Coding Certificates Philadelphia, PA

A facet of computer programming, coding is a process used to write instructions that tell a computer, application, or software program what to do and how to do it. Computer programming languages are developed through a series of numerical or alphabetic codes and tell machines to complete specific actions. Computer coding serves as a manual for those programming languages.

As a coder, programmer, or developer, you’d write instructions describing the information and tasks needed to create a visual or to perform a task. Your computer can then scan extensive coded manuals very quickly, executing the tasks that create and run a successful website or application. Tasks like displaying an image or section of text, changing font styles, and opening emails all require instructions included in the coded manual.

A relatively technical skill that historically has required a four-year degree in computer programming, information technology, data science, or computer engineering, short-term coding courses now offer a way for those new to coding to break into this in-demand field. This article will discuss various coding certifications and bootcamps, as well as the skills needed to become an expert coder, so keep reading to learn more.

Why Become Certified in Coding?

Computer coding and programming are some of the most in-demand skills in the modern job market. Pursuing certification has many benefits over general training and classes. Becoming certified demonstrates that you are competent in the essential skills of coding and can meet industry standards. It also shows your dedication to the field, as certifications typically require a larger commitment of time and money.

Many employers desire, and sometimes even require certifications. Adding your certificate to your resume, portfolio, or cover letter often gives you an upper hand in the job-hunting process. Proving your proficiency can set you apart from other candidates, especially when you're trying to break into coding, programming, or software engineering. And, since computer coding is a constantly evolving field, acquiring certifications shows that you’re current with the latest skills and technologies.

Becoming certified in coding can help increase your chances of getting hired into an in-demand role, allowing you to access benefits like the flexibility of working from where you choose and a sustainable (often profitable) living wage.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Coding Certified

Learning to code like a professional will require you to master certain skills. Below is a basic list of the most common hard and soft skills that you will need. If you happen to possess some of these, then you’re already ahead of the game.

Programming Languages

Knowing at least one programming language will be necessary to learn coding but it’s recommended that you learn multiple, like Python, Ruby, C++, and JavaScript. Programming languages will be the tools you use to write the coding that will perform your desired tasks and, since different industries and companies use varying languages, it’s best to be well-versed.

Data Structures and Algorithms

Data structures and algorithms (DSAs) can take up a moderate amount of your time as a coder. Before writing the actual code, you’ll consider the best ways to approach the project, including which data structures and algorithms to employ. For many companies such as Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, being competent in DSAs is extremely important.

Attention to Detail

Coding is an extremely technical field, so developing a keen attention to detail is extremely beneficial. Staying organized and maintaining a schedule for your projects can help encourage this. Precision is preferred but all humans are prone to error, so paying attention to the details can help you pinpoint and fix your mistakes more efficiently.

Scientific Method

You’ll spend a good deal of your time developing solutions to problems that have never been solved and following the scientific method can help with that. You’ll start with a hypothesis (like what you think the program you’re writing will accomplish), then you’ll outline how you will write the code, execute the code, and compare what you created with the control or what the program was supposed to do. Finally, you debug, bringing the program closer to the ideal you imagined.

Sharp Memory

When it comes to long-term memory, you’ll be aided by infinite manuals, websites, and tools that can help you recall important information. But, to help you complete projects faster, memorizing more information can be advantageous. Coders need to be aware of many different pieces of information at once and know how they’ll all react to each other, which requires both short-term and long-term memory skills. Visualizing design, data flow, algorithms, data structures, and how they impact each other will set you apart from the average coder.

Coding Industries in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is ranked among the top 10 life sciences markets in the United States, with over 1,200 companies, world-class research institutions, and 15 major health systems. Top industry employers include Johnson & Johnson, Labcorp, and Aramark. With over 70,000 employees in life sciences and an average salary of $87,000, there should be plenty of opportunities for a trained coder.

Home to world-class financial services companies like Colonial Penn, Delaware Funds by Macquarie, FS Investments, Lincoln Financial, Radian, SEI, and Vanguard, Philadelphia’s financial industry is a vital part of the local economy. Similarly, the technology industry in Philadelphia is thriving as well. With over 110,000 employees and a median salary for Software Developers of $103,000, you could become a part of this exciting field of innovation.

Regardless of the industry you choose, each field will need highly skilled coders to help them develop, maintain, debug, and protect their software and websites. From life sciences to finance to technology (and so many more), Web Developers, Programmers, and Software Engineers are always in-demand.

Coding Careers in Philadelphia

There are many careers you could pursue once certified in coding. You could become a Web Developer, building webpages using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Opportunities exist in front-end, back-end, and full-stack development, and Web Developers usually make around $81,000, both nationwide and specifically in the Philadelphia area.

You could also work as a Software Engineer, creating software for computers with the help of programming languages, math, computer science theory, and engineering techniques. While this role is technical, you would get to creatively collaborate with a team that is made up of Designers, UX and UI professionals, management teams, sales teams, and Developers. On average, Software Engineers across the U.S. make between $117,000 and $139,000 per year, with Philadelphia seeing an average salary of around $120,000.

Another option is to work as a Full Stack Developer, working on both front-end and back-end development. You would work as part of a team, building web applications for both the visible front-end that users see and the back-end that powers the applications. Full stack developers can make anywhere between $90,000 and $127,000 nationwide, with those in Philadelphia landing on the high end, around $120,000.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Certificate and certification programs can each provide a top-notch education, but it’s important to understand the key difference between them.

A certificate is often categorized as continuing education and is granted after the completion of a course or training. Typically used as a form of professional development, mid-career professionals pursue certificates to enhance or develop highly sought-after skills in their industry. Others who are looking to change their careers or pivot into new roles can gain an upper hand in the job application process from a certificate program.

