The technology industry is a growing field that requires continuous education to stay up-to-date on your skills and attain career growth. This is why there are various Python certifications designed for new and seasoned technology professionals. These certifications vary depending on skill level, experience level, and area of specialization.
This article includes some of the best certifications for Python to help you achieve your goals as a beginner or senior-level Python programmer. Find out about the highest-paying Python certifications and jobs you can land with them.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a qualification awarded to individuals by a professional organization to demonstrate specific knowledge and skills to do a job in a particular field. There are different types of certifications, depending on your skill and experience level. Certifications typically have expiration dates that may require renewal by taking an exam.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is the process and purpose. A certificate is earned by completing an educational program in your specific field, while a certification requires you to take an assessment. The training process to pass the assessment is completely dependent on the candidate.
However, some organizations offer training courses to help candidates prepare. A certificate can be earned by beginners with no prior knowledge and experience in a field, but certification requires you to have at least beginner-level knowledge and experience.
Why Is Certification in Python Important?
A certification in Python is important because it is a good way to show your knowledge, skills, and potential in the field. With a Python certification, you have more employment opportunities in fields like data science, web development, game development, machine learning, and software development.
Best Python Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCPP2 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 2) | OpenEDG Python Institute | $128,614 | $195 |
| PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1) | OpenEDG Python Institute | $91,079 | $195 |
| PCAT (Certified Associate in Testing with Python) | OpenEDG Python Institute | $85,399 | $295 (exam); $319 (exam + practice test); $49 (practice test) |
| GIAC Python Coder (GPYC) certification | GIAC | $79,000 | $949 |
| PCEP (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer) | OpenEDG Python Institute | $76,460 | $50 (single shot exam); $77 (exam + one retake); $71 (single shot exam + practice test); $29 (practice test) |
| PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming) | OpenEDG Python Institute | $76,460 | $295 (exam); $319 (exam + practice test); $49 (practice test) |
| PCAD (Certified Associate in Data Analytics with Python) | OpenEDG Python Institute | $69,074 | $295 (exam); $319 (exam + practice test); $49 (practice test) |
| Certified Associate Developer – Quantum Computation using Qiskit v0.2X | IBM | $61,276 | $200 |
| ArcGIS API for Python 20-001 | Environmental Systems Research Institute | $59,000 | $150 |
Best Python Certifications to Further Your Career
How to Choose the Best Python Certification for Your Career
You must consider certain factors before choosing the best Python certification for your career. These factors will help you make the best decision and achieve your desired career goals. You can find them below.
Set Your Career Goals
Before deciding what Python certification is best for you, you should have clear career goals that you want to achieve. There are different levels of certification and they typically have specific requirements that you need to meet before taking the exams. Your career goals will help you narrow down which certification will help you get there.
Determine Your Skill and Experience Level
Most certifications require you to be at a certain level of skill and experience before taking the assessment. It is important to determine your skill level to decide what certifications you can take. This will also help you determine how far you have to go to achieve your career goals.
Have a Budget
Certification can be quite costly, so you need to set a budget. Your budget will help you decide what certifications you can afford to take and how best to prepare for them. Retaking a certification exam costs money, so be sure to properly prepare yourself before your exam. Leave room for courses and practice exams in your budget.
Which Python Certifications Pay the Most?
The Python certifications that pay the most are PCPP2 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 2) and PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1). Although they pay the most, they are also the certifications that require the most preparation.
Highest-Paying Python Certifications
- PCPP2 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 2): $128,614
- PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1): $91,079
- PCAT (Certified Associate in Testing with Python): $85,399
- GIAC Python Coder (GPYC) Certification: $79,000
- PCEP (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer): $76,460
Which Python Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The Python certifications that are best for beginners are PCAT (Certified Associate in Testing with Python), PCEP (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer), and PCAD (Certified Associate in Data Analytics with Python). These certifications prove beginners’ skills in Python programming to potential employers. This will help them start careers in many IT fields.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Python Certification Exam
Certification exams are not easy. They require a lot of hard work, preparation, and determination. There are various resources and guides to help you prepare for them. This section includes information on multiple Python exam prep resources to help you ace your certification exam.
Best Courses to Prepare for Python Certification Exams
Below are some of the best Python prep courses to help you prepare for and ace your certification exam. These courses are offered through massive open online course (MOOC) providers and the professional organizations hosting the exams.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Python Certification Exams
There is a wide variety of resources to help with your Pythom exam prep. Books, coding guides, websites, and online communities have all proven to be extremely beneficial educational sources. These resources will help you find Python community events, local meetups, and mentorship to grow in the field.
Python for Everybody: Exploring Data Using Python 3
This book by Dr. Charles Russell Severance introduces learners to programming and software development. It breaks down Python programming in a way that makes it easy to learn and understand. Those who complete the book can easily take entry-level certification examinations.
Python for Everybody: Exploring Data Using Python 3 Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $10
- Ideal For: People with prior knowledge of the program who want to upgrade their skills.
Python Programming Language
This six-page laminated guide is designed to help students of all skill levels. It can be used as a reference when creating software and writing code. It includes topics like writing with Python, writing code basics, coding structures, using structures, and coding concepts. Those who use this guide will find it easy to create software and take certification exams.
Python Programming Language Overview
- Type of Resource: Quick study book
- Cost: $8
- Ideal For: Programmers of all skill levels who need a physical guide when practicing coding.
Python.org
Python.org is an online community for Python developers of all skill levels. Through this platform, beginners get connected with experts to share resources and learn about the language. The community holds local meetups and has a Slack team that allows people to connect virtually.
Python.org Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to communicate with experienced professionals or get mentorship.
Full Stack Python
This online community connects Python programmers from all parts of the world. There are basic members, supporting members, sponsor members, managing members, and contributing members. Through this community, you can meet up or connect with experienced programmers who can help you understand the programming language and prepare for certification exams.
Full Stack Python Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to communicate with other Python programming specialists and get several study resources.
Real Python
This is a private Python Slack community that connects beginner and professional Python programmers. It allows those with little or no experience to ask coding and career questions, share progress, and just hang out. It is open to all English-speaking Python programmers across the world.
Real Python Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: $39/month; $310/year
- Ideal For: People who want to communicate with a community of other learners and professionals.
Best Online Courses
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Python Job Outlook and Average Salary
Although the job outlook for Python jobs generally varies, they are relatively higher than other occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for software developers is 22 percent. The job outlook for web developers is 13 percent, and the job outlook for data analysts is 25 percent. These are much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to PayScale, software engineers with Python skills have an average salary of $91,225 per year. Although your salary will vary depending on the specific career path you choose, candidates with Python certifications prove to be a valuable asset to companies.
Best Python Jobs After Certification
Certifications can prepare you for some of the best Python jobs in the field. These Python certification jobs are high-paying and will open you to various career opportunities through the experience they will provide.
Best Python Associations
Being a member of Python associations will open you to a world of opportunities. They allow you to meet other professionals in the field, build a strong network, and stay updated on industry trends. This section includes the best Python associations you can join.
Python Software Foundation
This foundation is a nonprofit organization owned by those with the intellectual property rights behind the Python programming language. The foundation supports many Python conferences around the world that connect Python programmers with others in the field. Members build strong networks.
Python Institute Community
The Python Institute Community is a community that allows professional Python programmers to connect, help each other grow, and bring changes to the world. The association is free and allows members to contribute to its growth through various means.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
This association was created for professionals in the computing industry who want to make a change in the world. It offers various resources, access, and tools to help professionals connect and grow in their careers. To become a member of this association, you must apply and pay an application fee.
Are Python Certifications Worth It?
Yes, Python certifications are worth it because they provide an opportunity for career growth. They test your knowledge and skills in Python and then serve as evidence to prospective employers that you can carry out certain tasks effectively. With these certifications, you can apply for higher-paying jobs and senior roles in the industry.
Additional Reading About Python
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Python Certifications FAQ
The best certifications for Python are PCPP2 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 2), Certified Associate Developer – Quantum Computation using Qiskit v0.2X, PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1), and GIAC Python Coder (GPYC) Certification.
Yes, you can get a job with Python only. However, you will be limited to very few options. The technology industry requires you to be vast in various programming languages and other important skills to land good-paying jobs. This makes it difficult to get a great job with Python skills only.
No, it is not very hard to get certified in Python. Python is a relatively easy language to learn and practice. However, getting certified will require a lot more dedication, hard work, and training. With the right resources and effort, you can get certified on your first try, but the exams will only get harder as you progress in the field.
It takes between three and five months to get certified in Python. Getting certified depends on you, your skill, and your pace. Dedicating up to five hours a day to studying can prepare you to take the exam in four months. It will take longer to get certified if you don’t pass the exam on the first try.
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