Best Software Engineering Certifications in 2025
Software engineering certifications are valuable for professionals aiming to enhance their skills and advance their careers. They offer a structured path to mastering new technologies and methodologies.
For you and your team, pursuing these certifications can mean the difference between staying current and falling behind. They address challenges like skill gaps and provide a competitive edge in the job market.
In this article, you'll find an overview of the top certifications, including pricing, prerequisites, focus areas, and suitability. This will help you make informed decisions about your professional development journey.
Best Software Engineering Certifications Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best software engineering certifications I think are worth looking into:
- AWS Certified Developer - Associate - Best for cloud application development
- Salesforce Platform Developer I Credential - Best for Salesforce platform expertise
- Certified Software Engineer - Best for foundational software engineering skills
- Professional Software Developer Certification (CSDP) - Best for advanced software development principles
- C++ Certification Program - Best for mastering C++ programming
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) - Best for secure software development
- Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) - Best for software quality assurance
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect - Best for Azure solution design
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer - Best for Java SE 11 proficiency
- MySQL 8.0 Database Developer Oracle Certified Professional - Best for MySQL database expertise
- Oracle Database 12c: Oracle Certified Master (OCM) - Best for Oracle database mastery
- Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) - Best for Red Hat Enterprise Linux skills
- Certified Agile Leader® 1 (CAL 1™) - Best for Agile leadership development
- Professional Software Engineering Master Certification - Best for comprehensive software engineering knowledge
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer - Best for Java SE 8 skills
- Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) - Best for Kubernetes application development
- Certified Scrum Developer® (CSD®) - Best for Scrum development practices
- Certified DevOps Engineer Professional - Best for DevOps engineering expertise
Overview of the Best Software Engineering Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of my shortlist's best software engineering certifications.
1. AWS Certified Developer - Associate - Best for cloud application development
The AWS Certified Developer - Associate certification validates your ability to develop and maintain applications on the AWS platform. It demonstrates your understanding of core AWS services, uses, and basic AWS architecture best practices.
Issued by: Amazon Web Services
Focus:
- AWS core services
- Application development
- AWS architecture
- Security and compliance
- Debugging applications
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes, it must be renewed every three years.
Price: $150
Who It’s For: If you’re a developer, this certification shows your ability to develop and maintain applications on AWS, enhancing your credibility and career opportunities in cloud computing.
2. Salesforce Platform Developer I Credential - Best for Salesforce platform expertise
The Salesforce Platform Developer I Credential certifies your ability to build custom applications on the Salesforce platform. It demonstrates your understanding of the fundamentals of programming and the use of Salesforce's features to develop robust applications. This certification is essential for those looking to prove their skills in customizing and extending Salesforce applications.
Issued by: Salesforce
Focus:
- Apex programming
- Data modeling
- User interface customization
- Testing and debugging
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes, you'll be required to complete the Platform Developer I certification maintenance module once a year.
Who It’s For: If you're involved in developing on the Salesforce platform, this certification highlights your ability to build and customize applications, enhancing your capabilities and standing in the Salesforce ecosystem.
3. Certified Software Engineer - Best for foundational software engineering skills
The Certified Software Engineer (CSE) certification validates your ability to apply software engineering principles to real-world development projects. It assesses your software design, development, and maintenance knowledge, ensuring you understand industry standards and best practices. This certification is designed for professionals looking to establish credibility in software engineering.
Issued by: Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP)
Focus:
- Software development methodologies
- Software design principles
- Testing and quality assurance
- Software maintenance and support
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam covering software engineering principles
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: Starts at $469
Who It’s For: If you're working in software development, this certification proves your ability to apply engineering principles to software projects, making you a more credible and competitive professional in the industry.
4. Professional Software Developer Certification (CSDP) - Best for advanced software development principles
The Professional Software Developer Certification (CSDP) validates your expertise in software development practices, methodologies, and design. It assesses your ability to apply industry-recognized principles to build reliable, maintainable, scalable software. This certification is designed for experienced developers looking to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and skills.
Issued by: IEEE Computer Society
Focus:
- Software development life cycle
- Software design and architecture
- Testing and quality assurance
- Project management principles
- Software maintenance and support
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: $775
Who It’s For: If you're an experienced developer, this certification proves your deep understanding of software engineering principles, helping you stand out as a knowledgeable and skilled professional.
5. C++ Certification Program - Best for mastering C++ programming
The C++ Institute offers certifications that validate your proficiency in C++ programming. These certifications assess your ability to apply C++ concepts in various scenarios and demonstrate your understanding of programming principles. They are designed to certify your skills in C++ programming, enhancing your professional credentials.
