PHP & MySQL Certifications and Certificates

If you want to demonstrate your skills in PHP and MySQL, you might be overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available. You might also have many questions, such as:

• Will getting a certification help me get a job?
•  Do I need to be certified?
• Should I get a certification or certificate?
•  What kind of certificates is available for PHP and MySQL? 
• Is there a difference?
•  Is it better to get a web development certification?

This article aims to answer these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path toward a PHP and MySQL certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is PHP & MySQL?

PHP is a widely used open-source scripting language on the server side of web development. This free and open-source coding language is one of the more accessible coding languages to learn while offering advanced features for professional programmers. The majority of the time, PHP is used for making web servers. One thing that makes PHP simple is that it is platform-independent and can run on any operating system without a problem.

Typically when you work with PHP, you will also work with MySQL as the database management system. MySQL is a structured query language that plays a central role in computing. Instead of storing data in a big storage room, MySQL stores all of the data in separate tables that efficiently tracks and manages all of the data from the websites. You can find that both PHP and MySQL power several of the most accessed web applications, including Facebook, Netflix, Uber, and Twitter. 

Read more about PHP and MySQL and why you should learn them.

What Can You Do with PHP & MySQL?

When thinking about what you can do with various programming languages, you'll probably think of the countless websites and web applications you could create; however, with PHP and MySQL, you can do much more. 

You can create dynamic page content by working with a server-side programming language. Many programmers working with PHP and MySQL work with ecommerce and WordPress themes. You can write the script for and create desktop applications. However, these are things that other programming languages can accomplish as well. PHP is great for web security as you can easily set up user authentication and two-step verification with PHP. This security trick will allow your websites to use the cornerstones of web security with a few simple steps. You have easy database connectivity, which is why you often see PHP paired with MySQL. 

With PHP, you can implement real-time applications like chats, bots, social networks, and games into your website. To do this, you need to create the application using a different language, then use local PHP back end code to implement it into the website. However, these are just a few things you can accomplish with PHP; the more familiar you become with the language, the more you will be able to accomplish.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

The terms certifications and certificate are often used interchangeably in a professional setting, even though they represent two different qualifications. Certifications require a certain amount of training, knowledge, and experience to qualify for a comprehensive exam. Choosing to sit for the certification exam will demonstrate mastery of particular skills and may be required to obtain certain jobs. 

Certificates require the completion of an industry-recognized training program. Beginners can enroll in several of these programs and still receive the same training and certificate as those with previous experience. Certificates are not typically required for employment but can be helpful in the job search process. You can use certificate programs to help prepare for the certification exam. Either option is a great addition to any resume.

Top Certifications & Certificates for PHP & MySQL

Consider the Zend Certified PHP Engineer certification to show your mastery of PHP. Professionals highly recognize this certification. You are required to take a test to receive the certification; however, there are no other prerequisites for the test. This test is designed for intermediate-level coders. It will test you on PHP concepts, including PHP vocabulary, format and functions, cybersecurity, website features, and error resolution. 

If you do not want certification, you can choose from one of the many certificate courses available. Many providers offer certificate courses, including LinkedIn, Coursera, W3 Schools, and Udemy. Noble Desktop offers several web development certificate courses. Some to consider are the Python Developer Certificate and the JavaScript Development certificate. Both programs will help you throughout your career. 

Should I Get Certified in PHP & MySQL?

With these various options available, you may be wondering if you need to receive a certification or certificate. If you want to enter the web development industry, it is not a requirement to have any certification. 

Obtaining one of these qualifications is up to you. With these qualifications on your resume, you become more desirable to companies as it proves that you know the material and do not need much training on the topic. These qualifications can also increase your earning potential in your current position. However, obtaining either option will help you when you enter the job market. 

How to Get Certified in PHP & MySQL

It would help if you enrolled in an education program to obtain a certification or certificate. With the certificate, this enrollment can be the certificate course you wish to take. Enrolling in a course can help you obtain certification as it will prepare you for the exam's subject matter. 

You will need to decide which program you want to enroll in or if you want to take the test. From there, you enroll or prepare for the exam. You do not need any other requirements to receive one of these qualifications. 

Learn Web Development with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop provides various web development classes that meet various scheduling needs and learning styles. No matter which class you enroll in, you’ll learn from expert instructors in small intimate classes. Any students can attend in-person training at Noble's Manhattan campus or remotely from anywhere worldwide. In addition to the courses, students can retake the course within of year of completion for no additional charge, giving them more time to hone their skills.

For those interested in beginning their web development journey, Noble offers a short Intro to WordPress for Developers course that covers the basics of PHP. This course covers how WordPress Themes work and how to develop and upload them onto a live site. For a more in-depth look into web development through WordPress, consider the WordPress Bootcamp. This course goes more in-depth on how to use HTML, CSS, and PHP to develop websites for WordPress. 

If you want a general overview of PHP and MySQL, you can take the PHP and MySQL bootcamp course. In this course, you learn the fundamentals of both PHP and MySQL. Before taking this course, you should have basic HTML and CSS knowledge. 

Those interested in learning other back end web development languages to start their web development career should consider enrolling in the JavaScript Development Certificate course or the Python Developer Certificate course. Both courses go in-depth into each language. After learning PHP and MySQL, you should consider learning JavaScript and Python, as you will encounter them throughout your programming career. Having each of these languages on your programming toolbelt with help jumpstart your web development career!

Key Insights

• Certifications require individuals to sit for an exam.
• Certificates are based on program completion. 
• To receive certification in PHP, one should take the Zend Certified PHP Engineer exam. 
• You can find countless certificate programs for web development.
• To enter into web development, you do not need to obtain either certification or certificate, although it can help you find a position. 
• You can receive comprehensive PHP, MySQL, and web development training at Noble Desktop with in-person and live online options.