.Net Programming Certifications and Certificates

You might feel overwhelmed with all the certifications and certificates available, let alone all of the options you have for .NET programming. You might wonder what these credentials are used for, how to get them, and how they can help you jumpstart your career. This guide answers these questions so you can choose the credential that aligns best with your career goals.

What is .NET Programming?

.NET programming is an extensive framework consisting of 32 programming languages and many resources. Microsoft created it in the 1990s to increase the usability of its projects. While Microsoft privately used it for a long time, it eventually became adapted into .NET Core, an open-source tool released in 2016. Since then, it’s become a staple resource for coders who complete projects with C#, C++, F#, and many other programming languages.

It’s good to know .NET programming because of its versatility. Many combine it with other programming skills to create new libraries and frameworks. For example, people who use Python can combine it with .NET Core’s resources to create a Python.NET library. With this skill under your belt, you’ll be able to mesh it with your other talents and use it to your advantage.

Read more about what .NET programming is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with .NET Programming?

.NET programming is especially prominent in the gaming industry, which has become a $197 billion business as of 2022. Unity is one of the most popular game-making resources on the internet, and its programming language is C#. This programming language is also one of the most commonly-used languages within .NET Core. C# helps power popular games like Among Us, Beat Saber, Hollow Knight, Fall Guys, and Pokemon Go, and many solo developers and AAA game creators use it as their games’ backbone. 

.NET is also common in applications for websites and mobile devices, making web development, mobile development, and iOS app development excellent industries to explore if you have these skills. Why not combine these two uses into one? Mobile games have grown in popularity and are only expected to grow in the future. If you have app development skills, you can work in any industry because every business would love an app to accompany their products, tools, and services. Learn these skills and pick a field that piques your interest—that will take you far into your career, and you’ll work with something you enjoy.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse certifications and certificates because they have similar uses. Both credentials help employers and colleagues understand your skill set and training background. The main difference is that certifications are earned through exams, while certificates are earned by completing courses through a bootcamp or certificate program. 

You might wonder whether you should get a certification or a certificate first. Certificate programs are recommended if you’re still learning about the topic and want to fill in a skill gap. Since certifications are earned through exams, you’ll want to study and gain skills in the certifications’ areas of expertise before taking them. Because of these recommendations, you can get the best of both worlds: take the certificate program to learn about the topic and get a certificate. At the same time, you’ll be preparing for the certification exam since your courses will help you build that knowledge base needed to pass. 

Your instructors in your certificate programs can also point out which certifications are best for your goals and the next steps to help you get there. They might mention a class or resource you hadn’t known before, which can simplify the process and save you the stress of finding it yourself. It’s also likely that your instructors have taken the certification exams you intend to pursue, which means they can give you study tips to help you ace the test on the first try. 

Top Certifications & Certificates for .NET Programming

.NET programming comprises a solid collection of valuable skills in various coding fields. As a result, many of the skills in web development, JavaScript, Python, and app development overlap with .NET programming. It’s best to fill your skill gaps in these each of these areas while pursuing a certification exam, but having certificates in any of these areas will help you when you apply for .NET programming positions: 

• Full Stack Development Certificate
• Front End Web Development Certificate
• JavaScript Development Certificate
• Python Developer Certificate
• Software Engineering Certificate

When it’s time to study for a certification exam, check the requirements of each and see which one you want to pursue based on your goals. The following is a solid assortment of certifications that commonly apply to those with interest in .NET programming: 

• Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer Associate
• Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate
• CIW Web Development Professional Certification
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certification 

Should I Get Certified in .NET Programming?

Absolutely! Getting certified serves as proof that you’re a hardworking individual with a dedication to learning new skills. That alone will show employers that you’re an asset to their team. Although, you’ll want to consider your career goals when weighing your options. If you’re trying to switch careers and enter the tech industry for the first time or want to gain new skills for your job, certificates will be more than enough. Certification exams are usually pursued by those who want to be considered for promotion or enter higher-paying positions within their industry. 

How to Get Certified in .NET Programming

Most prerequisites to taking certificate programs and certifications are listed on their providers’ pages. Some requirements include having a specific skill set or passing a course before registering. It’s a good idea to review each certificate program and certification you plan to take and decide whether you meet the minimum requirements. 

Thankfully, certificate programs are easier to join and allow you to sign up even if you have no experience in the topic. If you’re ever unsure whether or not you’re sufficiently prepared for a certification exam, talk to the instructors from your certificate programs. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction. 

Learn Web Development with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When you’re learning .NET programming, you’ll want to have mastery of the fundamentals, and all of those fundamentals can be exercised through learning web development. Since .NET programming covers front end and back end concepts, you’ll be well-suited to take a Full Stack Web Development Certificate program. Full stack covers both ends of web development and will lay down the groundwork you need to enter your first tech job before you even start exploring .NET programming. 

If you feel overwhelmed by learning web development at once, try taking a Front End Web Development Certificate course instead. Front end web development covers the easiest three programming languages available—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—and is the skill set of choice for beginners. If you’re up for a challenge and want to learn more coding skills beyond full stack, the Software Engineering Certificate program covers a broad range of topics, including web development, React, and Python. These topics have high usage in .NET programmer roles and will certainly be worth your while. 

You can find more web development classes that will enhance these skills and give you a solid foundation to work from when you explore .NET programming in further detail. The best part about these programs is that they take place in real-time, offer free retakes, and feature experts in the field. Noble Desktop has your back no matter where you decide to take your programming journey.

Key Insights

• Certificates and certifications can help your career as a .NET Developer.
• Certificates are earned by completing bootcamps and certificate programs and are often used to enter a new career path or fill in a skill gap.
• Certifications are earned by passing exams that test your knowledge and are common among professionals seeking promotion or higher-level positions. 
• .NET Programming skills often align with skills in web development, JavaScript, Python, and app development credentials. 
• Many people use certificate programs to study for their certification exams while also earning credentials to advance their careers simultaneously. 
• You can receive comprehensive .NET programming training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.