Best Coding Certificates Portland, OR: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About Portland Coding Certificates

To code is to write instructions for a computer to execute. Although some joke that computers may one day become self-aware and take over the world, humans are still required to instruct computers and tell them what to do. Lacking human brains that can understand context and overlook grammatical errors, computers need to be told precisely what people want from them. Natural (human) languages lack this sort of precision, which means that you can’t use Dutch, Danish, or Dagbani to program a computer. Even constructed languages like Dothraki are too ambiguous for computers to understand.

That led to the creation of languages that computers can comprehend. In their embryonic form, such languages date back to the era of mechanical (non-electronic) computers. Once electricity revolutionized the computer, programming languages came into their own. Computers have a mother tongue in binary code—very long strings of 1s and 0s—but writing in binary code is highly impractical, even for simple tasks, and nearly impossible given the complexity of modern programs. Thus emerged the development of languages that strike a balance between a computer’s binary system and the vocabulary and syntax of natural language. The first high-level language—one whose syntax is intelligible to humans—was Fortran, introduced in the 1950s and still used today, primarily for scientific purposes. Over the past 75 years, the digital world has evolved through hundreds of languages, from ALGOL to ZOPL.

Today’s programmers tend to gravitate toward high-level languages, the most popular of which are JavaScript and Python. Other languages in current use include Java, Ruby, C#, Rust, and Go. And, just as French is the Language of Love, computer languages are often designed with specific purposes in mind—though many have evolved into multi-purpose languages suited for building entire software applications.

Why Become Certified in Coding?

Unless there’s a massive technological failure that sends us back to the Stone Age, computers are here to stay. Coding plays a foundational role in that future. To get an idea of the scope of code-based projects, the Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, mapped 92% of the human genome using more than three trillion lines of code. That figure dwarfs Google’s entire codebase, which spans approximately 2 billion lines. Microsoft Windows comprises about 50 million lines, while the average app contains around 50,000. For context, Dante’s Divine Comedy has only 14,233 lines—making an app’s codebase seem surprisingly manageable.

While code libraries are widely available and filled with prewritten code you can use, skilled coders remain essential to the technological future of civilization.

Such individuals are called coders—or, if they work across the broader software development lifecycle in addition to writing code, software developers. The already urgent need for coders is expected to grow. Society has become too dependent on computers for coders to become obsolete anytime soon, despite rapid advancements in AI. (For example, ChatGPT can be used to debug Python code.)

To become a coder, you essentially have two paths: a traditional four-year computer science degree, or a more cost-effective alternative—a concentrated certificate program focused specifically on coding. Certificate programs, also referred to as bootcamps, teach students the core coding skills required to obtain a job in just a few months. These programs typically eliminate the general education requirements and related assignments such as five-page papers on “The Knight’s Tale” found in traditional college courses.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Coding Certified

There are around 700 computer languages in existence (compared to 7,000 natural languages spoken worldwide), but most programming today is done in a few dozen of them. The goal of a bootcamp is to help you gain fluency in several of the most popular languages, so don’t expect to learn ZOPL—a nearly obsolete low-level language from the 1970s—at a beginner-friendly bootcamp. What you almost certainly will learn is how to use HTML, CSS, at least some (and more likely a lot of) JavaScript, and perhaps Python, Java, and, in rare cases, even C#. Not all certificate programs teach the same languages, so you’ll need to research which ones best suit your professional needs before signing up for a bootcamp.

HTML and CSS

Nearly every coding certificate program begins by teaching HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Virtually every webpage is constructed using these two languages—the first displays text and images, and the second styles them into something visually appealing. Although HTML and CSS provide computers with instructions, they are not considered programming languages in the strictest sense. The online debate about whether they qualify as programming languages may seem minor, but from a beginner’s perspective, this is likely how you’ll get your first experience writing code and watching it become a working webpage.

JavaScript

HTML and CSS alone are rarely sufficient for modern websites, as they can only create static pages. To make webpages interactive and dynamic, you’ll need a programming language—specifically, JavaScript. Most web browsers contain a JavaScript engine that executes JavaScript code, enabling everything from drop-down menus to shopping carts. While that’s how most developers are introduced to JavaScript, the language has grown into a versatile, multi-purpose tool used for both front-end (the part the user sees) and back-end (the part the server processes) development. JavaScript was developed in just ten days by programmer Brendan Eich for Netscape, which was the leading web browser of its time. It was introduced to the public in 1995 and was soon reverse-engineered by Microsoft for use in Internet Explorer. This spurred the creation of ECMAScript, a standardized scripting language now widely associated with JavaScript. Today, JavaScript is widely used, relatively easy to learn, and powerful enough for most programming needs. It’s no surprise that it features prominently in most bootcamps—sometimes to the exclusion of additional languages.

Python

Another leading programming language is Python, which, like JavaScript, is both high-level and multi-purpose. Like JavaScript, it was also created by a single developer—Guido van Rossum—who introduced it in 1991. The name “Python” was inspired not by the snake but by the British comedy group Monty Python, known for its sketch shows and films like Life of Brian and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Python even has its own set of guiding principles called the Zen of Python, which emphasizes clean, readable code with aphorisms such as “explicit is better than implicit.” As a result, Python is not especially difficult to learn, though mastering it can be challenging. It is commonly taught in bootcamps, especially those focused on data science, where the language is well-suited for complex computations. Although it originated as a back-end language, Python is now used for front-end programming as well, and it is possible to build an entire application using only Python.

Java

A further high-level, multi-purpose language that appears in bootcamp curricula is Java. While the name is similar to JavaScript, the languages aren’t related—something that has confused many aspiring programmers. At the time JavaScript was released, Java was immensely popular, and someone chose to capitalize on that success by naming the new scripting language JavaScript. Java was developed by a team at Sun Microsystems that allegedly drank many cups of coffee while creating the language. Java can be used for both software and web development, and is especially useful when developing apps for Android mobile devices. You can even use Java for Big Data projects. It is considered moderately easy to learn, which explains its place in some certificate program syllabi, although it is generally not recommended as a first programming language.

MERN Stack

The MERN stack is one of the reasons JavaScript has become so popular. It is a combination of tools and technologies that enable developers to use what was once a scripting language for nearly all aspects of web application development. Stacks generally include a database and technologies for building both the front and back ends of applications, and MERN is no exception. The acronym stands for MongoDB, Express, React, and Node. MongoDB is used to set up non-relational databases (i.e., databases that can accommodate a variety of data types and structures). Express is a web framework built on top of Node, a runtime environment that allows JavaScript to be used for back-end development. React is a library of reusable components used to build user interfaces for the front end of applications.

Although MERN is the most popular of the JavaScript stacks, there are variations, including the MEAN stack, which replaces React with Angular, a broader front-end framework that some developers find less streamlined in practice.

Coding Industries in Portland

The predominant industrial sectors in Portland can be categorized into eight macro groups: apparel (Portland is the home of athletic footwear), bioscience (computational biology is a thriving discipline in the city), climate tech (Portland ranks #1 in the United States for sustainability, attracting significant investment), computers and electronics (semiconductors are one of the city’s leading sectors), design and media (Portland has 1.5 times the national average of architects, engineers, and artists), food and beverage (Portland is known for its food carts and microbreweries), metals and machinery (manufacturing parts for everything from Daimler trucks to Boeing aircraft), and—most relevant here—software. Such is the nature of modern commerce that all of these industries rely on software to function. Even Yoshi’s food cart in the Multnomah French Quarter uses technology to take phone orders for its nigiri, rolls, and sashimi. In fact, phone orders are the only way to get Yoshi’s sushi, and the system works well.

You can examine the list and easily see how essential software is to all of these industries. This is especially evident in fields like bioscience and computer hardware manufacturing (Intel is one of the largest employers in Greater Portland). Additionally, you can no longer sketch a sneaker using only a pencil and paper and expect to bring it to market. Nike and adidas, both headquartered in Portland, have brought significant scientific advancement to athletic footwear—made possible by software—which in turn relies on the expertise of coders. In other words, the entire Portland industrial complex is built on code.

Large firms often develop software in-house, while others outsource to software companies. The nickname “Silicon Forest” has been applied to Greater Portland (an area encompassing multiple counties across two states), and with good reason. “Forest” refers to the region’s lush vegetation, while “silicon” alludes to Northern California’s Silicon Valley, the global hub of tech innovation. Portland’s software sector includes over 4,200 establishments employing more than 35,000 people in one of the most educated cities in the country (53% of residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree). The city also offers a deep concentration of incubators, coworking spaces, and accelerators—the ecosystem software firms need to thrive. And thrive they do: few localities offer such a rich landscape—both literal and professional—for software developers and coders.

Coding Careers in Portland

Portland’s software sector is currently 53% higher than the national average, and projections suggest an optimistic forecast of 29% growth over the five years from 2023 to 2028. Navex Global, a global compliance management software provider, and Zoominfo, a business-oriented search engine, lead the list of employers in the sector and are both headquartered in the City of Roses. This combination of innovation, a forward-thinking mindset, and projected growth make Portland an excellent place to pursue a career in coding—especially if you enjoy food trucks and microbreweries.

Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Greater Portland area—also known as the Portland/Vancouver (Washington)/Hillsboro statistical region—shows that, out of 1.81 million people employed in the area, 49,000 are directly involved in computer operations. That results in a location quotient—a measure of the concentration of workers in a specific occupation within a locality—of 1.22, reinforcing the positive outlook for the sector.

According to BLS definitions, the occupations most directly related to coding are Software Developers and Computer Programmers. Software Developers are responsible for the full lifecycle of a software product, whereas Computer Programmers typically focus solely on coding. The numbers support the area’s strength in tech: the 17,000 Software Developers in Portland earn an average salary in the $120,000 to $125,000 range and have a location quotient of 1.39. Compared to the national average for Software Developers—approximately $132,000—and accounting for Portland’s high cost of living (24% above the national average, with housing 62% higher and a quart of milk at $2.62), local salaries remain competitive.

The 1,200 Computer Programmers in the area earn between $110,000 and $115,000 annually. The national average of approximately $103,000 shows that Computer Programmers generally earn less than Developers, which is significant—Portland-based Programmers earn considerably more than the national average, suggesting a strong demand for skilled coders. The 1.13 location quotient further supports this, indicating that demand for coders exceeds the local supply.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Although the terms certificate and certification are often confused, they carry distinct meanings in today’s workplace—especially to HR departments. Certificate programs in coding result, by definition, in certificates awarded to those who complete an intensive bootcamp-style course. Because these programs do not confer degrees, a different term was needed in place of diploma, and the term certificate was adopted. Certifications, by contrast, are issued by third-party organizations that administer exams designed to objectively evaluate your technical knowledge.

You don’t need a certificate to obtain a certification (in fact, in such cases, a certification may be essential), and the reverse is also true—something that’s often the case for beginners entering the coding field.

Both certifications and certificates play an important role in a coder’s career, though generally not at the same stage. Hiring managers don’t usually expect Junior Developer candidates to hold advanced certifications, but they do expect a certificate as proof of practical training. If you advance in the hiring process, you may land a technical interview to demonstrate your skills—but a certificate is still essential for getting your foot in the door and past applicant tracking systems.

For senior-level roles, an advanced certification is often necessary to demonstrate that you not only studied coding formally but have also gained substantial experience using the language(s) in which you’re certified. Of course, there are exceptions. Entry-level certifications are available, and your bootcamp may prepare you to sit for one of them. A good example is the certification offered by the International JavaScript Institute. While not mandatory, earning this type of certification can definitely improve your chances of landing a job.

Top Coding Certificate Programs in Portland

A certificate program will train you to become a successful coder. You’ll discover no shortage of such programs, which, for Portlanders, are primarily available online, as the in-person bootcamp in a traditional classroom setting has largely been phased out in most markets outside of New York City. Online classes can be synchronous—meaning you attend a live session, just like an in-person class—or asynchronous, meaning you’ll watch video tutorials at your convenience without direct interaction with the instructor. Either way, the class comes to you, so you’ll need to find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Alternatively, you can opt for a change of scenery and take your laptop somewhere relatively peaceful—either to do homework or, if you’ve chosen an on-demand class, watch a few video modules.

University of Oregon/EdX: Coding Bootcamp

The University of Oregon Continuing and Professional Education division, in partnership with edX (an ed-tech company that collaborates with major universities), offers a 24-week part-time coding bootcamp. The course meets online and is fully remote, though it operates on Pacific Time due to its Oregon origins. The curriculum begins with HTML and CSS before progressing to JavaScript, the primary language taught. Students will work with the MERN stack, and the capstone project requires students to build a complete single-page application using that technology. (The program also includes a brief section on MySQL relational databases and NoSQL non-relational databases.) Instruction combines live classes with self-study modules, creating a hybrid course format. Tuition for the bootcamp is $12,745; 0% financing, loans, and prepayment discounts are available.

Human support is available 24/7 via chat or email, and one-on-one assistance is provided for students who need extra help. The program includes access to a Career Engagement Network that assists with portfolios, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interview preparation. These resources remain available to graduates for life.

The Tech Academy: Software Developer Bootcamp

Portland’s own Tech Academy has been offering bootcamps since 2014 and currently provides a dozen self-paced programs. Classes are entirely online and provide maximum flexibility: learning materials are accessible 24/7, so if you want to learn to code at 2:00 a.m., the course remains accessible. And if you fall asleep at 2:05, you can resume right where you left off. The curriculum is more comprehensive than many other bootcamps, covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL databases, Python, and C# with .NET (a cross-platform development framework created by Microsoft). Students are required to complete projects in both Python and C#.

This rigorous program can be completed in as few as 22 weeks (full-time) or as many as 40 weeks (part-time). Tuition for the program is $23,320 full-time or $28,000 part-time, with a 50% discount available for upfront payment. Alternatively, students can opt for interest-free monthly payments of $299 until the balance is paid—approximately six and a half years of payments.

