Browse FAQ and learn about popular web developer certifications and certificates with this article.
As skill-based hiring continues to be a top trend amongst employers, certifications and certificates may be more relevant than ever. The following article breaks down key questions about web development certifications and certificates, like whether they’re worth pursuing, where to start, and how to include them on your resume. You can also browse a list of 12 popular web developer certifications and certificates.
If you're ready to start preparing for your next web development role, consider learning from the experts at Meta by enrolling to earn the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate.
Despite being used interchangeably, certificates and certifications represent different accomplishments. Both are effective ways to demonstrate your skill, expertise, and motivation. However, certifications typically indicate that you’ve passed an exam, whereas certificates verify that you've successfully completed specialized training.
A web developer certification is a credential that demonstrates your proficiency in web development technologies, concepts, or methodologies. Relevant areas of expertise include:
Front-end development. The term front end refers to everything users can see when they interact with a website or application. Front-end developers work on the client side, creating interactive elements like buttons and search bars and visual components such as logos.
Back-end development. The term back end is used to describe everything users cannot see when they interact with a website or application. Back-end developers work on the server side, including logic, integrations, databases, and servers.
Full-stack development. Full stack is a term that describes both the front end (or client side) and back end (or server side) of a website or application. Full-stack developers are involved in all aspects of the software development life cycle (SDLC) and have the ability to work with front-end and back-end languages and technologies.
User interface (UI) design. UI design is the process of creating interfaces for websites or applications that users find pleasant and easy to use. UI designers might study graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as your computer’s desktop, voice-controlled interfaces (VUIs) like the iPhone’s Siri, or gesture-based interfaces like in virtual reality (VR).
User experience (UX) design. UX design is the process of crafting a user’s experience from the moment the user acquires a product or enters a website throughout its use. While UI designers tend to focus on visual elements and interactivity, UX designers also manage branding efforts and emphasize usability.
Search engine optimization (SEO). Search engine optimization is a set of practices that aim to boost the visibility of websites and content on search engines. SEO is a key subcategory of digital marketing, making the SEO skill set a valuable one to have. It includes content strategy, keyword research, link building, and data analytics.
Visual design. Visual design is the process of creating an aesthetic website via the strategic use of fonts, colors, images, and other elements. Visual designers enhance websites and applications by designing the icons, graphics, logos, and other visual components that make up the front end of a product.
Read more: Front-End vs. Back-End Developer: Understanding the Differences
Whether or not you think a web developer certification or certificate is worth your time and effort depends on your ideal outcome. Many people pursue these career credentials for one of the following two reasons:
Career advancement. If you plan to use this credential to get a job, you’ll need to choose one based on the skills requested by employers in your desired industry. Search job postings for positions you’re interested in. Take note of any recurring skills or qualifications to consider acquiring. Certifications may be more suitable than certificates depending on your desired role.
Skill improvement. Aside from credentials, the process of earning a professional credential will grant you knowledge and provide you with structured practice time. In some cases, you’ll also gain hands-on experience with tools and platforms commonly used in the field. If education or experience is your primary objective, certificate programs may be a better match for you.
Keep your desired outcome in mind as you browse the benefits and drawbacks in the sections below. Setting an end goal can help you narrow down your options. It can also ensure the web development certificate or certification you choose aligns with your desired results and, therefore, feels worth pursuing.
These types of credentials can reduce the amount of on-the-job training required for new hires. As a result, many employers offer higher pay to candidates with relevant certifications or certificates. In a competitive job market, they can also help you stand out from other job seekers.
In many cases, certificates and certification programs include projects you can use to enhance your web development portfolio. If you don’t yet have a portfolio, it can be challenging to know where to start. The guidance and structure a certificate program provides can help ensure you complete your portfolio projects in a timely manner. If your chosen program is instructor-led, you’ll also have guidance available when you need it.
For those new to the field of web development, certifications and certificates can be an excellent way to fill in the gaps on your resume. Often, employers expect hands-on experience, even for entry-level roles. Internships can prepare you for these requirements, but they aren’t a good fit for everyone, especially if they’re unpaid. These programs can be a lower commitment alternative, offering more flexibility for those working full-time jobs or caring for family.
