5 Popular RPA Certifications

Robotic process automation (RPA) entails using bots or software programs to emulate human-computer interaction. RPA lightens the load of high-volume, rule-based repetitive tasks from data entry to complex calculations.

Often confused with artificial intelligence (AI), RPA is distinct in its own right.  In contrast to an AI model that employs data-driven machine learning to identify patterns and enhance its performance over time, an RPA adheres to user-defined processes. More simply put, while AI mimics human intelligence, RPA is directed by humans.

As organizations continue to embrace RPA for increased operational efficiency, the demand for obtaining RPA certifications to harness the full potential of RPA tools is also growing. Read on to discover popular RPA certifications, their eligibility criteria, exam fees, associated job roles, and more.

Who should get an RPA certification?

IT professionals commonly seek certifications in RPA, but their benefits extend beyond this field. Business analysts, project managers, system administrators, and data or solutions architecture experts also see value in obtaining an RPA certification.

Do you need a degree to earn RPA certification?

You do not need a bachelor's or master's degree to qualify for an RPA certification. Passing the relevant exam is typically a critical requirement.

5 popular RPA certifications

Demonstrating your RPA expertise is becoming increasingly valuable across various jobs and industries. Should you wish to level up your RPA skills, the following offers some widely acknowledged certification programs worth considering:

1. Automation Anywhere Certified Advanced RPA Professional 

Administered by the Automation Anywhere University (AAU), the Advanced RPA Professional certification evaluates your understanding of the Automation Anywhere product suite, including the firm’s Automation Success Platform for designing effective automation solutions. The accreditation also assesses your skills in bot development.

Prerequisites: You must complete AUU’s Bot Developer (Automation 360) learning trial, available free of cost, before taking the Advanced RPA Professional exam.

Exam fee: $80 [1]

Passing score: 80 percent

2. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals

An entry-level certification, the Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals credential assesses your ability to articulate the business value of Microsoft Power Platform. It also requires abilities like recognizing its foundational components, showcasing the capabilities of Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate, and illustrating the synergies with other Microsoft Power Platform solutions.  To acquire this certification, you must pass Microsoft's Exam PL-900.

Prerequisites: While the certification doesn't have specific requirements, Microsoft advises developing familiarity with computer technology, cloud computing, data analytics, and the internet.

Exam fee: $99 [2]

Passing score: 700 

3. UiPath Certified Professional Automation Developer Associate

This credential from UiPath validates your proficiency in developing essential automation solutions using UiPath platform tools such as UiPath Studio, Robots, and Orchestrator. Intended for beginners, this certification helps you build the skills required to progress into or excel in advanced automation job roles like solutions or automation architect. Obtaining the Certified Professional Automation Developer Associate designation requires you to take and pass the UiPath certification exam.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites; however, UiPath recommends having hands-on experience with UiPath Studio.

Exam fee: $150 [3]

Passing score: 70 percent

4. Blue Prism Associate Developer

The SS&C | Blue Prism Associate Developer certification affirms your skills and foundational knowledge in formulating SS&C Blue Prism process automation solutions. As a potential candidate for this certification, you may currently hold or aspire to secure a role in a robotic automation environment, including positions such as junior developer, developer, lead developer, technical support, and process analyst.

Prerequisites: SS&C | Blue Prism Associate Developer Certification learning plan recommended but not mandatory.

Exam fee: $140 [4]

Passing score: 70 percent

5. Appian Certified Lead Developer

The Appian Certified Lead Developer certification verifies your comprehensive grasp of Appian's platform architecture, including how Appian contributes to automating and digitizing firms’ business process management (BPM). Other essential areas you'll need to develop knowledge include Appian’s contribution to enterprise resource management (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) strategies. Having up to three years of experience handling and delivering Appian projects can be beneficial; however, Appian doesn’t require it.

Prerequisites: Must hold an active Appian Senior Developer certification

Exam fee: $200 [5] 

Passing score: 65 percent

What jobs can you get with an RPA certification?

Explore some in-demand jobs you can target after acquiring an RPA certification, along with the average base salary associated with each role, according to March 2024 data. Remember that even though RPA certifications do not necessarily include degrees as a prerequisite, some roles within the field may still require a formal degree.

RPA developer

Average annual US base salary: $96,861 [6]

In your role as an RPA developer, you will work towards designing and maintaining automation solutions for workflow optimization. It requires comprehending the intricate details that contribute to bot operations. You may also help with process documentation and bug fixes.

RPA business analyst

Average annual US base salary: $90,244 [7]

A job as an RPA business analyst entails managing the business-related facets of automation. Acting as a bridge between developers and business units, you'll ensure the communication of essential process requirements. The ability to pinpoint opportunities for automation is a crucial aspect of your role as an analyst.

RPA specialist 

Average annual US base salary: $106,497 [8]

As an RPA specialist, you have the know-how of RPA processes in their entirety, including tools and applications. You may build a bot from the ground up, devise custom solutions to maintain the efficiency of automation solutions, conduct periodic RPA maintenance checks, and more.

RPA solution architect

Average annual US base salary: $132,784 [9]

This position involves translating customers' business requirements to articulate RPA value propositions, including solution scope. Your responsibilities extend to designing workflows for automation and consistently offering guidance and recommendations to RPA developers. You may also supervise solution testing to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and regulations.

Job outlook

The job outlook for RPA professionals appears favorable for the coming years. According to Statista’s projections, the worldwide robotic process automation (RPA) market will surpass $13 billion by 2030, marking a rise of over $12 billion compared to 2020 [10]. The burgeoning market growth will likely result in more significant employment opportunities for RPA enthusiasts.

Getting started with Coursera

Preparing for RPA certification requires a broad knowledge base and opportunities to put your skills into practice. Learn more about robotic process automation and enhance your RPA skills with online learning, such as the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Specialization available on Coursera. Tailored for beginners, this six-course Specialization will help you independently design and configure automation solutions for business processes. Specifically, this Specialization will aid you in developing software robots and set you on the path toward the foundational knowledge you need.

After that, you may opt to complement the Specialization mentioned above with the Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization, also available on Coursera. Northwestern University offers this Specialization, which focuses on motion planning, dynamics, kinematics, and control of mobile robots and robot arms.