Blockchain certifications let you show off your in-depth familiarity with the advanced concepts of blockchain technology, allowing you to stay relevant in today’s business world. Since its inception in 1991, blockchain architecture has been an integral element of seamless digital transactions, making practical knowledge of blockchain implementation an extremely useful skill to have.
Regardless of your profession, earning a certification in blockchain can increase your earning potential and career prospects by equipping you with the credentials to lead technological innovations in the global market. This guide contains valuable tips, learning resources, and a list of the highest-paying blockchain certifications that can help you give your career a boost.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a credential or an industry designation earned through focused training in a specific field of study and is awarded by a professional organization. A candidate needs to successfully complete a standardized examination or technical project that measures their applied knowledge and skill-set in a subject area in order to receive a certification.
What’s the Difference Between a Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is the process through which they are acquired. A certification is earned through an industry-based assessment of a person’s knowledge, skills, and competence in a specialized area, while a certificate is earned by completing a course or a series of courses in a discipline at a higher-education institution.
Why Is a Certification in Blockchain Important?
A certification in blockchain is important because it not only exposes you to the latest advancements in technology but also gives you an edge over other technology professionals. Having a certification allows you to showcase your blockchain expertise and proves to potential employers and clients that you can analyze, implement, adapt, and lead innovation in blockchain.
Blockchain is revolutionizing every aspect of the global industry, making knowledge of blockchain technology essential. According to a 2021 report by Markets and Markets, the blockchain market size is projected to grow from $4.9 billion in 2021 to $67.4 billion by 2026. This signifies a rapidly increasing demand for blockchain professionals and people to work blockchain-related jobs.
Best Blockchain Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect (CBSA) | Blockchain Training Alliance | $132,521 | $275 |
| Global Blockchain Leader | Central Blockchain Council of America | $114,641 | $12,500 |
| Certified Blockchain Developer | Blockchain Council | $104,160 | $229 |
| Certified Blockchain Engineer | Central Blockchain Council of America | $97,098 | $750 |
| Certified Blockchain Professional | EC-Council | $92,755 | $718 |
| Certified Blockchain & Financial Professional | Blockchain Council | $92,755 | $149 |
| Certified Blockchain Legal Expert | Blockchain Business Institute | $92,755 | $2,400 |
| Blockchain Project Manager | Blockchain Certification Association | $86,384 | $250 |
| Certified Blockchain Security Professional | Blockchain Council | $79,442 | $119 |
| Certified Cryptocurrency Expert | Blockchain Council | $71,627 | $149 |
Best Blockchain Certifications to Further Your Career
How to Choose the Best Blockchain Certification for Your Career
Joining in the Blockchain revolution should be done strategically. If you’ve decided that you want to boost your earning and career growth potential with an industry-recognized certification in Blockchain, you need to pick the one that’s right for you. Below are some tips on how to choose the best Blockchain certification to accelerate your career.
Evaluate Your Needs
Before choosing a certification to pursue, you should consider the level of impact blockchain technology has had on your industry. While technical knowledge of the fundamentals of blockchain technology is beneficial no matter your industry, your chosen blockchain technology certification courses should fall in line with your career goals.
Consider Your Budget
Blockchain certifications can cost anywhere from $99 to $12,500. While learning blockchain online or in person is beneficial, you need to be able to afford it. When choosing a certification, consider how much of a return on your investment you’ll get. You may not need the most expensive blockchain training course to give your career the boost you’re looking for.
Pick an Authoritative Certification Provider
Internationally accredited certifications have more industry credibility than regionally-accredited ones. To find out if a program will give you the competitive edge you’re looking for, compare its curricular content with industry demands. You should also review its team, industry partners, student support services, accrediting body, and expiration date.
Which Blockchain Certifications Pay the Most?
The blockchain certifications that pay the most are the Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect, Global Blockchain Leader, Certified Blockchain Developer, Certified Blockchain Engineer, and Certified Blockchain Professional. What you actually earn from these certifications can depend on your location, employer, job-ready skills, and the demand for your service.
Highest-Paying Blockchain Certifications
- Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect: $132,521
- Global Blockchain Leader: $114,641
- Certified Blockchain Developer: $104,160
- Certified Blockchain Engineer: $97,098
- Certified Blockchain Professional: $92,755
Which Blockchain Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The blockchain certifications that are best for beginners are the Certified Blockchain Developer, Certified Blockchain Engineer, Certified Cryptocurrency Expert, and Certified Blockchain Professional because they don’t have many prerequisites. Introductory and advanced courses in blockchain technology or blockchain bootcamps can also help you prepare for a professional certification.
Best College Certificate Programs
[query_class_embed] *subject-grad-undergrad-certificate
How to Prepare for Your Blockchain Certification Exam
Preparation is an essential part of the certification process. If you can’t afford the training resources offered by your certification provider, there are alternative learning resources you can use for your blockchain exam prep. In the next section, we give you a look at some online courses and other resources you can use to prepare for your certification exam.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Best Courses to Prepare for Blockchain Certification Exams
Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best platforms that offer comprehensive and affordable blockchain prep courses. If you’re trying to minimize the cost of earning a professional blockchain certification but want to get the most value out of your learning experience, then these are some of the best prep courses you can use to ace your certification exam.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Blockchain Certification Exams
While blockchain certification courses are an excellent way to prepare for your blockchain certification exams, they aren’t your only certification exam prep options. You can maximize your chances of success by combining one of the courses listed above with some of the resources listed below.
Blockchain Revolution
Blockchain Revolution is a book written by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott focusing on the ways in which blockchain technology affects global operations, including in the economic sector. The writers cover areas such as blockchain regulations, business models, vulnerabilities, and security issues, as well as how they impact different industries.
Although released in 2016, the theories contained in this book are useful for beginners and intermediate learners looking to specialize in this technology and are as relevant now as they were when the book was first written.
Blockchain Revolution
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $11.99 (Kindle); $24.99 (Hardcover); $16.18 (Paperback)
- Ideal For: People interested in exploring the theories and potential of blockchain
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains was written by Anthony Lewis and can give you comprehensive knowledge concerning the mechanisms of blockchains, bitcoins, and cryptocurrencies. You’ll learn about the bitcoin ecosystem, hardware and software wallets, trading best practices, the Ethereum ecosystem, tokens, and smart contracts.
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $5.39 (Kindle); $16.89 (Hardcover); $31.90 (Paperback)
- Ideal For: People looking to learn about the origin and history of blockchain, foundational blockchain concepts, implications of blockchain, its use cases, and blockchain best practices.
Blockchain Insider
Blockchain Insider by 11:FS is a blockchain, bitcoins, cryptocurrency, and distributed ledger technology podcast offering useful insights and news on diverse aspects of blockchain technology and blockchain fields. Twice a month, its hosts analyze new trends and practices of blockchain participants in the industry such as crypto regulations, NYSE and NFT, and crypto and fintech.
Blockchain Insider Overview
- Type of Resource: Podcast
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiasts and experts who want news and insights about new blockchain technologies and the industry
IEEE Blockchain Community
The IEEE Blockchain Community provides a space for blockchain professionals and enthusiasts to access learning resources including e-newsletters, a web portal, conferences, publications, and educational opportunities. The IEEE Collabratec is a forum for collaborating with like-minded individuals where you can submit questions and get answers to complex technical questions.
IEEE Blockchain Community Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: $5 (member); $2.50 (student member); $7.50 (non-member)
- Ideal For: People interested in staying up-to-date with industry trends and accessing innovative resources for blockchain technology
Blockchain Tutorials for Beginners to Advanced Level
Simplilearn offers 26 lessons on Blockchain applications and platforms to help beginners build conceptual knowledge and skills. This free learning path covers blockchain basics and can help you develop core skills essential to cryptocurrency, dogecoin, smart contracts, bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Wallet.
Simplilearn is a fantastic platform for blockchain enthusiasts who want to build professional skills and competence in this discipline. If you choose to further your studies, you can work on hands-on projects that build your real-world experience, allowing you to start populating your portfolio.
Blockchain Tutorials for Beginners to Advanced Level Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Beginners and intermediate learners who want comprehensive and affordable hands-on training
Best Online Courses
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-courses
Blockchain Job Outlook and Average Salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in blockchain technology, which fall under the umbrella of software developers, quality assurance testers, and analysts, are projected to grow by 22 percent between 2020 and 2030 which is significantly faster than the average for all professions. This translates to approximately 409,500 new job openings.
The data collected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows that, on average, blockchain developers, engineers, and architects, earn annual salaries of $110,140. A blockchain certification is one of the best ways you can increase your chances of establishing a long and lucrative career in this field.
Best Blockchain Jobs After Certification
The best blockchain jobs you can get after your certification let you use your technical skills to the fullest. Certified Blockchain Developer Certification jobs, for example, use your creativity and problem-solving skills through popular blockchain platforms such as Hyperledger Fabric, Blockstream, Ethereum, and R3 Corda.
Best Blockchain Associations
Below are some of the best progressive blockchain associations for blockchain professionals and corporations. These associations offer collaborative forums for industry professionals and partners to promote the flow of meaningful news and insights, host events, and offer educational and job opportunities.
American Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Association (ABCA)
ABCA is a membership-focused non-profit trade organization committed to promoting the cross-border innovation of distributed technologies in the blockchain space. Its goal is to ensure the efficient delivery of services and represents individuals and corporations facilitating the blockchain evolution. Its three partners include Blockchain Council, Financial Times, and Get Smarter.
International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA)
INATBA offers a global forum where public and private developers and users of distributed ledger technologies can interact with policymakers and regulators to promote the advancement of blockchain technology. Its membership base comprises 170 academic and government members from 32 countries as well as corporate members such as Accenture, Tendermint, Alastria, Binance, and Linch.
The Blockchain Association
The Blockchain Association is a US-registered non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public blockchain networks by facilitating the growth of the public policy environment, hosting events, and offering job and educational opportunities to its members. Its corporate members, such as OX Labs, Anchorage, and Grayscale, collaborate to create policies with industry consensus.
Are Blockchain Certifications Worth It?
Yes, blockchain certifications are worth it because they offer industry leverage by giving you access to a wide range of benefits, including professional memberships, in-demand skills, educational opportunities, industry updates, networking events, job placement services, and informative blockchain libraries and online courses you can return to at any point in your career.
Additional Reading About Blockchain
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/blockchain-terminology/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/blockchain-projects/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-in-blockchain/
Blockchain Certifications FAQ
The best blockchain certification for you depends on your career goals and interests. Blockchain technology is used across many different fields and industries and the ideal blockchain certification prepares you for your desired career path. If you work in the finance industry, a blockchain and financial professional certification or a cryptocurrency expert certification will do.
You can become a blockchain expert by finding the right blockchain training program. You should enroll in an accredited blockchain certification program so that you can receive comprehensive blockchain training from seasoned instructors. Building expertise in blockchain technology and its various business applications also requires a significant amount of practice.
Yes, you can learn blockchain without having to learn to code. The blockchain technology field is very vast and you’re only required to have prior knowledge in programming if applying for a blockchain developer certification. Many blockchain certifications require no coding experience.
You can start a career in blockchain technology by getting a general understanding of the industry, then applying for a certification that allows you to build the practical skills needed to land a job in the field.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