It’s important to note that not all certifications and certificate programs are equal in value. Make sure the source you receive your credentials from is recognizable and reputable in your field. Many industry leaders in technology offer certification and certificate programs, such as Meta, Google, and IBM. Additionally, certifications vary in difficulty, cost, and duration. It can be discouraging to enroll in a certification course that’s too challenging and tedious to enroll in one that’s below your current skill level. Consider your previous experience, budget, and the amount of time and effort you have to contribute to earning your credential.
The sections below outline a few popular certificates for web developers in various fields of expertise ranging from entry-level to intermediate. If you're transitioning into web development from a related role, a certificate focusing on foundational knowledge of the front-end, back-end, or full-stack can be a great place to start. If you already work in web development and you're looking to advance your career, you can use a certificate or certification in a focused area such as UI/UX or artificial intelligence (AI) to pursue a specialization.
The Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate program focuses on the tools and languages commonly used in front-end web development. You’ll use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React to develop web pages and learn to manage GitHub repositories and branches. By the end, you’ll have built a portfolio to showcase your work to potential employers through participating in labs and hands-on projects. Earning a Meta Professional Certificate will also provide you with career resources such as resume review, interview prep, and career support with Coursera’s job search guide.
Experience level: Beginner
Time to complete: About 7 months at 6 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: What Skills Should a Front-End Developer Have?
professional certificate
Launch your career as a front-end developer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.
4.7
(18,523 ratings)
350,055 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 7 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
HTML, UI/UX design, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), React, Version Control, Github, Bash (Unix Shell), Web Development, Linux, Web Development Tools, HTML and CSS, Responsive Web Design, Front-End Web Development, User Interface, React (Web Framework), Application development, Web Application, Web Design, Accessibility, User Experience (UX), Data Structure, Computer Science, Algorithms, Communication, Pseudocode, Test-Driven Development, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Debugging
The Meta React Native Specialization is an online course series that focuses on programming fundamentals for UI design. You’ll gain the skills you need to create cross-platform applications with React, React Native, and JavaScript while building out your portfolio with hands-on projects.
Experience level: Beginner
Time to complete: About 8 months at 6 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: What is a React Native Developer? (And How to Become One)
specialization
Become a cross-platform mobile app developer. Learn in-demand skills for developing reliable, scalable and user-friendly mobile apps for multiple operating systems, such as iOS and Android.
4.8
(1,422 ratings)
28,130 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 8 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
HTML and CSS, React (Web Framework), Web Development, JavaScript, Mobile Development, Test-Driven Development, Front-End Web Development, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), React (Javascript Library), Application development, Data Management, REST APIs, React, Github, UX and UI, SQL, Figma, Version Control, Bash (Unix Shell), Linux, Web Application, Web Design, Accessibility, User Experience (UX)
The AWS Certified Developer Associate certification demonstrates your knowledge of developing and deploying applications using AWS platforms and CI/CD workflows. Keep in mind this option is an exam, meaning it does not include training and you'll need to study on your own before taking the test. If you have no prior experience with Amazon Web Services, you might consider preparing for this exam with an online course such as Hands-on with AWS: Software Development Practices, which covers CI/CD, AWS CodeDeploy, and source control and can be completed in about three weeks.
Experience level: Beginner (Associate)
Exam duration: 130 minutes
Cost: $150 USD
Read more: Your Guide to AWS Certification
course
Let’s get you working efficiently in a software development team and shorten the time it takes to get high quality applications to your customers. We start ...
4.8
(16 ratings)
1,938 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 7 hour(s)
Learn at your own pace
The IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate program focuses on back-end tools and technologies like Kubernetes, Docker, and server-side Python. You’ll learn to write back-end applications and employ software development methodology like continuous integration/continuous development (CI/CD) for automation.
Experience level: Beginner
Time to complete: About 12 months at 10 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: What Does a Back-End Developer Do?
professional certificate
Prepare for a career as a back-end developer. Gain the in-demand skills and hands-on experience to get job-ready in less than 6 months.
