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.
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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
This certification allows you to demonstrate your competence with public blockchain systems for diverse use cases as well as your ability to work with technical and business leaders, developers, and blockchain engineers. It also allows you to reap the many career benefits of being a member of a professional blockchain community.
Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect Overview
- Average Salary: $132,521
- Cost: $275 or $499 with prep course
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 70 questions in 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Consultants, programmers, developers, software engineers, university professors, government officials, CEO, CTO or CIO looking to demonstrate their deep knowledge of blockchain technology
Potential Careers With Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect
This advanced certification showcases your acquired knowledge of blockchain fundamentals, technologies, methodologies, and their applications when providing advice to stakeholders. The certification’s blockchain courses will teach you to identify, analyze, and choose enterprise Blockchain DLTs as well as how to design ecosystems for various applications of blockchain.
Global Blockchain Leader Overview
- Average Salary: $114,641
- Cost: $12,500 (exam and training)
- Requirements: Applicants with no degrees need at least eight years of experience; applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Computer Science, or Information Technology need at least three years of experience in analytics, object-oriented programming, databases, and cloud-based apps or platforms, applicants with a master’s degree in the above fields need at least one year of experience, graduates of a CBCA-recognized institution only need a bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and one year of experience
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 75 questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Global CIOs or CTOs, senior technocrats working for government organizations, CEOs or heads of blockchain startups, and senior professionals working for blockchain-affiliated tech companies wanting to formally prove their master of the blockchain ecosystem
Potential Careers With Global Blockchain Leader
- Chief Information Officer with blockchain skills: $168,680
- Chief Technology Officer with blockchain skills: $165,946
- Chief Executive Officer with blockchain skills: $156,025
This certification equips you with the industry credibility needed to build your own blockchain business, apply technical competence to blockchain projects, and solve complex problems using core concepts in blockchain. You'll be able to develop decentralized applications for blockchain systems and peer-to-peer networks on Hyperledger, Ethereum, Corda, and more.
Certified Blockchain Developer Overview
- Average Salary: $104,160
- Cost: $229 (exam and courses)
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 100 marks within 15 hours course length
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts who want to increase their knowledge of blockchain fundamentals as well as developing and using blockchain technologies
Potential Careers With Certified Blockchain Developer
This certification equips you to develop and deploy cryptocurrency and blockchain applications, across platforms, including OpenChain, Ethereum, Hyperledger, Lisk, Hydrachain, IOTA, and Stratis. You'll be able to explore the structure and concept of cryptocurrency, the fundamentals of blockchain, and blockchain use cases. You'll learn to leverage blockchain in business.
Certified Blockchain Engineer Overview
- Average Salary: $97,098
- Cost: $750 (membership, study kit, exam fee, certificate, and shipping)
- Requirements: Applicants with no degrees need at least eight years of experience; applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Computer Science, or Information Technology need at least three years of experience in analytics, object-oriented programming, databases, and cloud-based apps or platforms; applicants with a master’s degree in the above fields need at least one year of experience; graduates of a CBCA-recognized institution only need a bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and one year of experience
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 75 questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Blockchain developers and blockchain technology entrepreneurs who want to demonstrate their familiarity with the practical implementation of blockchain technologies
Potential Careers With Certified Blockchain Engineer
This certification proves your solid understanding of blockchain essentials like smart contracts, distributed ledgers, cryptocurrencies, and cryptography, as well as your competence in building decentralized applications across platforms. It shows prospective employers and clients that you can implement innovative solutions that solve blockchain technology adoption and scalability.
Certified Blockchain Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $92,755
- Cost: $718 (training, courseware, exam voucher, and certificate of completion)
- Requirements: Proficiency with asynchronous Javascript coding, object-oriented programming, as well as front end and backend web application development using JavaScript
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: Not available
- Best Suited For: Full-stack developers who want blockchain training as well as formal proof of their skills
Potential Careers With Certified Blockchain Professional
Acquiring this certification proves to employers that you can leverage blockchain to streamline and accelerate cross border payments. In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of how blockchain can improve financial systems and services, you'll get to work on use cases in financial management such as trade finance, syndicated lending, and digital identity verification.
Certified Blockchain and Financial Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $92,755
- Cost: $149 (course and exam)
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: Multiple choice question exam with 100 marks, no time limit specified
- Best Suited For: Professionals in the financial industry wanting to demonstrate their mastery of blockchain technology
Potential Careers With Certified Blockchain and Financial Professional
This certification program allows you to explore the legislature surrounding the use of blockchain technology and proves you can develop legal strategies for a wide range of blockchain applications such as NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts. Its training courses also cover the regulatory and legal issues affecting smart contracts, shared ledgers, and Bitcoin.
Certified Blockchain Legal Expert Overview
- Average Salary: $92,755
- Cost: $2,400 (training, course brochure, exam, and lifetime access)
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: Not specified
- Best Suited For: Legal services professionals, qualified lawyers, junior lawyers, graduate lawyers, and law students looking to prove their knowledge of the legislature surrounding blockchain technology
Potential Careers With Certified Blockchain Legal Expert
This certification proves your knowledge of DLTs, blockchain essentials, developmental decision-making processes, and business strategies. It also showcases your ability to optimize open-source and commercial blockchain platforms, consensus mechanisms, consortium blockchains, and side chains to improve scalability, performance, and transaction volumes.
Blockchain Project Manager Overview
- Average Salary: $86,384
- Cost: $250
- Requirements: Formal training in blockchain architecture
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 75 questions in 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Product managers, project managers, programmers, business developers, and application architects wanting formal proof of their understanding of blockchain
Potential Careers With Blockchain Project Manager
If you want to boost your knowledge of blockchain security and the blockchain environment, you need this certification. Its modules allow you to build an understanding of blockchain risks and security features as you study various blockchain cyberattacks and learn to manage blockchain security risks. You'll also become familiar with the best practices for blockchain infrastructure.
Certified Blockchain Security Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $79,442
- Cost: $119 (course and exam)
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: Multiple choice question exam with 100 marks, no time limit specified
- Best Suited For: Professionals looking to build their careers in business development, operations, information technology, engineering, and sales using blockchain technology
Potential Careers With Certified Blockchain Security Professional
This certification equips you with in-depth knowledge of digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and distributed ledger technology from a vendor-neutral perspective. It proves to potential employers that you know how cryptocurrencies are mined and traded in the crypto market, the crypto exchange and trade process, and how to assess and manage risks.
Certified Cryptocurrency Expert Overview
- Average Salary: $71,627
- Cost: $149 (training and exam)
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: Multiple choice question exam with 100 marks, no time limit specified
- Best Suited For: Cryptocurrency enthusiasts interested in gaining a unique understanding of blockchain concepts and mastering cryptocurrency trading
Potential Careers With Certified Cryptocurrency Expert
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
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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.
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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.
- Cost: $19.99
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Best Suited For: Blockchain Security Professional Certification
This course covers modules from the Blockchain Council's Blockchain Certification Program. From it, you’ll learn the difference between private and public blockchains, blockchain consensus mechanisms, cyber security threats and incidents on blockchain platforms, risk assessment, vulnerabilities, and attacks. Users have given the course a rating of 4.5 out of five.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 23 hours
- Best Suited For: Cryptocurrency Expert Certification, Certified Blockchain and Financial Professional
This online course allows beginners to better understand cryptocurrency and the bitcoin network and blockchain network. You'll be able to apply what you learn to your professional blockchain certification. Around 74 percent of students who completed the course gave it a five-star rating, praising its theoretical elaborations.
- Cost: $99.99
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Best Suited For: Blockchain Solutions Architect Certification
This course teaches you about blockchain platforms and their architecture through online and on-demand videos. You’ll learn to apply blockchain best practices when designing blockchain solutions so that you can excel in your blockchain solutions architect certification exam. The course has a rating of 4.3 out of five.
- Cost: $266
- Duration: 48 hours of blended learning
- Best Suited For: Blockchain Project Manager Certification, Blockchain Solutions Architect Certification, Blockchain Developer Certification, Blockchain Engineer Certification
This hands-on course contains 40 hands-on exercises and 11 projects to help you to learn the basics of blockchain, bitcoin blockchain, bitcoin systems, and bitcoin networks, as well as how to mine the individual blocks and chains of blocks of bitcoin. You'll also learn about the real-world application of blockchain technology, Hyperledger Composer, Ethereum framework, deployment tools, and smart contracts.
- Cost: $23 a year
- Duration: 6 hours
- Best Suited For: Blockchain Developer Certification, Blockchain Engineer Certification, Blockchain Solutions Architect Certification
This hands-on course is taught in a virtual coding environment where you’ll learn about what blockchain is, its public key infrastructure and cryptography, blockchain data storage, bitcoin mining, Hyperledger Fabric, fabric network, chain code deployment, client application integration, and deployment.
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
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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.
A cloud solutions architect collaborates with a company’s research and development team as well as other strategic partners to design and implement blockchain solutions with the goal of leveraging cross-asset frameworks for enterprises. To become a blockchain solution architect, you need skills in designing system architectures, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect. This certification teaches you how to design peer-to-peer networks, blockchain platforms, data structures, and cryptography
A blockchain security architect conducts risk assessments to determine existing vulnerabilities in blockchain systems and networks. These professionals provide security guidance and design secure systems to combat cyber attacks and threats. To become one, you need a mastery of the security protocols used in blockchain technology, authentication, and cryptography.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Blockchain Security Professional. This certification qualifies you to assess blockchain risks and implement security features with ease
A blockchain legal consultant or counselor provides legal advice and representation to individuals and corporations involved in blockchain and virtual currency activities. To become a legal counselor for blockchain technology, you need a law degree and a strong knowledge of the legal system and blockchain technologies.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Blockchain Legal Expert. This certification qualifies you to provide legal advice concerning a wide range of blockchain applications and transactions
This professional manages a blockchain project team, inspects security protocols and manages blockchain database systems and digital transaction management systems. To work in this position, you need to be familiar with blockchain use cases across the business and information technology fields as well as the ability to manage project life cycles.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Blockchain Project Manager. The Certified Blockchain Project Management certification qualifies you to manage blockchain platforms and systems
A software engineer in blockchain designs, develops, and deploys decentralized applications in blockchain platforms for enterprises. These professionals maintain the architecture of distributed blockchain software and systems. To become a software engineer for blockchain technology, you need skills in programming, data structures, smart contracts, and web development.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Blockchain Engineer. This certification allows you to build your knowledge of blockchain platforms, peer-to-peer networks, and distributed ledger technologies
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
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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.
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