Software engineering certifications are an asset to your professional portfolio. Not only do they increase your earning potential and lead to advancement within your profession, but they prove to employers that you are dedicated to developing your skills.
Certifications for software engineering are an essential next step in kick starting your career. We have compiled a list of the highest-paying software engineering certifications that will give you the necessary skills, knowledge, and motivation to succeed in a tech career.
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What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a credential granted by a professional organization to indicate that the holder has met specific academic or industry-based requirements. It is usually obtained after passing a relevant examination or another form of assessment evaluation.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate can be seen in their varying purposes. A certificate is a non-degree academic program awarded by a recognized educational institution that awards a certificate after coursework.
Meanwhile, a professional certification is granted by an industry-based organization to verify that the holder has acquired particular skills and knowledge required for the profession or industry by taking an exam. In short, a certificate is an education program and certification is an assessment of your skills.
Why Is Certification in Software Engineering Important?
Certification in software engineering is important because it allows you to take a significant leap forward in your career. Certifications for software engineers prove that you have put in the time and effort to learn something new and are qualified to put it into practice in a professional setting.
As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software engineering professions are expected to grow by 22 percent from 2020 to 2030. It is important to show employers that you have an edge over other candidates in the competitive market. A survey by Global Knowledge revealed that IT professionals who credited their growth to obtaining certifications received an average raise of $12,000 in 2020.
Best Software Engineering Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISM – Certified Information Security Manager | ISACA | $130,000 | Member: $575 Non-member: $760 |
| CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control | ISACA | $129,000 | Member: $575 Non-member: $760 |
| CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional | (ISC)² | $120,000 | $749 |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | AWS | $118,000 | $150 |
| PMP – Project Management Professional | Project Management Institute | $111,000 | Member: $405 Non-member: $555 |
| CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor | ISACA | $107,000 | Member: $575 Non-member: $760 |
| Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect | $100,000 | $200 (plus tax where applicable) | |
| VCP-DVC – VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization | VMware | $99,000 | $250 |
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | $79,000 | $381 |
| Google Certified Professional Data Engineer | $58,000 | $200 (plus tax where applicable) |
Best Software Engineering Certifications to Further Your Career
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a must-have credential for IT workers seeking leadership positions. It demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency and aptitude for leadership positions. It is ideal for those working in incident management, risk management, or information security governance.
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager Overview
- Average Salary: $130,000
- Cost: $575 (member); $760 (non-member)
- Requirements: Five or more years of experience in information security management, submit the certification application and fee
- Valid For: Three years. Professionals can maintain the certification by earning a minimum of 120 CPE credits within those three years, abiding by the (ISC)² code of ethics, and paying an annual maintenance fee.
- Exam Length: Four hours
- Best Suited For: Those with domain expertise in IS/IT security and management who wish to go from team member to manager
Potential Careers With CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
CRISC certifies IT specialists to detect, assess and monitor IT risk. They create and apply control mechanisms and frameworks. The certification helps individuals build a standard IT vocabulary regarding security and systems control.
CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control Overview
- Average Salary: $129,000
- Cost: $575 (member); $760 (non-member)
- Requirements: At least three years of experience in IT risk management and IS control, submit application and processing fee
- Valid For: You can maintain the certification if you comply with its annual and three year CPE policy
- Exam Length: Four hours
- Best Suited For: Mid-career IT/IS audit, risk and security professionals
Potential Careers With CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
This (ISC)² accreditation signifies skill level and years of professional experience in cybersecurity. The CISSP certification has been equated to a Master's Degree in IT Security since it demonstrates a professional's ability to plan, implement, and administer a cybersecurity strategy effectively.
CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $120,000
- Cost: $749
- Requirements: At least five years of cumulative paid job experience in two or more of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge's eight domains
- Valid For: You can maintain the certification by earning a minimum of 120 CPE credits every three years, abiding by the (ISC)² code of ethics, paying annual maintenance fee
- Exam Length: Four hours
- Best Suited For: Cyber security experts who want to formally prove their skills
Potential Careers With CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
The certification proves an individual's ability to develop and implement scalable systems on AWS. It is ideal for people involved in the design and deployment of cloud infrastructures as well as reference designs.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Overview
- Average Salary: $118,000
- Cost: $150
- Requirements: Pass AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification as a prerequisite. One year of experience in designing systems on AWS.
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 130 minutes
- Best Suited For: Anyone with at least one year of practical experience in designing fault-tolerant, cost-effective, and flexible distributed systems on AWS
Potential Careers With AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
The success or failure of a project is directly related to the quality of its leadership and management. Earning the PMP certification qualifies you to define, organize, and manage projects from beginning to end.
PMP - Project Management Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $111,000
- Cost: $405 (member); $555 (non-member)
- Requirements: A four-year degree, 36 months leading projects, 35 hours of project management education or a high school diploma, at least five years of project management experience, 35 hours of project management coursework
- Valid For: Earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) over three years to maintain your certification
- Exam Length: 230 minutes
- Best Suited For: Project professionals who want to formally prove their skills
Potential Careers With PMP - Project Management Professional
Organizations develop policies to safeguard important corporate assets with more confidence when they work with a CISA-certified expert. CISA has long been regarded as the gold standard for IT and business systems auditors. This certification proves you can audit, control, and monitor an organization's systems.
CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor Overview
- Average Salary: $107,000
- Cost: $575 (member); $760 (non-member)
- Requirements: Five or more years of IS/IT audit, control, assurance, or security experience, submit the application and processing fee
- Valid For: You can maintain the certification by earning a minimum of 120 CPE credits over three years, abiding by the (ISC)² code of ethics, and paying the annual maintenance fee
- Exam Length: Four hours
- Best Suited For: Entry-level software engineers to mid-career professionals who want to showcase expertise in different spheres of audit engagements
Potential Careers With CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor
This certification shows an architect's capacity to develop, implement, and maintain safe, flexible and sustainable cloud infrastructures. This credential distinguishes professionals from the competition and demonstrates to potential employers that they possess the skills necessary to succeed in a Google Cloud environment.
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect Overview
- Average Salary: $100,000
- Cost: $200 (plus tax where applicable)
- Requirements: Recommended three years of professional experience, one year creating and managing Google Cloud solutions
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: Two hours
- Best Suited For: Cloud architects who want to formally prove their skills
Potential Careers With Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
The VCP-DCV certification verifies that a professional can develop a scalable virtual infrastructure with the VMware vSphere server virtualization technology. You will discover how to govern, consolidate, and implement VMware virtualization technologies with vSphere High Availability and Distributed Resource Scheduler clusters.
VMware Certified Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $99,000
- Cost: $250
- Requirements: Recommended experience with vSphere 7. x, complete at least one of the training courses
- Valid For: Candidates can recertify every two years but it is no longer mandatory
- Exam Length: 130 Minutes
- Best Suited For: IT professionals who want to enhance their skills in vSphere technology
Potential Careers With VMware Certified Professional
There is a growing interest for experts with knowledge and abilities in cyber security. Due to the ever-changing nature of an organization's attack surface, the CompTIA's Security+ certification program is a vital step in the professional development of individuals pursuing careers in cyber security. It is ranked as one of the best certifications for cloud computing.
CompTIA Security+ Overview
- Average Salary: $79,000
- Cost: $381
- Requirements: CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of IT administration expertise with a security focus.
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Cyber security experts who want to formally prove their skills
Potential Careers With CompTIA Security+
Data engineers analyze information to acquire insight into business results, software engineering design statistical frameworks to help judgment and develop machine learning algorithms to streamline and optimize essential business processes. The certification facilitates data-driven information processing by gathering, manipulating, and displaying data.
Google Certified Professional Data Engineer Overview
- Average Salary: $58,000
- Cost: $200 (plus tax where applicable)
- Requirements: More than three years of professional experience, including at least one year using Google Cloud.
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: Two hours
- Best Suited For: Data engineering professionals who want to formally prove their skills
Potential Careers With Google Certified Professional Data Engineer
How to Choose the Best Software Engineering Certification for Your Career
There are a lot of certifications for software engineering available in the market. To choose the best software engineering certification for your career, you need to consider its reputation, job compatibility, and job scope. We detail these factors below.
Take a Look at the Reputation
Courses offered by well-known software companies and acknowledged by large organizations are considered to be highly regarded. Do some research to ensure you’re getting a certification from a reputable company.
Determine Job Compatibility
This is a decision that must be made based on your unique circumstances. Certifications assess knowledge in a specific field, so be sure to choose the one that compliments your skills. Before spending money on any certification, figure out what you want to accomplish by obtaining one.
Consider Job Scope
It is important to consider the long-term possibilities of the field you are entering to get the most out of the certification. For example, according to BLS, the job scope for computer and information technology professionals is expected to grow by 13 percent by 2030. As such, that might be a good field to specialize in.
Which Software Engineering Certifications Pay the Most?
The software engineering certifications that pay the most are related to cyber security, cloud computing and architecture, data science, and project management. Take a look at the top five highest-paying software engineering certifications in the 2022 job market below.
Highest-Paying Software Engineering Certifications
- CISM – Certified Information Security Manager: $130,000
- CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control: $129,000
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional: $120,000
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: $118,000
- PMP – Project Management Professional: $111,000
Which Software Engineering Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The software engineering certifications that are best for beginners are CompTIA Security+, VCP-DCV: VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization, and PMP – Project Management Professional. These software engineering certifications require minimal experience or prerequisite courses but still provide great career growth opportunities.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Software Engineering Certification Exam
When undergoing any certification process, it is important to properly prepare and ensure you have all of the essential skills. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help both young and seasoned professionals. Below, we have listed the best courses and resources like books and online support that you can use for software engineering exam prep.
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Best Courses to Prepare for Software Engineering Certification Exams
Most of the certifications for software engineering require previous knowledge related to the field, which is often in the form of a prerequisite course, experience, or a degree. Below, you can find out more about some of the best software engineering prep courses that are available online.
- Cost: Free (audit track); $192 (verified track)
- Duration: Four weeks at six to eight hours per week
- Best Suited For: VCP-DCV: VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization
Learn the fundamentals of Java programming skills with this edX course. You will learn about the development and testing of software. As a result, you can develop technical skills and build Java-based software and tools after the successful completion of this course.
- Cost: $119/year
- Duration: 10 hours and 45 minutes
- Best Suited For: PMP - Project Management Professional
Unlike most other online video courses, these text-based lesson plans are designed to help you learn more quickly. If you want to become a better engineering manager, this training will help you rise in the ranks of your profession. With built-in exams, you will be able to improve your professional talents and develop an in-depth understanding of software engineering practices.
- Cost: $19.99
- Duration: Two hours
- Best Suited For: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
This course will help all aspiring and experienced developers gain key knowledge to build and design better code. Take this course if you want to take your software engineering profession to the next level. Use SOLID design principles to produce code that is both visually appealing and professional looking.
- Cost: Free (audit/free trial)
- Duration: 13 hours
- Best Suited For: Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of cloud computing from both a commercial and technical standpoint. Cloud computing functions will become clear to you, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using it in your business.
- Cost: Free (audit/free trial)
- Duration: 20 hours
- Best Suited For: CompTIA Security+
During this course, you will learn basic knowledge about cyber security as well as various reasons and solutions for cyber assaults. This course will include a review of key ideas, tools, and terminology related to cyber security.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Software Engineering Certification Exams
The other resources for software engineering exam prep include books, online publications, communities, blogs, and podcasts. These resources can be extremely beneficial to your career aspirations in software engineering.
Fundamentals of Software Architecture: An Engineering Approach
By focusing on new tools and engineering techniques, this book aims to provide a more modern perspective on software development. Experts in the field have shared their knowledge and expertise. It is a worthwhile read if you want to learn more about your domain.
Fundamentals of Software Architecture: An Engineering Approach Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $37.99
- Ideal For: People who want to learn software design and development
Talk Python To Me
Michael Kennedy hosts a weekly podcast called Talk Python to Me. It covers a wide range of python-related subjects during an informal one-hour discussion with industry professionals. Learning industry terms in a more casual setting can help the information feel less overwhelming.
Talk Python To Me Overview
- Type of Resource: Podcast
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Software development students that are primarily interested in the many uses of Python programming
Coding Horror
Created in 2004 by an experienced software developer named Jeff Atwood, Coding Horror is a software engineering blog. It provides insightful information on coding and software development, as well as the people behind different software.
Coding Horror Overview
- Type of Resource: Blog
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Software developers interested in web design and security
UIE Brainsparks
As a vital source of information, UIE Brainsparks provides insightful blog entries, podcasts, and articles for beginners in the software development business. It provides connections to talks, workshops, and even schools to help students develop their skills.
UIE Brainsparks Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Community
- Cost: Free (although specific services may cost money)
- Ideal For: Beginner software developers
Hanselminutes
The Hanselminutes podcast is a must-listen for anyone with an interest in computer programming or technology. It gives a newbie software developer an inside peek at the many different viewpoints that have contributed so much to recent advancements in the field.
Hanselminutes Overview
- Type of Resource: Podcast
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Computer technology enthusiasts
Best Online Courses
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Software Engineering Job Outlook and Average Salary
According to BLS, the job outlook for information security analysts is going to grow by 33 percent by 2030, which is a faster rate than average. A software engineering certification proves that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for this position. Further, as previously mentioned, the software engineering field is projected to see a job growth of 22 percent.