4.7
(977 ratings)
23,660 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Python Programming, Database (DBMS), Microservices, Backend Development, Containers, Shell Script, Bash (Unix Shell), Extract Transform and Load (ETL), Linux, Linux Commands, Django (Web Framework), Object Relational Mapping (ORM), Relational Database (RDBMS), SQL, Back-End Applications, Observability, Telemetry, Monitoring, logging, Tracing, Representational State Transfer (REST), Cloud Applications, Openshift, serverless, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Git (Software), Github, open source, Cloning and forking, Docker, Kubernetes, Cloud Native, Data Science, Data Analysis, Numpy, Pandas, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Mongodb, Flask, Application development, Web Application, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), security
In the IBM Full-Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate program, you’ll learn to develop, deploy, and scale cloud applications using Cloud Native tools and technologies such as containers and microservices. You’ll practice using front-end development languages like React and Bootstrap while building your GitHub portfolio with hands-on full-stack web-development projects and a capstone.
Experience level: Beginner
Time to complete: About 5 months at 10 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: What is a Full-Stack Developer?
professional certificate
Prepare for a career as a full stack developer. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from IBM.
4.6
(8,046 ratings)
206,176 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 5 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Generative AI, Django (Web Framework), Object Relational Mapping (ORM), Relational Database (RDBMS), SQL, Back-End Applications, Web Development, JavaScript, Web, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Openshift, Docker, Kubernetes, Containers, Cloud Native, Node.Js, Full Stack Development, Web Application, Cloud Computing, Hybrid Multicloud, Devops, Iaas PaaS Saas, Data Science, Data Analysis, Python Programming, Numpy, Pandas, Career, Software Engineer, Coding Challenge, interview Preparation, Full Stack Developer, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Git (Software), Github, open source, Cloning and forking, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), React (Web Framework), Front-end Development, User Interface, Server-side JavaScript, back-end development, Computer Science, express, Application development, Flask, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Representational State Transfer (REST), Cloud Applications, Microservices, serverless, Software Development, Code generation, AI prompts
If you're interested in becoming a UI or UX designer or transitioning into web design from a related role, the following certifications and certificates can be used to fill the gaps in your resume.
In the Google UX Design Professional Certificate program, you’ll learn about the entire UX design process. You’ll find out how to apply foundational UX concepts like user-centered design and accessibility, as well as create a professional portfolio with three end-to-end projects. Upon earning a Google Career Certificate, you’ll gain access to Google’s Employer Consortium with 150+ hiring organizations, career support, and interview preparation resources like mock interviews and resume review.
Experience level: Beginner
Time to complete: About 6 months at 10 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: UI vs. UX Design: What's the Difference?
professional certificate
Get on the fast track to a career in UX design. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.
4.8
(81,384 ratings)
1,146,091 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
User Experience (UX), Prototype, Wireframe, User Experience Design (UXD), UX Research, mockup, Figma, Usability Testing, UX design jobs
The Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization is an approachable course series offered by the University of Michigan that covers the use of document object model (DOM) to modify pages, interactivity development with JavaScript, and the fundamentals of CSS. By the end, you’ll be able to add responsive web design that’s viewable on various devices.
Experience level: Beginner
Time to complete: About 2 months at 10 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: What is Responsive Web Design? And How to Get Started
specialization
Learn to Design and Create Websites. Build a responsive and accessible web portfolio using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
4.8
(25,481 ratings)
325,230 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Responsive Web Design, Html5, Web Development, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Design, Web Accessibility, HTML, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Document Object Model (DOM), Style Sheets
The Adobe Certified Professional Certificates represent your knowledge of industry-standard tools and your ability to pass thorough technical evaluations. They include a variety of specialized certification exams, including visual and graphic design, multiplatform animation, and web authoring.
Experience level: Varied
Time to complete: Depends on the chosen exam and study time
Cost: Depends on the chosen exam
Read more: What Is a Visual Designer? (+ How to Become One in 5 Steps)
AI proficiency has become an in-demand skill in recent years, in the tech sector and beyond. You can get ahead of the curve by learning to effectively apply AI to your role with one of the following certificate programs.
In the IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate program, you’ll learn about key AI concepts like machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. Without any programming, you’ll learn to create and deploy AI chatbots and virtual assistants.
