Looking to pursue a career in Python programming and confused about the different certifications and certificate programs available? This article will give you a clearer understanding of Python programming, the difference between a certification and a certificate, and how to choose the right path toward a Python programming certification.

Python Programming Certifications and Certificates

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your skills in Python programming, you might be overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available. You might also have a lot of questions, like:

• What’s the difference between a certificate and a certification?
• Will a certificate help me get a job?
• How do I prepare for these credentials?

This article aims to answer these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path toward a Python programming certification. Read on to learn more.

What is Python Programming?

Python has emerged as one of the most popular general-purpose programming languages worldwide. While Python is the language of choice for many Data Scientists and Data Analysts, it’s also essential for Web Developers and Software Developers. Python’s easy-to-use frameworks and libraries contribute to its success, and the worldwide community of Python pros ensures that novices can always find assistance.

The essential language ranks within the top three among those learning to code, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the average growth for Web Developers will be 13% from 2020 to 2030. Many of these jobs require Python programming skills. Other fields requiring Python include data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

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

What Can You Do with Python Programming?

Python is a high-level programming language with numerous applications. Its ease of use and scalability make it a popular choice among Back End Developers, Game Developers, and Software Engineers, among others. Companies ranging from Disney to JPMorgan Chase and Comcast need Python development pros for tasks like developing software, testing automation code, and developing back end elements in coordination with Front End Developers.

The most common areas for Python programming experts to find employment include:

• Software Development - Software development with Python involves tools like Django, Git, and SQL. Software development professionals using Python can have titles like Python Developer, Full Stack Developer, or DevOps Engineer, among others. 

• Web Development - Python pros famously used frameworks like Django and Flask to develop sites for companies like Instagram, Pinterest, and Dropbox. Positions for Python web development pros include:
  • Python Developer
  • Back End Developer
  • Solutions Architect
  • Web Developer
  • Game Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Automation Engineer

• Game Development - Python game development frameworks include Panda3D, Pygame, and PyKyra, to name a few. Tech pros with Python and game development expertise may have titles like Python Developer, XR Developer, or Video Game AI Engineer. 

• Enterprise Applications -  Enterprise-grade apps built with Python include large technology stacks like Microsoft and Netflix. Titles for pros in this area include Applications Architect, Solutions Architect, and Enterprise Software Engineer, to name a few.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Certifications and certificate programs differ in several important ways. For certification, you typically must sit for an exam administered by a third party. On the other hand, certificates are usually completion-based programs provided by course providers like Noble Desktop, Career Centers, or Practical Programming.

While development students might want to learn Python programming through Noble’s Python Developer Certificate, data analysis students might prefer something like their Data Analytics Certificate program. Other options include a Software Engineering Certificate, Python Immersive, and Data Science Certificate.

Top certifications for Python professionals include the PCEP, PCAD, and PCAT.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Python Programming

The Python Institute provides the best-known certifications for Python programming. They are as follows.

• Certified Entry Level Python Programmer (PCEP) - PCEP is likely the best-known Python certification, and a valuable addition to many resumes. Noble Desktop’s Python training programs prepare students well for this level of certification, as they teach fundamentals of object-oriented programming.

• Certified Associate in Data Analytics with Python (PCAD) - The PCAD certification is more popular among Data Analysts and Business Analysts rather than Developers. If your job requires machine learning expertise, you might want to sit for this certification; most development pros won’t need it.

• Certified Associate in Testing with Python (PCAT) - The PCAT certification is another popular option. Noble’s Python Developer Certificate can help prepare students to sit for this certification, as it trains participants in topics like object-oriented programming and custom functions, among others.

Noble Desktop’s certificate programs offer immersive training in a concentrated timeframe. Some are open to beginners, like the immersive Python Programming Bootcamp. Others, like the Python Developer Certificate, require enrollees to be comfortable with basic HTML and CSS. You can save by taking the Python Programming Bootcamp as part of the Python Developer Certificate.

Should I Get Certified in Python Programming?

Most entry-level Python programming roles won’t require certifications like PCAT or PCEP. While adding a certification to your resume can help you stand out from other candidates, it’s unlikely you’ll need it in a Python programming career. Still, development pros should consider whether particular certifications will benefit them.

Graduating from a certificate program is another matter altogether. Many companies with an urgent need to fill positions with Python programmers will be happy to take on certificate program graduates. As you learn more on the job, you can also retake many certificate programs for up to a year at no additional cost. Check Python development course listings from providers like Noble Desktop to compare and contrast Python development options.

How to Get Certified in Python Programming

Before you commit to certification, consider enrolling in a full-length certificate program. These courses often combine multiple bootcamps into an immersive experience you can complete in a few months or weeks.

Once you qualify for an entry-level Python programming position, you can always weigh all your certification options. If your employer prefers you sit for a particular certification exam, they might pay some or even all of your costs. Specialized tracks like PCAD and PCAT can demand years of experience, so be sure you know all the requirements before you go for certification.

Learn Python Programming with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers numerous options for those looking to learn Python programming, both in-person and live online over teleconferencing applications like Zoom. They also provide a host of free resources online, including tutorials, seminars, and blog posts. 

Those interested in Python for development should consider one of the following options:

• Python Programming Bootcamp - The Python Programming Bootcamp features multiple days worth of hands-on intensive training. Participants new to Python learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming and will create a portfolio of projects and code samples. There is no prerequisite for this bootcamp but students can save by taking this course as part of Noble’s Python Developer Certificate, FinTech Bootcamp, or Data Science Certificate.

• Python Developer Certificate - Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate program is their flagship offering for Python programming on the server side. It combines the Python Programming Bootcamp with an advanced Python Web Development with Django course. The course has one prerequisite: attendees should feel comfortable with HTML/CSS, at the level offered in Noble’s Web Development with HTML & CSS class. Covered skills include:
• Django
• Django REST
• VS Code
• Git
• GitHub
• SQL

Additional programs that may be of interest to Python developers include:

• Python Web Development with Django 
• Software Engineering Certificate 

Those interested in Python for data science can get their training through multiple Noble Desktop programs, including: 

• Data Science Certificate
• Python for Data Science Bootcamp
• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp
• Python for Automation

Python for Finance and FinTech programs include: 

• FinTech Bootcamp
• Python for Finance Bootcamp

Python for Cybersecurity programs include:

• Cybersecurity Bootcamp
• Cybersecurity with Python
• Python for Network Security
• Offensive Security with Python

Noble Desktop’s bootcamps and certificate programs earn high marks from graduates. They are available live online or in-person in New York City. Additional perks include a Certificate of Completion upon graduation and free retakes for up to one year. Many certificates and bootcamps also feature 1-on-1 mentoring; check course descriptions for more details, including any prerequisite information.

Key Takeaways

• Python is one of the most popular general-purpose programming languages in the world.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an average 13% growth rate for Web Developers from 2020-2030.
• Third parties typically administer certifications to demonstrate subject mastery, while certificate programs are usually completion-based programs.
• Popular certifications include:
• Certified Entry Level Python Programmer (PCEP)
• Certified Associate in Data Analytics with Python (PCAD)
• Certified Associate in Testing with Python (PCAT)
• Top certificates for Python programming include from Noble Desktop include:
• Python Developer Certificate
• Data Science Certificate
• You can receive comprehensive Python programming training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.