A job placement course forms the final module of the curriculum, preparing students for the job market. The program’s flexibility allows students to study not only at home but also throughout Portland. While the leprechauns have yet to install Wi-Fi in Mill Ends Park (a bench would be helpful too), Director Park has Wi-Fi, fresh air, and a fountain. Other great spots include Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Fehrenbacher Hof (across from the Goose Hollow MAX station—known for its corned beef breakfast sandwich), or even Powell’s City of Books, if your budget allows.

Noble Desktop: Software Engineering Bootcamp

Situated on the “other” coast in New York City and a provider of IT education since 1990, Noble Desktop’s Software Engineering Bootcamp is an intensive 20-week journey into live online hands-on training to prepare you for a new career in coding. You’ll learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript along with the MERN stack. Also included is Python with its Django framework. Classes meet all day, five days a week. You’ll also complete 10 to 20 hours of homework each week. The price is $10,995, and 0% financing is available. If you’re seeking a shorter option, Noble also offers a Full Stack Web Development Certificate that does not include Python; it’s priced at $7,995.

The school includes generous extras. In addition to live instruction, you’ll receive a dozen one-on-one mentoring sessions for help with coursework, resume and portfolio development, building online profiles, and preparing for challenging interviews. You’ll also get one year of free retakes for any portion of the course. Session recordings are available for 30 days following each class. Class sizes are small—typically fewer than 12 students—ensuring plenty of individual attention. A custom schedule can also be arranged. You can round out your learning with Noble’s WordPress or SQL bootcamps.

Coding Dojo: Software Development Bootcamp Online

A branch of Colorado Technical University, which has offered degree-track programs in management, business, and technology since 1965, Coding Dojo provides its Software Development Bootcamp in both full-time and accelerated part-time formats. The full-time program takes 16 weeks to complete, with daily classes and an estimated weekly workload of 70 to 90 hours. The part-time bootcamp can be completed in 18 to 34 weeks with an estimated workload of 30 hours per week. Coding Dojo’s three-stack curriculum is designed to expose students to a broad range of programming languages instead of focusing on just one. After the foundational HTML and CSS coursework, the program teaches three stacks: Python with MySQL (for databases) and Flask (for web development); JavaScript with the MERN stack and Socket.io; and finally, a choice between Java and C#.

Part-time students complete a combination of self-paced learning and three one-hour evening lectures each week. They may choose to study one, two, or all three stacks. The full-time bootcamp is priced at $16,995. The part-time program is priced based on the number of stacks selected: $9,995 for one, $13,495 for two, and $16,995 for all three. Numerous financing options are available.

Extensive career services are included with tuition. Students work with a dedicated career services manager who assists with resumes, GitHub portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles. The manager also guides students through the job search process, including personal and technical interview prep and salary negotiation. Career services remain available for life. Uniquely, Coding Dojo credits can be applied toward a CTU degree.

General Assembly: Software Engineering Bootcamp

A bootcamp division of the Adecco Group—an international staffing and recruitment firm—General Assembly has been teaching students to code since 2011. Its full-time Software Engineering Bootcamp lasts 12 weeks and combines live online classes with asynchronous modules and daily practice sessions. Instructors guide students through challenging concepts, and pair programming is introduced to simulate real-world development. Students complete 14 hours of on-demand pre-work covering HTML, CSS, and fundamental JavaScript. The live portion of the course is a full-stack JavaScript bootcamp that includes technologies like Angular, Ember, and AJAX. The curriculum also covers aspects of AI, including how ChatGPT can be used to debug Python code. The cost of the program is $16,450. Financing, loans, and prepayment discounts are available.

Each student is assigned a dedicated career coach from day one. The coach assists with GitHub and personal brand development and provides interview preparation for both technical and behavioral questions. Thanks to its global footprint, General Assembly has a broad network of employer contacts to help place graduates. Alumni also receive discounts on future GA courses.

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Key Insights

Learn More About Portland Coding Certificates

Why Become Certified in Coding?

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Coding Certified

HTML and CSS

JavaScript

Python

Java

MERN Stack

Coding Industries in Portland

Coding Careers in Portland

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Top Coding Certificate Programs in Portland

University of Oregon/EdX: Coding Bootcamp

The Tech Academy: Software Developer Bootcamp

Noble Desktop: Software Engineering Bootcamp

Coding Dojo: Software Development Bootcamp Online

General Assembly: Software Engineering Bootcamp

Portland Coding Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Coding Training Locations in or Near Portland

Portland Careers & Salaries Related to Coding

Related Classes

Portland Coding
Corporate & Onsite Training