Experience level: Beginner
Time to complete: About 6 months at 4 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: 5 In-Demand Jobs Requiring AI Skills
professional certificate
Kickstart your career in artificial intelligence. Build job-ready skills in AI technologies, generative AI models, and programming and learn to build AI-powered chatbots and apps in just 6 months
4.6
(9,485 ratings)
154,763 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Voice Assistants, Chatbots, Python Programming, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Career, Software Engineer, Coding Challenge, interview Preparation, Full Stack Developer, Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, Large Language Models (LLM), Natural Language Generation, Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, prompt patterns, Web Development, JavaScript, Web, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Application development, Web Application, Flask, Software Development, Code generation, AI prompts, Data Science, Data Analysis, Numpy, Pandas, AI ethics, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence
The Microsoft Copilot for Software Development Specialization focuses on leveraging the AI tool Copilot to increase your efficiency and productivity when writing code. If you're interested in building in-demand generative AI skills into your programming practice, this course series can be an excellent starting point.
Experience level: Intermediate
Time to complete: About 1 month at 5 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
Read more: 5 In-Demand Jobs Requiring AI Skills
specialization
Unlock your AI-powered efficiency and innovation. Code faster, smarter! Copilot is your AI coding partner, boosting productivity and creativity. Learn to level up your development game.
4.8
(20 ratings)
1,327 already enrolled
Intermediate level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Document Generation, VS Code, Project Management, AI Tools in Business, GenAI Basics, GitHub Copilot, vs code, Developing with AI, GenAI, Code Generation, Code Analysis, Ethics in AI, Visual Studio Code, Coding, GenAI Tools, Development with AI, Gen AI, Microsoft Copilot, Development Planning, AI Code Documentation, Project Planning, AI Code Review
Prospective employers often value experience with specific development tools and platforms. Having experience with industry-standard languages and technologies minimizes the amount of time a new hire will spend getting acclimated to their role. Once you’ve browsed job postings and identified the technologies that are most relevant to you, consider earning a certificate that aligns. Here are a few platform-based certificates to get you started:
The Django for Everybody Specialization is offered by the University of Michigan, this intermediate-level specialization is taught by subject matter experts. It covers the essentials of building full-featured web applications with the Django library. You’ll strengthen your coding skills in Python, learn SQL, and get hands-on practice with jQuery and JSON web services.
Experience level: Intermediate
Time to complete: About 2 months at 10 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
specialization
Build & deploy rich web applications using Django. Learn the fundamentals of building a full-featured web site using Django
4.7
(2,269 ratings)
83,935 already enrolled
Intermediate level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Django (Web Framework), HTML, SQL, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Data Validation, User authentication, One-to-Many models, Sessions and cookies, GET & POST, Cross-Site Scripting Forgery (CSRF), Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Django Template Language, Json, Many-to-many data modeling, Jquery, Document Object Model (DOM)
In the intermediate-level Developing Applications with Google Cloud Specialization offered by Google, you’ll learn the best practices for cloud-native application development with Google Cloud products and services. By the end, you’ll be able to deploy applications using Container Builder, Container Registry, and Terraform.
Experience level: Intermediate
Time to complete: About 1 month at 10 hours of study per week
Cost: Included with $59/mo Coursera Plus subscription
specialization
Design, Develop, and Deploy Apps on Google Cloud. Build secure, scalable, and intelligent cloud-native applications.
4.7
(8,136 ratings)
80,500 already enrolled
Intermediate level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Event-Driven Programming, Google Cloud, Microservices Development, Application Security, Cloud Development
Google Developers Certifications have several different technology focus areas, including Tensorflow, Android, and Cloud.
Experience level: Varied
Time to complete: Depends on the chosen exam and study time
Cost: Depends on the chosen exam
Read more: Google Cloud Certification: 2024 Guide
professional certificate
Developer Best Practices on Google Cloud
4.7
(440 ratings)
11,922 already enrolled
Intermediate level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Build and package applications into container images., Fundamentals of Cloud Run and Google Kubernetes Engine., Containers and container images., Create test and secure containers., Cloud Platforms, Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Storage, Google Compute Engine, Google App Engine (GAE), Cloud Computing
Where you list your certifications depends on the layout of your resume. You may create a section titled “certifications and licenses” or simply place them alongside your education. If you want your certification to stand out first, consider including it in your resume summary. Mentioning your certifications in your cover letter is also an excellent way to showcase them.
Read more: How to List Certifications on Your Resume: Guide + Examples
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