Python Certifications: Highest-Paying Certification, Exam Preparation, and Job Outlook

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 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, machine learning, GIS/automation, and software development. Median U.S. wages for Python-heavy roles remain well above the national median.¹

Best Python Certifications by Salary

Best Python Certifications to Further Your Career

PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming) | OpenEDG Python Institute

PCAP validates intermediate Python skills including data structures, OOP fundamentals, exceptions, and modular programming. It’s positioned as a practical milestone for developers building production applications in Python.⁴

PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming) Overview

• Average Salary: $133,080.¹
• Cost: $295⁴
• Requirements: None (PCEP recommended).⁴
• Validity: Provider-issued credential; see OpenEDG policies.⁴
• Exam Length: Administered via OpenEDG/Pearson VUE; see blueprint and testing policies.⁴ ⁸
• Best For: Early-career professionals seeking a recognized associate-level Python credential.⁴

Potential Careers With PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming)

• Software Developer: $133,080¹
• Software QA Analyst and Tester: $102,610¹
• Data Scientist: $112,590³

PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1) | OpenEDG Python Institute

PCPP1 measures advanced Python programming, OOP design patterns, standard library mastery, networking/GUI concepts, and best practices for building, testing, and improving applications.⁹

PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1) Overview

• Average Salary: $133,080¹
• Cost: $195⁴
• Requirements: PCAP (or equivalent skills).⁴
• Validity: Provider-issued credential; see OpenEDG policies.⁴
• Exam Length: See PCPP1 exam description and testing policies.⁸ ⁹
• Best For: Professionals moving beyond associate level to advanced Python development.⁹

Potential Careers With PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1)

• Software Developer: $133,080¹
• Software QA Analyst and Tester: $102,610¹
• Data Scientist: $112,590³

PCAD (Certified Associate Data Analyst with Python) | OpenEDG Python Institute

PCAD focuses on data wrangling, analysis, and visualization using Python libraries and applied workflows suitable for analytics teams.⁴

PCAD (Certified Associate Data Analyst with Python) Overview

• Average Salary: $112,590³
• Cost: $295⁴
• Requirements: Python basics recommended.⁴
• Validity: Provider-issued credential; see OpenEDG policies.⁴
• Exam Length: Administered via OpenEDG; see blueprint.⁴
• Best For: Analysts and aspiring data scientists seeking a Python-centric analytics credential.⁴

Potential Careers With PCAD (Certified Associate Data Analyst with Python)

• Data Scientist: $112,590³
• Software Developer: $133,080¹
• Software QA Analyst and Tester: $102,610¹

PCAT (Certified Associate Tester with Python) | OpenEDG Python Institute

PCAT validates automated pen testing fundamentals with Python, including unit testing practices, mocks, and test design aligned to real-world QA workflows.⁴

PCAT (Certified Associate Tester with Python) Overview

• Average Salary: $133,080¹
• Cost: Not publicly listed on exam page (pricing shown in candidate portal/bundles).⁵
• Requirements: See GIAC certification policies and renewal details.⁵
• Validity: GIAC credential with continuing education/renewal options.⁵
• Exam Length: See GIAC exam information.⁵
• Best For: Security engineers/analysts who automate tasks and tooling using Python.⁵

Potential Careers With PCAT (Certified Associate Tester with Python)

• Software Developer: $133,080¹
• Software QA Analyst and Tester: $102,610¹
• Data Scientist: $112,590³

IBM Certified Associate Developer – Quantum Computation using Qiskit v0.2X (C1000-112) | IBM

This credential demonstrates foundational quantum computing concepts implemented through the Qiskit SDK in Python, emphasizing program creation for IBM Quantum systems and simulators for professionals who want to learn Python.⁶

IBM Certified Associate Developer – Quantum Computation using Qiskit v0.2X (C1000-112) Overview

• Average Salary: $133,080¹
• Cost: Not publicly listed on IBM’s page (shown during Pearson VUE registration).⁶
• Requirements: See IBM exam overview for competencies and policies.⁶
• Validity: IBM credential; see IBM certification program guidance.⁶
• Exam Length: Per IBM exam description (C1000-112).⁶
• Best For: Developers and data professionals exploring quantum programming fundamentals with Python.⁶

Potential Careers With IBM Certified Associate Developer – Quantum Computation using Qiskit v0.2X (C1000-112)

• Software Developer: $133,080¹
• Software QA Analyst and Tester: $102,610¹
• Data Scientist: $112,590³

ArcGIS API for Python Associate 2024 (EPYA_2024) | Esri

Esri’s associate-level exam validates experience automating ArcGIS administration, content, visualization, and analysis using the ArcGIS API for Python; current version published March 2024.⁷

ArcGIS API for Python Associate 2024 (EPYA_2024) Overview

• Average Salary: $133,080¹
• Cost: Not publicly listed on exam page (visible during registration).⁷
• Requirements: See Esri exam information guide and learning plan.⁷
• Validity: Esri technical certification; see Esri certification site for policies.⁷
• Exam Length: ~75 questions; associate level.⁷
• Best For: GIS professionals using Python to automate ArcGIS workflows.⁷

Potential Careers With ArcGIS API for Python Associate 2024 (EPYA_2024)

• Software Developer: $133,080¹
• Software QA Analyst and Tester: $102,610¹
• Data Scientist: $112,590³

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, define your target role (software engineering, data, testing/QA, GIS, or security automation). Match the exam’s scope and difficulty to the skills used daily in those roles.¹ ³

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

OpenEDG posts transparent pricing for most Python exams; some providers (GIAC, IBM, Esri) show fees within their registration systems. Plan for practice tests and hands-on study time, and check delivery options via Pearson VUE or online proctoring where applicable.⁴ ⁸

Which Python Certifications Pay the Most?

