One of the most important parts of being a web developer is continually updating your technical skills to keep up with the latest tools and trends in the industry. Unlike other fields, web development moves quickly, with new programming languages, frameworks, and database technologies every year.

Learning how to implement the most modern tools on the market can save developers countless hours of work when working on a software product or application. Tasks that were extremely labor-intensive just years ago can be completely automated today.

For many developers, it’s difficult to know where to turn to learn about the most cutting-edge web development tools and techniques. Even universities have a tough time updating their curriculums fast enough to keep pace with the rapid changes in the industry.

That’s why certificates are a terrific option for web developers to enhance their skills in a dynamic and affordable way. With so many certificates being offered by different organizations, it’s difficult to know where to start. So, let’s explore some of the most useful certificates for web developers.

Codecademy Certificates

Codecademy is a digital learning platform that offers courses in a variety of different programming languages and frameworks. The platform is best for autodidacts and self-directed learners that have intrinsic motivation to keep improving their skills. The courses can be completed at your own pace.

Codecademy courses are project-based. For each module, developers are presented with a cloud-based text editor and a series of instructions. Normally, the instructions will direct the developer to write code that integrates a particular functionality in the text editor.

In the process, the developer can learn a new programming language, framework, or programming pattern in an interactive way, all the while writing their own customized code that they can later reference. Codecademy is representative of a general movement towards learning the language of the internet.

Codecademy does offer a multitude of different certificates. Some are awarded after completing a series of courses, called a career path. The subject matter covered in these many certificates include HTML, CSS, Javascript, Web Design, Algorithmic Scripting, Python, Data Science, and many others. Codecamp courses are free to take, and developers will pay an affordable fee to be awarded their certificates.

Free Code Camp

Free Code Camp is a nonprofit organization that offers a wide array of project-based coding courses. Like Codecademy, Free Code Camp integrates a text editor that developers can easily use to complete different challenges.

In some courses, developers will be asked to complete or modify code to introduce a certain functionality. In other courses, developers will be asked to create a project that executes a set of user stories.

Free Code Camp courses are focused on producing different outputs by inputting lines of code into the editor. This process of considering what inputs will result in a set of outputs is a foundational concept of programmatic thinking.

After developing a base of programming skills, developers can put their expertise to work by participating in real-world coding projects for other nonprofits. This functionality is unique for Free Code Camp and it gives developers the chance to build an impressive portfolio. It’s crucial for developers not just to learn abstract programming concepts, but also to have real-world experience in building applications and software products.

As its name suggests, Free Code Camp is free, and developers can make donations to the platform or consider optional paid options so that it can improve and keep contributing to the next generation of developers.

Treehouse

Treehouse is an online learning platform designed to teach students how to code. It can also be useful for existing web developers that wish to brush up on their skills or learn a new programming language.

Treehouse is particularly focused on a tech stack that uses Javascript. Javascript development that utilizes frameworks like React, React Native, and Angular is a common trend in the industry today, so it makes sense that Treehouse offers Javascript courses.

By enrolling in a Treehouse course, developers will also have access to instructors that will help them to complete the curriculum. Like so many web development courses, the material is project-based, challenging students to complete coding challenges. As stated by the BBC, learning to code using an online learning platform can change your life as a developer or as a student.

Treehouse is a paid platform and offers many different certificates. Developers can expect to pay around $200 per month, depending on which courses they take. Programs generally take around six to nine months to complete.

Google Developer Certificates

Developers should also consider earning certificates offered by Google, since they are widely recognized in the industry. Unsurprisingly, Google offers certification programs associated with their own technologies.

These certification programs include Android development, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) development, and TensorFlow certification. An Android development certificate is perfect for those interested in developing mobile applications. These developers can also consider earning a Google Play Store certification, which teaches best practices for being listed on the Android app store.

For developers interested in cloud computing, the GCP certificate is a great option. From there, developers can dig deeper into cloud computing with a Professional Cloud Architect certificate, and a Professional Data Engineer certificate.

For developers interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning, a TensorFlow certification can be extremely valuable.

To wrap up, these are just a few of the many certification options to ambitious developers. Bear in mind that many different certifications are offered by all of these companies. Developers can mix and match certificates from these companies to round out their skill set.