BLS also reports that the average salary of quality assurance analysts is currently $110,140 per year. This is just the national average salary for professionals, meaning that candidates with certifications or four-year degrees will have a higher earning potential.
Best Software Engineering Jobs After Certification
As a software engineer, you have to keep yourself updated on new technologies and research. Professionals related to IT, computer science, and software engineering tend to complete numerous certifications after their degrees to get software engineering jobs that are more certification specific.
For example, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect jobs are some of the highest-paying jobs in the industry. Let us take a look at some of the best certification-specific software engineering jobs and their average salaries below.
These professionals keep an eye on network activity to make sure that security policies are being followed. The job involves constant monitoring of changes in IT security protocols and potential threats to data security. As an information security officer, you are also responsible for penetration testing, which is carried out to identify any security holes.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). ISACA provides this certification for software engineers to specialize in cyber security management.
Solution architects are responsible for building apps and services that are later employed by an organization's solution development team. Typically, their customer is a business that requires support with their technological infrastructure.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect. Google provides this certification for software engineers to specialize in cloud solutions architecture.
A cloud data architect’s role is to guide cloud data technologies and implement best industry practices in the fields of data management design and analytics. In simple terms, a cloud data architect manages data flow within an organization and around its external network. This job may include software testing and working on various database development projects.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Google Certified Professional Data Engineer. Google provides this certification for software engineers to specialize in cloud data architecture.
A cloud security architect is someone who constructs, plans, and implements protection mechanisms for cloud-based storage systems. They are responsible for evaluating and testing the cloud computing security measures that are already in place, as well as building firewalls to make the system even safer.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect. Google provides this certification for software engineers to specialize in cloud security architecture.
These professionals design flexible, fault-tolerant, and secure architectures using the Google Cloud Platform. Additionally, they develop solution designs, implementation plans, and cost estimates for the projects. They spend most of their time managing products and solutions on Google Cloud. They are high in demand because they allow businesses to leverage Google Cloud technologies.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect. This certification entails all the skills necessary for a GCP solution architect.
Best Software Engineering Associations
After graduating, it is a good idea to network with people in your sector for professional growth. Software engineering associations are excellent, valuable resources throughout your professional life.
During a typical day in the life of a software engineer, there is very little time available for social networking. These associations provide a platform where they can interact with like-minded people.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society
Science and engineering employees can join the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society to learn more about software engineering. In addition to over 200 conferences, the IEEE Computer Society provides a virtual library with over 800,000 publications and magazines to its members.
Members enhance their professional standing by advancing their practice. The IEEE Computer Society is currently the world’s largest technical professional organization, providing education in computer science to students and professionals.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Founded in 1947, the Association for Computing Machinery is currently the largest community of educational and scientific computing professionals. It has approximately 100,000 members spread across more than 100 countries. They collaborate on cutting-edge computing projects by exchanging knowledge and resources.
There are 37 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for members to choose from, covering everything from computer graphics to software engineering. In addition, ACM has 860 local pro chapters as well as chapters for college students that allow members to meet and collaborate with others in their area.
Association of Software Professionals (ASP)
The Association of Software Professionals (ASP) is a global trade group for hundreds of companies that sell and develop software. Members can participate in discussion groups that are available around the clock and share their in-depth knowledge. They can also receive discounts on Windows utilities and developing software.
Are Software Engineering Certifications Worth It?
Yes, software engineering certifications are worth it because they serve as verifiable evidence that you possess the skills and extensive knowledge required to work as a successful software engineer. It also shows your passion and dedication to building a career in this field.
A prospective employer is more likely to place their trust in well-known certification providers, and some firms require particular qualifications for their software engineer or manager positions. Certifications also increase your earning potential as you have verified skills in software development.
Additional Reading About Software Engineering
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Software Engineering Certifications FAQ
No, software engineers do not need certifications. However, they give you the potential to make more money and move up the corporate ladder. Get one of the certifications mentioned in this article above to get more value and proficiency as a software engineer.
Yes, tech companies do prefer certifications in general, but the inclusion of certifications in specific job descriptions may vary from company to company. If your job requires you to work with a specialized tool such as Salesforce or AWS, listing your niche-specific certification is a good idea.
To be a software engineer, you need to have a basic level of knowledge about computer science and software, which is gained by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology. Getting a certification further enhances your resume. Certifications are evidence of your strong grasp of coding and technical knowledge.
In terms of degree programs, computer engineering and software engineering are nearly identical fields. If you like working with physical systems and hardware, then computer engineering is a good choice for you. If you are more into working with data and creating systems, then you should aim for software engineering.
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