In the tech world, demonstrating that your skills and knowledge are continuously evolving and never static is crucial to stand out in this highly competitive field. IT certifications represent an effective way to do just that. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to some recognized and sought-after certifications in the IT sector, providing an overview of the available options and the career benefits they can offer.
From Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certifications that validate your Linux and open-source skills to Microsoft Azure certifications that prepare you for a software engineering career, we will explore the various options at your disposal. You’ll discover the required skills for each certification, their costs, and the added value they can bring to your resume. Keep in mind that prices may vary by country/region.
Regardless of where you are in your IT career, whether you’re just starting out or an expert, this guide will help you plan your certification journey and make informed decisions about certifications that align with your professional goals.
Linux Professional Institute Certifications (Levels 1, 2, 3)
The costs of LPI certifications may vary depending on your location worldwide. There are different levels (LPI1, LPI2, and LPI3).
LPI certifications are globally recognized and often sought after by individuals eager to demonstrate their expertise in Linux and open-source software. There are several levels of LPI certifications, each with its own focus and requirements. Be sure to check them as they are regularly updated.
Cost: $150 to $200 (Prices may vary by country/region)
Linux Web Development Essentials
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Web Development Essentials program is designed to support your initial foray into the world of software development. This program includes comprehensive educational materials suitable for both guided instruction and independent study. Upon successfully passing the Web Development Essentials exam, you will receive a certificate as tangible proof of your competence.
The Linux Web Development Essentials program delves into the following key areas:
- Software development and web technologies
- HTML document markup
- CSS content styling
- JavaScript Programming
- Node.js server programming
Cost: $110 (Prices may vary by country/region)
FreeCodeCamp Certifications
In the world of free certifications, FreeCodeCamp is an excellent starting point. The site is completely free and offers 11 certifications ranging from frontend and backend to data analysis and machine learning. Although they are free, these certifications are curated by top developers and require hundreds of hours of programming to complete. The site also offers hundreds of other courses and minor challenges.
Cost: Free
Google Associate Android Developer Certification
If you aspire to pursue a career in mobile development, this is a great opportunity. Google’s Associate Android Developer certification validates the skills and knowledge of individuals who develop Android applications. This certification is designed for novice Android developers and serves as a valuable credential for those looking to start or advance their careers in Android app development.
Cost: $149 (Prices may vary by country/region)
PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
The PCEP™ (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer) certificate, provided by the Python Institute, is a testament to their commitment to the growth and development of Python.
Designed for beginners in Python programming, the PCEP certification is your stepping stone to showcase your basic competence in Python. It is the perfect entry point for those wishing to validate their introductory-level programming skills in Python.
Cost: $59
Kubernetes and Cloud Native Essentials
Kubernetes and Cloud-Native Essentials (LFS250) is a course offered by the Linux Foundation as part of its training and certification program. This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of Kubernetes and cloud-native technologies.
Kubernetes is essential for anyone working in cloud-native environments, so this certification helps validate your familiarity with the industry’s leading orchestrator.
Cost: $99 (Prices may vary by country/region)
JavaScript Certification (International JavaScript Institute)
The JavaScript Institute offers a meticulously designed JavaScript certification program by JavaScript experts. This program provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript technology and serves as a means to assess their programming skills while confirming their expertise.
JavaScript holds the distinction of being the most widely used programming language in the world, making it a highly sought-after skill among IT professionals.
The certification exam requires a higher level of JavaScript proficiency, but the certification program welcomes both programmers and web developers. It is open to those who are JavaScript experts and those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in this dynamic field.
The certification exam evaluates critical aspects of JavaScript Core and JavaScript Client-Side. Candidates seeking certification should demonstrate competent knowledge in the following areas:
- Fundamental programming principles
- JavaScript basics: syntax, keywords, data types, control structures, expressions, and operators
- Numbers, strings, arrays, and indexed collections
- Functions
- Objects, prototype-based object-oriented programming, and classes
- JavaScript in the web browser, DOM, browser environment, events, and JavaScript web APIs.
Cost: $79 (Prices may vary by country/region)
EITCA AI Certificates
EITCA/AI Artificial Intelligence certificates attest that individuals are experts in cutting-edge machine learning, including pioneering areas such as Deep Learning using neural networks and Reinforcement Learning. This certification equips students with a range of skills, from theoretical understanding to practical proficiency in programming languages and libraries like Python, TensorFlow, Keras, and PyTorch. It extends to the implementation of real artificial intelligence applications, including natural language processing and computer vision, often using cloud technologies like Google Cloud.
The EITCA/AI Artificial Intelligence Academy certificate is an internationally recognized benchmark for competence, anchored within the European Union. It systematically validates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of AI. Furthermore, it actively supports the realization of the European Commission’s Digital Agenda for Europe policy, aligning with the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy regarding the dissemination and certification of digital skills.
Cost: $110 (Prices may vary by country/region)
AWS Certificates
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a range of certifications for individuals looking to validate their skills in various AWS cloud services and technologies. These certifications are highly regarded in the IT industry and can significantly enhance career prospects if you work with AWS or plan to do so.
There are many AWS certifications to choose from, and they are continually updated based on industry trends and emerging technologies. Some of the more accessible options include AWS Cloud Practitioner, AWS Developer, AWS SysOps, and AWS Solutions Architect.
Cost: $100 to $300 (Prices may vary by country/region)
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
With countless companies relying on Microsoft services like Azure to power their software infrastructure, obtaining certification from Microsoft can greatly enhance your qualifications in this dynamic field.
The journey often begins with the Azure Fundamentals certification, but from there, the path branches into exciting specialized roles. Aspiring software engineers can choose to pursue positions such as Azure Security Engineer Associate, DevOps Engineer Expert, Azure AI Engineer Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate, or Azure Solutions Architect Expert, tailoring their career direction to their passion and expertise.
The Azure Fundamentals certification exam serves as a gateway to these promising career trajectories. Keep in mind that advanced certification exams come with varying
costs and durations, offering opportunities for continuous growth and specialization in the ever-expanding world of Microsoft-based software engineering.
Cost: $99 (Prices may vary by country/region)