Certificates often consist of fewer credits than an associate degree as they involve fewer courses in a particular subject matter. These courses are noncredit programs sponsored by educational institutions with designated learning objectives and a specific curriculum. Offered in-person or online, they are typically shorter than other graduate-level programs. A certificate can add immense value to your resume, but it’s important to note that it won't carry the same weight as an associate's or bachelor’s degree, which is commonly required for many jobs.

A certification, on the other hand, is a professional credential that you earn through a professional training program or assessment. These certifications typically culminate in a final exam or test, and many jobs require specific certifications for promotions or career advancement.

Certifications help professionals access increased pay, potential promotions, and enhanced professional expertise. For many professions, certifications must be renewed at regular intervals. Companies will often even cover the certification cost, as these credentials can bring value to the workplace.

So, what do these differences mean for you? If you want to change career fields entirely and need to learn as much about your new industry as possible, then a certificate could be the right choice. If you are established in your career and looking to level up, perhaps to gain a new title or increase your pay, then a certification course is probably the right route.

You should consider your financial and time commitments, as well. If your company requires a certification for you to advance in your career, they will most likely pay in full or offer assistance for your certification course. Both certificates and certifications can vary in length, so it’s also important to check the duration of courses you’re considering. If you’re looking to change careers quickly, a shorter certificate can be a great choice.

Regardless of whether you choose to pursue a certificate or a certification, both can give you an upper hand in your professional development and expand your skill set, making you highly desirable within your current field or a new one.

Top Coding Certificate Programs in Philadelphia

A certificate in coding has many benefits – setting you apart from other applicants, helping you create a portfolio of work, and thoroughly preparing you for a tech-focused career – but choosing the right certificate program can seem challenging. To help you make the best choice for you, below are some of the top certificate programs available in Philadelphia and online.

Coding Certificate

Offered through Community College of Philadelphia’s continuing education program, this certificate course consists of 48 hours of coursework split across three classes. You’ll start with an introduction to coding, where you’ll learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and the practical uses for each. You’ll then move on to building simple webpages by hand coding and using HTML tags to create paragraphs, headings, lists, links, and insert images and tables. Finally, you’ll learn to use inline, internal and external CSS, web typography, format text, work with web colors, use Google fonts, work with ID and class selectors, work with elements, create page layouts using elements, and leverage the CSS box model.

Penn LPS Coding Bootcamp

The University of Pennsylvania offers a live online coding bootcamp that can be completed in either 12 or 24 weeks. Boasting a fast-paced, immersive curriculum, this course covers all the skills needed to become proficient in front-end and back-end technologies, programming languages, and frameworks. You’ll learn about tools like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, command line, and API consumption while you master how to optimize web applications for speed and performance and create scalable web apps, APIs, and services. Through live sessions, extensive support, and collaboration with your peers, you’ll become an expert in theory and application of web development.

Software Engineering Certificate

Achieve your dream of becoming a Software Engineer with this certificate course from Noble Desktop that covers front-end development with HTML & CSS, JavaScript, and React, and back-end development with Python, Django, and Node.js. You’ll learn basic JavaScript programming concepts, including variables, data types, loops, and DOM, as well as how to compose components which are the foundations of React by building a fully working desktop application. As you progress, you’ll also study the lexical syntax of Python, dictionaries, custom functions, and sorting algorithms while mastering object-oriented programming, working with APIs, and querying databases with SQL.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a portfolio of work that you can present to potential employers. Included one-on-one mentoring, career prep, and a free one-year retake are all designed to help you land your dream job after completion of this course.

Coding Bootcamp

Offered both full and part-time through Tech Elevator, this course teaches you to become a software developer while helping you grow the necessary career readiness skills to transition to a meaningful job in tech. Held live online, you’ll learn how to utilize technologies like Java/C# (.NET), HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL. Divided into four sections, you’ll gain an understanding of programming foundations, back-end development, web programming, and full-stack development.

A combination of hands-on coding exercises, instructor-led sessions, independent study, and group exercises that foster peer-to-peer learning, this intensive training also includes personal career counseling.

Web Development Bootcamp

Ironhack offers a hands-on web development bootcamp that is entirely online and can be completed on your own schedule. Divided into three modules, you’ll start by learning to use HTML and CSS to create webpages and gain hands-on experience with Git for version control and collaboration. Learn responsive web design and Flexbox to create responsive websites. You’ll also master the CSS Box Model and advanced CSS selectors for precise styling and learn to make your websites and applications interactive with JavaScript (and leverage Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles in JavaScript to create well-structured and maintainable code). The second module is focused on front-end development and will immerse you in ReactJS, SPAs, and HTTP. The final module consists of back-end tools like Node.js, ExpressJS, MongoDB, and Mongoose. Working in teams, you’ll complete a final project, developing a comprehensive full-stack web application as your final project using the MERN stack.

Full Stack Web Development Certificate

Become a programming and coding expert in this intensive Noble Desktop course that takes 17 weeks on a full-time schedule or 10 months to complete part-time. This project-oriented course will teach you how to use programming languages like HTML and CSS and JavaScript to program memorable, interactive webpages. You’ll also use the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js) to add databases, APIs, server environments, and interactivity for those web applications. By learning to code from scratch, you’ll be able to program the visual appearance of a web application (the front-end) and the infrastructure that allows it to function (the back-end) to create complete webpages.

This live online course includes one-on-one mentoring and a free one-year retake. Payment plans and financing are available, and this course is approved for Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits.