of continuing education to keep your certification active. The renewal fee, due every three years, is $60 for PMI members or $150 for nonmembers.
To determine whether PMP certification is worth it to you, weigh the costs of certification against the potential benefits. Since we’ve listed the costs of PMP certification above, you likely have a good idea of the investment you’d need to make to get certified. Now, it’s time to consider your potential return on that investment.
Are you looking to make a career change? Move into a higher role in your current team? In either case, PMP certification could be just what you need to level up your career. As part of the certification process, you’ll learn industry best practices that you can start incorporating into your day-to-day work life immediately.
According to PMI, PMP-certified professionals in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $123,000, compared to a median of $93,000 for their non-certified colleagues. This translates to a 32% salary increase for certified PMPs.
Multiply your current salary by 1.32 to estimate your potential PMP certification salary. You can then weigh that salary increase against the cost of PMP certification training and the PMP exam. This cost vs. benefit analysis can help you understand whether PMP certification would be worth it for you.