Compensation depends largely on your role and industry, but certifications aligned to higher-paid technical tracks correlate with stronger salary potential. National medians for closely related roles are currently $133,080 for software developers and $112,590 for data scientists, based on May 2024 BLS data.¹ ³

Highest-Paying Python Certifications

1. PCPP1 (Certified Professional in Python Programming 1): $133,080.¹
2. PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming): $133,080.¹
3. ArcGIS API for Python Associate 2024: $133,080.¹
4. IBM Certified Associate Developer – Qiskit v0.2X: $133,080.¹
5. GIAC Python Coder (GPYC): $133,080.¹

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.

How to Prepare for Your Python Certification Exam

Certification exams require focused study on official objectives and significant hands-on practice. Start from the exam blueprint, use reputable prep resources, and build or refactor small projects that mirror test domains (e.g., data structures, unit testing, or API automation). For test delivery, confirm whether your exam is offered via Pearson VUE centers or online proctoring and review identification and retake policies before scheduling.⁴ ⁸

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.

PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer | Udemy

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Find Your Bootcamp Match

• Cost: Varies by promotion (course active).²²
• Duration: ~8–9 hours (self-paced).²²
• Best Suited For: PCEP candidates seeking structured fundamentals aligned to exam topics.²²

This beginner-friendly course walks you through installing Python, writing your first programs, handling exceptions, and applying core data structures and functions. It includes quizzes, practice exercises, and coverage aligned to the PCEP blueprint so you can check comprehension as you go. You’ll also learn practical debugging and documentation habits that help on both the exam and entry-level projects.²²

Introduction to Python Programming – Professional Certificate | Georgia Tech on edX

• Cost: edX Professional Certificate pricing (program active).²³
• Duration: ~5 months at ~9–10 hrs/week (self-paced).²³
• Best Suited For: PCEP/PCAP candidates or learners wanting a university-caliber intro.²³

Georgia Tech’s Professional Certificate uses the same assessments and materials as its on-campus offering, providing a robust foundation in procedural programming and core Python concepts at a steady pace. Designed as a multi-course sequence, it reinforces fundamentals through graded assignments and real-world exercises. Learners can pace themselves while still benefiting from a rigorous academic design.²³

Advanced Perspective of Classes and Object-Oriented Programming in Python | OpenEDG/Edube

• Cost: Free (self-study on Edube).²⁴
• Duration: ~5–6 weeks (self-paced).²⁴
• Best Suited For: PCPP1 candidates strengthening advanced OOP and library usage.²⁴

This official OpenEDG course deepens OOP fluency, focusing on classes, inheritance, and advanced techniques used in professional Python development. Labs and structured challenges mirror the style of problems you’ll face in higher-level exams, making it a solid bridge into professional-level competencies. The materials complement the PCPP1 exam’s emphasis on standards and best practices.²⁴

Python Essentials (PE1/PE2) and Testing Track Courses | OpenEDG/Edube

• Cost: Core self-study courses are free; paid exams priced separately.²⁵ ⁴
• Duration: PE1 ~6–7 weeks; PE2 ~58 hours; Testing 101 ~6–7 weeks (self-paced).²⁵
• Best Suited For: PCEP/PCAP/PCAT candidates who prefer official provider-authored content.²⁵

OpenEDG’s Essentials series provides a complete pathway from beginner to intermediate Python using a browser-based environment, with integrated labs and checks for understanding. The Testing track introduces unit testing workflows and automation concepts that map directly to PCAT. Learners can combine these with official exam policies and delivery options to plan their schedule.²⁵ ⁸

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 accessible text introduces Python through practical examples focused on data processing and analysis, making it a strong companion for entry-level and associate exams. Chapters build from fundamentals to applied tasks, and the tone is friendly for self-paced learners. Many candidates use it to reinforce core topics before attempting practice exams.

Python for Everybody: Exploring Data Using Python 3 Overview

• Type of Resource: Book
• Cost: Varies by retailer
• Ideal For: PCEP and PCAP candidates needing a structured primer

Python.org (Official Docs & Tutorials)

The official Python documentation and tutorials are comprehensive, up-to-date, and indispensable for clarifying language features and standard library modules. Python developers can cross-reference exam objectives with authoritative docs and try code snippets interactively. It’s also a reliable way to confirm syntax details that third-party courses might gloss over.

