5 Best Python Certifications for Beginners and Professionals

One of the best ways for aspiring Python newbies and experienced professionals to boost their skills, increase their credibility as a Python programmer, and get better career opportunities is by earning Python certifications. However, with a wide choice of Python certifications, figuring out which one is right for you can be daunting.

What are the best Python certifications? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve provided information on five of the best certifications for Python recognized worldwide and suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best Python Certifications to Boost Your Career
3. The Bottom Line
4. FAQs
5. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best Python Certifications to Boost Your Career
3. The Bottom Line
Show Full Guide
4. FAQs
5. References

Best Python Certifications to Boost Your Career

PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer

The list of the best certifications for Python starts with the PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification from the OpenEDG Python Institute. The course will fit if you’re new to the Python programming language and have limited or no prior programming experience.

This entry-level certification enables you to demonstrate that you understand basic programming concepts as well as the fundamentals of the Python language. It serves as an entryway into a long-term career as a Python programmer.

This Python certification exam covers Python fundamental terms and definitions, basic syntax, data types, variables, and exception handling. There are no prerequisites for this exam. This certification will allow you to gain fundamental knowledge and skills for an entry-level job as a data analyst, software engineer, or tester.

PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming

The PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming offered by the Python Institute is an associate-level certification, demonstrating that you have a basic understanding of more advanced Python programming skills.

The PCAP centers on the object-oriented programming approach to Python. Earning the PCAP certification means you are proficient in core Python concepts, including modules and packages, working with selected standard library modules, files, file streams, and exception hierarchies.

The PCAP certification also validates that you can use Python for general commercial and non-commercial programming projects. It also demonstrates that you can design, develop, and enhance your own programming portfolio to boost your value to employers.

There are no prerequisites for the exam. This certification is best if you’re a software developer and want to switch to Python or you’re looking for a job as a junior-level data analyst, software developer, or tester.

PCED – Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python

The PCED – Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python certification demonstrates your basic data analysis skills using the Python programming language. This certification is aimed at people who are new to data analysis but have a basic understanding of Python.

Acquiring this certification helps beginners to demonstrate that they have a basic understanding of data analytics concepts, practices, and methodologies as well as a basic knowledge of the Python programming language. In addition, you’ll be introduced to Python 3’s main techniques and tools, enabling you to conduct preliminary data analysis. The PCED certification helps you on your way to a career as a data scientist.

This Python certification demonstrates that you understand the fundamentals of Python-driven data analysis. It also shows that you can take part in commercial and non-commercial data analytics activities, and it helps you build a portfolio to boost your appeal to potential employers.

To pass the PCED exam, you’ll need to understand the basic concepts related to data analysis, including data acquisition, data visualization, data cleaning, data manipulation, data types, and data structures in Python.

This certification is best for beginner data enthusiasts eager to learn the basics of data analytics and the role of Python in data analytics. Although there are no formal prerequisites, the Python Institute recommends that you obtain the PCEP and PCAP certifications or equivalent.

PCPP1 – Certified Professional in Python Programming Level 1

The PCPP1 – Certified Professional in Python Programming Level 1 certification validates your proficiency in the Python programming language. This advanced certification is aimed at professionals who have already obtained the PCAP certification.

The PCPP1 validates that you have a strong foundation in Python and want to showcase your expertise and skills to potential employers. This certification is the first of a two-part programming track offered by the Python Institute. It fits developers and information technology experts who want to document their skills and knowledge in the advanced aspects of the Python language and computer programming.

To earn the PCPP1 certification, you must pass an exam demonstrating advanced knowledge of object-oriented programming, event-driven programming, simple REST clients, graphical user interface programming, file processing in various formats, and exception handling. The exam also tests your ability to write efficient and well-structured Python code.

This certification will help you enhance your skills and knowledge to pursue a junior-level or mid-level role as a network programmer, data analyst, tester, or software developer.

PCPP2 – Certified Professional in Python Programming Level 2

The PCPP2 – Certified Professional Python Programming Level 2 certification, the second of the Python Institute’s two-series professional certification track, is designed for IT specialists, engineers, software and system architects, experienced developers, and working professionals. The PCPP2 validates your skills and knowledge in the specialized and advanced aspects of computer programming, Python, and related technologies.

This certification demonstrates your proficiency in implementing design patterns in Python and your ability to work with some of the more advanced Python standard and non-standard library modules. It also validates that you’re an expert in Python and related technologies.

To pass this exam, you’ll also need a solid understanding of networking and communication, unit and functional testing frameworks, creating and working with SQL and NoSQL databases, and clean coding principles.

Earning this certification will show your potential employers that you have the expertise, skills, and experience to pursue a mid-level or senior-level career in Python programming as a software developer, data engineer, system engineer, software architect, network engineer, or QA engineer.

The Bottom Line

As Python continues to grow in popularity, more and more professionals are adding it to the list of skills they highlight in their resumes. A Python certification provides you with valuable expertise and enables you to stand out in the job market.

Moreover, obtaining a certification can expand your career opportunities as Python is a widely used language in various industries, such as data science, web development, and artificial intelligence.

Additionally, many companies specifically look for candidates with certifications to ensure they have a strong understanding of the Python language. According to the Python Institute, there are more than 100,000 unfilled Python jobs worldwide, which means the supply doesn’t meet the demand.

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