Software Engineering Certifications and Certificates

Do you want to demonstrate your skills in Software Engineering but are overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available? You might also have questions like, “Will a certificate help me land a job?” or “What is the difference between a certification and a certificate?” This article aims to answer these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path toward a Software Engineering certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is an engineering branch focused on designing, developing, and testing new technologies to solve real-world problems. Software Engineers bring comprehensive knowledge of programming, design, and engineering principles to build software. These computer science professionals can create web applications, mobile applications, video games, robots, operating systems, and network systems that we use daily! 

Software engineering is a collaborative and broad field. The design and development of software solutions will require you to work with other technical and non-technical professionals. These can include engineers, developers, scientists, designers, and other creative and technical professionals. Additionally, Software Engineers can specialize in different areas of the user experience, depending on their interest.

Learn more about what software engineering is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Software Engineering?

Our society continues to rely more heavily on computer-driven processes. Software Engineers are the brain power behind these processes and create the programs and applications we use daily. Software Engineers use programming languages to develop software programs and applications. Programming skills are sought after across fields and sectors, and you can do many cool things with this skill set! 

Low-level programming languages, such as assembly and machine language, can be used to create system software. System software is a general software that develops and runs other application software. A few examples of system software are operating systems, like Mac OS and Android, and video game systems, like the Nintendo system software, which allow video games to run.

You can also create application software using programming languages—software engineers design application software to carry out a specific function. For example, Spotify is an application software that allows you to listen to music or podcasts. Engineers use high-level programming languages like Java and Python to write application software.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Certificates and certifications sound similar; however, they mean different things and serve distinct purposes. Certifications involve sitting for an exam administered by a third-party professional organization. These organizations offer certification to recognize professionals who display mastery of their subject formally. 

In contrast, you may earn a certificate after completing a course or bootcamp. Educational institutions offer certificates and have a curriculum that students work through, including lessons, assessments, and learning objectives. Several companies hire bootcamp graduates and regard their skills as equal to those entering the field with college degrees. 

Top Certifications & Certificates for Software Engineering

If you are interested in quickly learning the fundamental skills to be a successful Software Engineer, look no further than Noble Desktop’s certificate program. Noble’s certificate program is beginner-friendly, offering the hands-on training and guidance needed to transform a novice into a software developer in a few months. 

Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate will teach you the skills needed to master both front end and back end development so you can create software applications. This immersive course covers various programming topics, like front end development, JavaScript development, and Python development. You can also check out the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate, Python Developer Certificate, and JavaScript Development Certificate.

Additionally, if you are interested in being a Project Manager or Product Manager at some point in your career, you should consider Noble’s CAPM Certification Bootcamp or PMP Certification Bootcamp. 

Once you get the hang of the fundamental software engineering skills, you can level up your skills by earning developer certifications. Some popular certifications that Software Engineers acquire include:

• Amazon Web Service Certified Developer
• Google’s Professional Cloud Developer
• Microsoft Certified Azure Developer 
• Oracle’s Java certifications
• Salesforce.com Certified Developer

Should I Get Certified in Software Engineering?

Whether or not you pursue a certification depends on your ultimate career goals and interest. While many IT and computer science roles require certification, entry-level software engineering roles do not typically require certifications. As you progress in your career, you may find a particular certification valuable to grow your knowledge, attain a higher salary, and advance your career.

Your decision may also depend on how your employer views professional certifications. Employers view certifications differently, and while some may regard your certification positively, others will have a more neutral stance. If your employer works closely with the certifying entity, they may place greater value on the certification. Generally, having a certification will lead to slighter higher pay or help you edge out non-certified candidates in the job pool. 

How to Get Certified in Software Engineering

To be certified in software engineering through a certificate program, you must enroll in a software engineering bootcamp and complete it. There is no one-size-fits-all bootcamp, and while many cover similar material, they may offer different options and resources. It’s vital that you choose the certificate program that works best for you, keeping in mind the curriculum, cost, learning style, and other support you might need to succeed. 

As for certifications, the process depends on the certifying entity but generally, you will need to register and pass the examination. Some certifying entities will require you to meet specific requirements before registering, so you must research and contact the provider to ensure you have what you need to sit for the exam. 

Conquer Software Engineering with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers an assortment of Software Engineering classes that will teach you the skills needed to become a Software Engineer. You can join Noble’s courses in-person in Manhattan or virtually from the comfort of your home or office. These courses feature small class sizes led by expert instructors with experience in the field. In addition, Noble classes feature a free retake option that will allow you to retake a course within a year for no extra fees. 

If you want to be a more well-rounded web developer, consider enrolling in either the  Software Engineering Certificate or the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate. Both courses will prepare you to build both the front end and back end of websites. By the end of the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate, students can use programming languages, such as HTML & CSS, JavaScript, and React, to develop and build web applications. If you have a few extra weeks, the Software Engineering Certificate is more comprehensive and will teach you Python, a popular programming language for web development, data analysis, and automation. 

Noble’s Python Developer Certificate program is the perfect course for someone with a shorter-time frame looking to learn a highly used programming language. This certificate will take you from a beginner to an intermediate Python programmer in a few weeks. This course will prepare you for success as a Python Developer, Back End Developer, or Software Engineer. 

If you’re interested in working with data in your career, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate is a good option for you. This immersive training will equip you with skills ranging from Python programming to machine learning models.

Key Insights

• Professional certification or a certificate program can help you advance your career, but they serve different purposes. 
• Certificate programs are for people who want to pick up a new talent or fill a skill gap that their current work requires.
• Professional certifications are for people who desire to advance to more senior jobs through the mastery of a particular subject. 
• Noble Desktop offers comprehensive software engineering certificate programs to help you land or level up your software engineering career.