Python Programming Language Overview

• Type of Resource: Official documentation (website)
• Cost: Free
• Ideal For: All candidates (PCEP through PCPP1) verifying concepts directly from the source

Full Stack Python (Reference Site)

Full Stack Python organizes topics across web frameworks, deployment, data handling, and related tooling, helping learners connect Python fundamentals to practical projects. The site’s topical pages and links can guide deeper study in areas that appear on associate/professional exams. It’s especially helpful for building context beyond isolated exam questions.

Python.org Overview

• Type of Resource: Tutorial/reference website
• Cost: Free
• Ideal For: PCAP/PCPP1 candidates broadening applied knowledge

Python Job Outlook and Average Salary

Python-centered careers remain strong nationally. Software developers, a core destination for many Python certificates, earned a median $133,080 in May 2024, while data scientists earned $112,590; both occupations are projected to grow much faster than average over the 2024–2034 period.¹ ³ CareerOneStop’s occupation profiles provide additional state- and metro-level detail for software developers, data scientists, and related roles so candidates can compare local wages and employment trends when planning their study path.¹⁰ ¹¹ Indeed’s national average for the job title “Python developer” currently sits at $59.11 per hour, which varies by location, seniority, and industry.²

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.

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers design, train, and deploy models that power recommendations, predictions, and automation in production systems. Daily work often includes dataset preparation, feature engineering, model evaluation, and collaboration with software teams to integrate models. Strong Python skills, familiarity with libraries, and an understanding of MLOps practices are essential for success.³

Best Certification for the Job Role

PCAP or PCPP1 demonstrates advanced Python competency that teams expect when building production ML systems, providing a formal signal of language proficiency alongside project experience.⁴ ⁹

Software Engineer

Software engineers apply engineering principles to scope, design, implement, and maintain applications and services. The role blends coding with testing, code review, and iterative improvement in collaboration with product, QA, and DevOps. Python experience is prized for backend services, automation, and scripting within polyglot environments.¹

Best Certification for the Job Role

PCPP1 shows mastery of advanced Python constructs and best practices, helping employers gauge readiness for complex systems work in Python.⁹

Software Developer

Software developers build and ship software solutions, from prototypes to production releases, while managing quality and performance. Day-to-day responsibilities include translating requirements into code, writing tests, and collaborating on design decisions and code reviews. Python developers often contribute across APIs, data pipelines, and internal tooling.¹

Best Certification for the Job Role

PCAP offers a recognizable associate-level checkpoint of Python proficiency and can be paired with portfolio projects to stand out in the applicant pool.⁴

Software Developer

Software developers are responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining software applications for organizations and end-users. Software developers are known to have ample knowledge and skills in multiple programming languages. Other relevant skills for software developers are software testing, database structures, cloud computing, and algorithms.

Best Certification for the Job Role

PCAT (Certified Associate in Testing with Python). This certification will prepare you to become a software developer that is skilled in programming and software testing.

Data Analyst

Data analysts explore, clean, and visualize data to answer business questions, while early-career data scientists apply statistical learning and modeling to generate insights. Work typically includes SQL/Python, notebooks, dashboards, and communication with stakeholders about metrics and findings. Growth pathways include specialization in ML, analytics engineering, or domain analytics.³

Best Certification for the Job Role

PCAD aligns directly to analytics workflows in Python, signaling applied data skills to hiring managers in analytics-driven teams.⁴

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

The PSF is the non-profit steward of the Python language, supporting open-source development, community grants, and events like PyCon. Members can contribute to governance, join working groups, and connect with the global Python community through conferences and local meetups. Supporting memberships are available with sliding-scale options, and involvement can strengthen professional networks while giving back to the ecosystem.¹²

OpenEDG Python Institute Community

OpenEDG’s community connects learners and professionals via official courseware, discussion spaces, and a vendor-neutral certification pathway. Because the same organization publishes both training and exams, candidates benefit from aligned learning objectives, clear exam policies, and a structured sequence from entry- to professional-level credentials. Community participation also offers peer support during exam prep.⁴ ²⁵

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

ACM is a global professional association spanning computer science and IT, offering journals, conferences, SIGs (special interest groups), and a sizable digital library. Membership benefits include professional development resources, networking opportunities, and exposure to research and best practices that can enhance a Python-focused career. Joining can complement certification study with broader computing perspectives.¹³

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

Sources

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4. https://openedg.org/openedg-certifications/
5. https://www.giac.org/certifications/python-coder-gpyc/
6. https://www.ibm.com/training/certification/ibm-certified-associate-developer-quantum-computation-using-qiskit-v02x-C0010300
7. https://www.esri.com/training/catalog/649b6149bb420d4dfff3e3d2/arcgis-api-for-python-associate-2024/
8. https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/python.html
9. https://www.pythoninstitute.org/pcpp1
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12. https://www.python.org/psf/membership/
13. https://www.acm.org/membership
14. https://www.udemy.com/course/pcep-certification-certified-entry-level-python-programmer/
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17. https://openedg.org/