An Overview of Web Development Certifications with Examples

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated August 24, 2022

Published January 3, 2022

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

A web developer is a programmer responsible for website design and development. The process of becoming a web developer is not governed by any specific regulatory or educational requirements, but advanced technical skills and knowledge are necessary to perform web development work. Examining the available types of web development certifications can help you compare among the many available options. In this article, we discuss what are web certifications and their relevance, and offer guidance in what to think about when choosing a web development certification.

What are web development certifications?

Web development certifications are a confirmation of completion of a course or program teaching topics and methods in web development and design. They can range from full programs starting at the beginner level that culminate in a major final web development project to shorter, module-based, or topic-specific courses focusing on programming languages like CSS or Ruby. Beginners in the field may seek out different programs than professionals of any level who are looking to upgrade specific skills or fill in gaps in their portfolios.

Relevance of web development study programs

Web development is an industry that's both constantly growing and changing. Web developers themselves are a diverse group of professionals that range from single freelancers to teams at large multi-national corporations. A great variety of possible paths and methods are available to learn the technical skills necessary to become a web developer. More traditional programs in settings like universities can provide a comprehensive and structured approach with opportunities for group work, networking, and career mentorship.

Smaller-scale programs or modules available online can allow you to focus on a key topic or learn a new skill at an accelerated pace. These programs can offer a streamlined way for you to get training and practice in the latest methods the industry uses. These programs can also be more relevant to market needs and faster to achieve than a traditional computer science degree. More experienced web developers can also seek to become certified in emerging topics or skills with which they have less practice.

What to consider when choosing a web development certification

It's important to know that there are many different options available to you when becoming a web developer, which can vary widely in recognition, budget, duration, and format. Consider the following when you're investigating different certifications to increase the likelihood of finding one appropriate to your situation:

Your background

The necessary first step is to think about your background and experience in web development. Certain programs have technical skills requirements to enroll, so your prior knowledge and training may determine which types of certifications you decide to pursue. You can perform a search for different programs available based on your level of experience.

Existing skills

If you aren't a beginner, you may wish to consider your skill set and how it relates to the types of competencies that are currently in demand in the industry. Rather than further upgrading your knowledge in the areas that you're already strong in, you may find greater value in developing new skills, such as a frequently used programming language that you may have less experience with. Since developers use so many tools and languages to complete projects, possessing a varied skill set can be an asset to you as you build a portfolio.

Convenience of the program

Some certification programs are quite intensive and involve studying full time, in addition to many hours of applied practice. If you prefer to study part time, at unusual hours, or at your own pace, you can look for programs that offer this flexibility. Online programs may be more suitable for an unusual schedule.

Course delivery format

Online and in-person learning can naturally result in quite distinct learning experiences, but each can offer unique advantages. The method of course delivery ideally matches your learning style and expectations. Consider whether you may benefit from the collaborative work atmosphere of an in-person course or if you prefer to learn online and individually.

Course content

Reputable web development certification providers have easily accessible information about the types of topics that are covered in their programs and about their instructors. Other subjects to consider can include what kinds of practical projects you may work on, and which programming languages you may study. You can also think about how this applied experience can benefit your project portfolio.

Opportunities

You may also consider what level, if any, of post-completion student support exists. If career guidance is a priority for you, look for a course that has this infrastructure available. You may also want to check whether the information is easily available for program completion rates or post-completion employment rates to determine if these programs may benefit you. While some programs are individual, others may offer the chance to work on team projects or work under a mentor. Your needs in this area can also influence the type of program you choose.

Web development bootcamps

Some certification programs are also commonly referred to as bootcamps. They're often tightly focused, accelerated, intensive programs meant to respond directly to changing requirements in the industry and produce graduates with up-to-date skills. Two common features of these bootcamps, which generally provide training in full-stack web development, are the opportunity to network with important industry figures and extensive hands-on practice. Some of the core topics of these programs can include CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.

6 example web development certifications

Here are some examples of study programs at different levels:

Beginner level

The following are some example certifications suitable for beginners:

1. Remote Web Development Program, Ironhack

Course topics in this program include HTML and CSS, responsive web design, and advanced topics in front- and back-end development. Students have the opportunity to code a game with JavaScript, create a full-stack application, and a front-end SPA. Students also learn how to program together as they complete some assignments in pairs.

Enrollment Fee: $15,600 full-time, $16,300 part-time
Duration: 9 weeks full-time, 24 weeks part-time
Format: live remote scheduled sessions, Monday to Friday

2. Web Development Skill Path, Codecademy Pro

This is an individual program and offers students a skills path from the beginner level. Students study front-end and back-end development topics and the program culminates with you receiving a certificate of completion that you're a junior web developer. The course provides opportunities to build interactive websites and create a portfolio. The topic structure of this program provides a logical learning progression for independent students.

Enrollment Fee: $25/month billed monthly or $50/month billed annually
Duration: 30 weeks
Format: online, at the user's convenience

3. Online Intro to Web Development, Lighthouse Labs

This course has approval from the Canadian Private Training Institutions Branch. Topics include HTTP, Sinatra Web Framework, and Ruby. It also offers students a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of full-stack web development and includes a personal app development project.

Enrollment Fee: $1750
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: online, 3 hours per evening session, 2 sessions per week

Intermediate level

The next example is a flexible, low time commitment option for those with some prior experience in web development:

1. Certificate in Full Stack Web Development, York University School of Continuing Studies

This program is suitable for students who cannot study full time and may only have limited weekly availability to attend a course. The program also involves live online peer discussions and a tutor who directs a lab for extra practice and personalized student support. This course is intended for students with a background in IT, STEM subjects, graphic design, or marketing and also presupposes some existing knowledge of full-stack web development.

Enrollment Fee: $9600
Duration: 11 months
Format: part time, scheduled live online sessions once biweekly

Advanced or Highly Specialized Topics

Here are a couple of examples of more advanced-level certifications:

1. Advanced Web Design and Development Certificate Online, University of Waterloo

This course teaches advanced topics in web development and design, including Advanced CSS3 and HTML5, Intermediate SQL, Intermediate Java Programming, and Responsive Web Design. Students can choose to specialize in programming, search engine optimization, dynamic websites, or databases. The University of Waterloo's Professional Development center issues a certificate of completion after the final online exam.

Enrollment Fee: $190 + taxes
Duration: 6 weeks per course, plus a 2-week exam period
Format: online

2. Advanced Web Developer Bootcamp, Udemy

This course offers a deep dive into many advanced web development topics and assumes you have proficiency with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It also offers training in Advanced CSS, Advanced JavaScript, NodeJS, D3, and React. Students can benefit from participating in lectures, interactive coding sessions, research assignments, and projects. A key feature of this course is its comprehensiveness and the broad selection of topics.

Enrollment Fee: $199.99
Duration: individually paced
Format: online, includes downloadable resources and on-demand video

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.