Software Engineer Certifications

Finding a career in computer technology requires skills and knowledge for being able to perform work in specific areas. The tech industry typically hires people who can demonstrate the ability to do whatever is necessary to make concepts into reality regardless of how those skills have been acquired. For instance, getting a four-year college degree is usually preferred by not required for working in software engineering. Although a bachelor’s in computer science is certainly preferred by many employers, knowledge and experience in coding can qualify a person for working as a Software Engineer without having ever set foot on a university campus. Prospective software professionals can make themselves more marketable if they possess skills in front end and back end web development as well as programming languages by enrolling in certificate programs along with building a portfolio displaying their capabilities.

Ambitious Software Engineers can find several certificate programs tailored for anyone looking for a career in software development. This includes certificate training for learning full stack development to gain skills in front end and back end procedures along with programming languages like JavaScript and Python that can provide expertise for individuals who have no college degree nor work experience in software engineering.

What Is a Software Engineer?

Becoming a Software Engineer involves knowledge of UX design, operating systems, and programming languages for developing the software used on computers and other devices. Software engineering requires knowledge of full stack web development for working on both the front end and back end in web design along with training in HTML, JavaScript, Python, and Java. Software Engineers have to know how to work on the front end in web development for what users see on their computer screens along with the back end by applying Python and Django for handling the powering and functions for websites and software, which includes interaction with servers and databases.

Software Engineers must have knowledge in full stack web development for designing, developing, testing, and implementing software from scratch to completion. Skills in software engineering can lead to becoming Software Engineers, of course, as well as Web Developers, Web Designers, and Product Managers.

Software Engineers must have comprehensive knowledge of computer programming, design, and engineering principles for creating software. Part of a Software Engineer’s job involves collaborating with other Engineers, Developers, and Designers for creating software and other web-based properties. Software Engineers have responsibilities for creating, maintaining, and improving the computer software necessary for operating in today’s digitally saturated world.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Software Engineer?

People with skills in technology who are considering a career in software engineering may wonder if they will need to have a college degree in computer science in order to qualify to work in the profession. Training to learn about basic coding, full stack web development, and programming languages for being able to design, create, test, and maintain software and computer systems can open up opportunities for working in software development. However, while earning a bachelor’s in computer science can help with solidifying the likelihood of employment as a Software Engineer, a college education is not absolutely necessary for entering the profession.

People who dabble in web development by building websites or blogs as hobbies may not need to spend their time or money for training related to computer science. Anyone who demonstrates skills in web development and programming languages can become a Software Engineer. Paying for a class to learn coding or a programming language might be relatively expensive and time consuming for people who might not see that path as a good investment for their future. Computer hobbyists and amateurs often take advantage of free online tutorials and YouTube videos for picking up techniques with coding and programming languages.

Do Certifications Matter for Software Engineers?

Certification may be worth pursuing depending on the type of place a prospective Software Engineer aims for working. There are no concrete policies among software companies regarding certifications for hiring Software Engineers. However, unlike other areas of employment, many companies appear less concerned about a college degree in computer science or a certification in programming languages or tech procedures than with the skills that a candidate can demonstrate for handling tech related projects. Even in areas where gaining certifications may be helpful, a certification may not be required for being able to work at a position but might still enhance the likelihood for getting hired at the position.

While getting certifications may not be necessary for becoming a Software Engineer with many companies, there are organizations that prefer certifications if only for specific types of work that include gaining AWS Certification (Amazon Web Services), IWA (International Web Association) certification for becoming a Certified Web Professional, CIW’s (Certified Internet Web Professional) Web Development Professional certifications, or Microsoft’s Certification for Azure Developer Associate to qualify as a Cloud Developer. If anything, a certification indicates a candidate's dedication for being able to perform in a profession on an expert-level through knowledge gained from extensive training.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Some people hoping to improve on skills in software development may decide to enroll in certificate programs that are usually completion-based for learning skills in specific areas related to technology for moving on to a new career or improving options at a current position. To be clear, certificate programs are not the same as certifications, which certify that a person has expertise in certain areas of technology through passing an exam. However, a certificate program can provide a person with the skills needed for attempting and passing a certification exam. Noble Desktop, for instance, offers certificate programs for learning how to develop software, websites, and apps, including the Software Engineering Certificate program that will train you in front end procedures such as learning HTML, JavaScript, and React along with learning Python, Django, and Node.js for working on the back end of web-based properties. The goal of this certificate program is to help you gain vital skills for developing software.

How to Get Certified as a Software Engineer

Working as a Software Engineer may not require certification for most companies, but anyone looking for employment at the position will likely benefit from gaining certification to work in software development:

• For example, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Computer Society offers the Professional Software Developer Certification that confirms a person's professional competency in software engineering through passing the IEEE CS Online Exam that certifies expertise with software requirements, software design, software construction, and software testing.
• The ICCP (Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals) offers certification for becoming a Certified Software Engineer on the Professional - Practitioner level by passing the Information Systems Core, Software Engineering, and Object-Oriented Analysis and Design exams for confirming an individual’s expertise in software engineering.
• The cybersecurity association ISC2 offers the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional exam to confirm expertise in software development and security for applying best practices with security in software development lifecycles.
• Finally, Microsoft offers the Azure Developers Associate certification for qualifying as a Cloud Developer that provides an option for Software Engineers with developing projects related to the cloud.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Software Engineer

Noble Desktop offers several certificate programs that can enhance skills for working as Software Engineers by providing a foundation in knowledge for helping a candidate pass specific certification exams. Noble Desktop offers the Full Stack Web Development Certificate, the Web Design Certificate, and the aforementioned Software Engineering Certificate programs that can put students on their path to a new career for enhancing their appeal with potential employers.

Another option would be enrolling in the UI Design Certificate program that focuses on user interface through training in visual design by learning how to use the tools for creating websites and mobile apps. In this program, you will learn about design concepts and applications that include working with Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator.