IT is a highly technical field with various focuses, from systems management and network administration to cybersecurity and data analytics. Given the number of IT roles needed in the industry, finding a suitable professional to fit a particular position you’re looking for is often challenging.
One of the best ways to know if your candidate or employee is proficient with your required technologies is through their credentials. Let’s explore some crucial certifications for software developers to help you build a competent development team.
8 Must-Have Certifications for Software Developers
This list provides some vital certifications for developers, including the masteries under the accreditation and the companies bestowing them.
1. AWS Certified Developer
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is Amazon’s cloud computing platform, with a customer base of 1.45 million businesses worldwide and $62.2 billion in revenue. Leveraging this platform is crucial to remaining competitive in your industry. Their certifications cater to advanced skills necessary for designing secure applications within the AWS environment.
The following specialized certificates demonstrate your developer’s proficiency in building, deploying, and maintaining applications on AWS:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Certified Developer
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
2. C++ Certifications
There’s a growing demand for programmers skilled in the C++ programming language. While there isn’t a single, universally recognized C++ certification, obtaining the following credentials from well-established accreditors, like the C++ Institute, is undoubtedly beneficial for developers working with this programming language:
- C Certified Associate/Professional
- C++ Certified Associate/Professional
Since the C Programming Language family is still one of the top programming languages in the world, hiring a C-certified candidate should be on top of your list.
3. CompTIA ITF+
You can identify whether a prospective software developer hire has what it takes to take on projects by their IT Fundamentals (ITF+) certification, which covers software development basics. This accreditation comes from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), an organization promoting the development of a highly skilled IT workforce capable of driving innovation.
Besides ITF+, CompTIA also offers certifications in other aspects of IT, including server management (Server+) and data analytics (Data+).
4. Google Certifications
Of course, it isn’t a certification list without Google. As an authority in software, electronics, and IT innovation, Google offers various accreditations for developers working with its technologies or platforms, such as Android or Google Cloud. In effect, you can rest assured that a Google-certified candidate can build and integrate custom software seamlessly with on-demand infrastructure.
Some of these certifications include:
- Google Developers Certification
- Associate Android Developer
- TensorFlow Developer Certificate
- Google Cloud Certifications
5. IEEE Professional Software Developer Certification
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is well-respected in technology and engineering. More particularly, the IEEE Computer Society offers a certificate for professional software developers demonstrating a deep understanding of development principles, processes, and ethics. It’s a valuable credential for candidates working on complex and critical projects.
6. ISTQB CTFL Certification
The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) is a globally recognized organization issuing certifications in software testing. Notably, its Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) ensures a developer has a firm grasp of foundational concepts in software testing. In effect, CTFL-bearing candidates can create reliable and high-quality codes, making them an excellent asset for QA processes.
7. Microsoft Certifications
You ensure a candidate possesses outstanding skills when they’ve received certified training from IT pioneers like Microsoft, such as:
- Certified Azure Developer
- Certified Power Platform Developer
- Certified Power Platform App Maker Associate
A software developer with these credentials can design, build, and test software systems of all applications, from commercial purposes to enterprise solutions. They also validate their expertise in Microsoft’s tools, making them valuable for jobs that require working with technologies like .NET and Azure.
8. Professional Scrum Master™
Scrum is a way of getting work done as a team, small pieces at a time, enabling a more hands-on and collaborative way to complete projects. Scrumming is not a technical skill but a ubiquitous part of the industry, and hiring someone with a demonstrable mastery of this task will be advantageous to you.
A Professional Scrum Master manages teams using Agile project management throughout the lifecycle. Scrum.org provides this accreditation, which developers need if your organization works in an agile environment.
Why are Developer Certifications Important for Businesses?
Certifications should be a valuable part of your hiring and skill development process as they ensure your staff possesses suitable tools and abilities to keep your organization competitive. Other reasons include the following.
Help simplify recruitment
Requesting developer certifications from job candidates streamlines your recruitment processes as it standardizes how you assess skills and shortlist applicants, allowing you to filter out those who do not meet your criteria quickly. As a result, you won’t have to facilitate time- and resource-intensive tests for every candidate.
With that said, you still have to verify with the certification-giving body if the candidate truthfully possesses a certificate. For example, you can check the Google Developers Certification Directory to see if the candidate has the certification you’re looking for.
Align your processes with global best practices
Most developer certifications follow global best practices and industry standards set by well-respected organizations. Hiring developers with these accreditations lets you rest assured they’re industry-competitive—an essential consideration when working in industries where compliance is necessary.
Keep you updated with the latest development trends
Technology constantly evolves, and staying updated with current development trends is crucial to remain aggressive. Developer certifications often require ongoing education and recertification so you can ensure your team is up-to-date with industry shifts and can spearhead more innovative and efficient solutions.
Establish a highly reputable organization
Certification benefits individual developers and enhances your organization’s reputation as a whole. Investing in your employees’ professional development and encouraging them to obtain accreditations indicate your commitment to excellence, which could be a strong selling point for potential clients and customers.
Build a Successful and Certified Development Team
In a world where tech continues to reshape industries and drive innovation, developer certifications offer a valuable framework for professional growth. That said, these credentials aren’t the sole measure of a developer’s abilities but a consideration alongside practical experience and skills that create a well-rounded software development team.
We can help you out—Manila Recruitment, a leading recruitment agency in the Philippines, can assist you in finding and building a certified offshore software development team to set your IT solutions up for long-term success. Contact us to learn more!