Issued by: C++ Institute
Focus:
- Advanced C++ programming techniques
- Standard library functions
- Preprocessor usage
- Code optimization
- Software development
- Problem-solving techniques
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: $295
Who It’s For: If you aim to certify your C++ programming skills, this certification proves your knowledge and competence, making you a valuable asset to your team and projects.
6. Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) - Best for secure software development
The Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification validates your expertise in incorporating security practices into each phase of the software development lifecycle. It ensures you understand how to build secure software from concept to delivery and maintenance. This certification is crucial for professionals dedicated to securing software applications.
Issued by: (ISC)²
Focus:
- Software security requirements
- Secure software design
- Secure software testing
- Software deployment
- Secure software concepts
- Secure software lifecycle management
- Secure software architecture and design
- Secure software implementation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Four years of professional experience in the software development lifecycle
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: The candidate must possess a foundational certification, such as an associate-level credential.
Renewability: No
Price: $599 for the exam
Who It’s For: If you work in software development, this certification shows your commitment to embedding security in software projects, enhancing your team's ability to deliver secure applications.
7. Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) - Best for software quality assurance
The Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) certification demonstrates your expertise in ensuring software quality throughout development. It highlights your ability to apply principles of software quality assurance and control. This certification is essential for those who maintain high standards in software projects.
Issued by: ASQ
Focus:
- Quality management systems
- Software engineering processes
- Software project management
- Problem-solving techniques
- Software quality management
- Testing and validation
- Process improvement
- Risk management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience:
- Eight years of experience in areas of the Certified Software Quality Engineer Body of Knowledge.
- Or three years of experience in a decision-making position.
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: $533
Who It’s For: If you're involved in software quality assurance, this certification proves your skills in maintaining quality standards, making you an asset to your team and projects.
8. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect - Best for Azure solution design
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect certification validates your ability to design cloud and hybrid solutions on Microsoft Azure, including compute, network, storage, and security. It demonstrates expertise in backend development and programming languages while ensuring solutions meet business needs. This certification is crucial for professionals managing Azure solutions, though it’s not typically entry-level.
Issued by: Microsoft
Focus:
- Azure infrastructure
- Security and networking
- Data management
- Solution monitoring
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification
Renewability: Yes, renewal is required to stay current.
Price: $165 per exam
Who It’s For: If you're working with Azure, this certification shows your ability to design and implement solutions, proving your skills in creating secure, scalable, and reliable cloud applications.
9. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer - Best for Java SE 11 proficiency
The Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer certification validates your expertise in using Java SE 11 for application development. It demonstrates your ability to implement and manage Java applications, ensuring you understand Java's core features and functionality. This certification is essential for developers looking to prove their Java programming skills.
Issued by: Oracle
Focus:
- Java programming
- Exception handling
- Java syntax and APIs
- Object-oriented programming
- Functional programming
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: If you're a Java developer, this certification shows your proficiency in Java SE 11, enhancing your credibility and opportunities in software development.
10. MySQL 8.0 Database Developer Oracle Certified Professional - Best for MySQL database expertise
The MySQL 8.0 Database Developer Oracle Certified Professional certification demonstrates your ability to use MySQL 8.0 for database development tasks. It validates your skills in creating, managing, and optimizing MySQL databases using languages like Python. This certification is designed for database developers who want to showcase their proficiency in MySQL, whether working on backend systems, front-end integration, or applications involving machine learning. It’s also valuable for those who have completed relevant bootcamps and want to further validate their expertise.
Issued by: Oracle
Focus:
- Designing and developing MySQL schema objects
- Managing transactions in SQL and applications
- Utilizing MySQL 8.0 features and tools
- Database design
- Query optimization
- Data security
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: If you're a database developer, this certification proves your expertise in MySQL 8.0, enhancing your ability to manage and optimize databases effectively.
11. Oracle Database 12c: Oracle Certified Master (OCM) - Best for Oracle database mastery
The Oracle Database 12c: Oracle Certified Master (OCM) certification validates your advanced skills in managing and optimizing Oracle Database 12c. It demonstrates your ability to handle complex database tasks and solve challenging scenarios in real-world environments. This certification is designed for professionals who want to showcase their expertise in Oracle database management.
Issued by: Oracle
Focus:
- Advanced database management
- Performance tuning
- Backup and recovery
- Data security
- High availability solutions
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of required courses and must have 9-character Oracle Testing ID
- Work Experience: 3 to 4 years of experience as an Oracle Database Administrator
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: If you're an experienced database administrator, this certification proves your mastery of Oracle Database 12c, enhancing your credibility and career prospects in database management.
12. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) - Best for Red Hat Enterprise Linux skills
The Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification validates your skill set in automating Red Hat Enterprise Linux tasks and integrating Red Hat technologies. It demonstrates your expertise in managing and configuring system infrastructure using Red Hat solutions, which are essential for web development and optimizing algorithms. This certification is aimed at professionals seeking to prove their Red Hat system administration skills.
Issued by: Red Hat
Focus:
- System automation
- Red Hat technologies
- Infrastructure configuration
- Network services
- Linux system automation
- Ansible configuration management
- Shell scripting
- Deployment and management of systems
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) required
Renewability: Yes, it must be renewed every three years.
Who It’s For: If you're managing Red Hat systems, this certification proves your ability to automate tasks and manage infrastructure, enhancing your team's efficiency and system reliability.
13. Certified Agile Leader® 1 (CAL 1™) - Best for agile leadership development
The Certified Agile Leader® 1 (CAL 1™) certification focuses on developing your understanding of agile leadership principles and practices. It emphasizes the role of leaders in fostering an agile culture within their organizations and is highly relevant in the tech industry. This certification is designed to help you adapt your leadership style to support agile transformations, making it valuable for professionals in a related field.
Issued by: Scrum Alliance
Focus:
- Agile leadership
- Organizational change
- Team dynamics
- Agile mindset
- Building high-performing teams
- Fostering a culture of continuous improvement
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Every two years.
Price: Course fees vary by provider
Who It’s For: If you're leading agile teams, this certification helps you refine your leadership approach to effectively guide and support your team's agile journey.
14. Professional Software Engineering Master Certification - Best for comprehensive software engineering knowledge
The Professional Software Engineering Master Certification validates your mastery of advanced software engineering principles, methodologies, and best practices. It assesses your ability to apply systematic engineering approaches to software development, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and maintainability. This certification is designed for senior software professionals looking to showcase their deep expertise in the field.
Issued by: IEEE Computer Society
Focus:
- Advanced software engineering principles
- Software architecture and design
- Quality assurance and testing
- Software project management
- Software requirements
- Software construction
Prerequisites:
- Education: Four years of college education in computer science or equivalent
- Work Experience: Four years of relevant industry experience
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: Starts at $865
Who It’s For: If you're a senior software engineer or aspiring to a leadership role, this certification proves your ability to design, develop, and manage complex software systems, reinforcing your credibility in the industry.
15. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer - Best for Java SE 8 skills
The Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer certification validates your expertise in using Java SE 8 for application development. It demonstrates your ability to write efficient and robust Java code, showcasing your understanding of Java's core features and best practices. This certification is aimed at developers looking to solidify their Java programming skills.
Issued by: Oracle
Focus:
- Java programming
- Lambda expressions
- Stream API
- Concurrency
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: If you're a Java developer, this certification confirms your proficiency in Java SE 8, enhancing your credibility and career opportunities in software development.
16. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) - Best for Kubernetes application development
The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) certification validates your skills in designing, building, and deploying cloud-native applications using Kubernetes. It demonstrates your ability to work with core resources for application deployment and management. This certification is ideal for developers who want to prove their proficiency in Kubernetes.
Issued by: The Linux Foundation
Focus:
- Kubernetes architecture
- Application deployment
- Configuration management
- Troubleshooting
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes, must be renewed every two years.
Price: $645
Who It’s For: If you're developing applications on Kubernetes, this certification proves your expertise in managing and deploying applications, enhancing your ability to work efficiently in cloud-native environments.
17. Certified Scrum Developer® (CSD®) - Best for Scrum development practices
The Certified Scrum Developer® (CSD®) certification validates your knowledge and skills in agile development using Scrum practices. It demonstrates your ability to work effectively in a Scrum team, applying agile principles to enhance software development. This certification is tailored for developers who want to excel in Scrum environments.
Issued by: Scrum Alliance
Focus:
- Agile engineering practices
- Continuous integration
- Scrum framework application
- Collaborative development
- Iterative and incremental delivery
Prerequisites:
- Education: Four hours of structured training led by a Scrum Alliance-approved CSD instructor
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Every two years
Who It’s For: If you're part of a Scrum team, this certification shows your commitment to agile practices, improving your ability to contribute effectively to your team's success.
18. Certified DevOps Engineer Professional - Best for DevOps engineering expertise
The Certified DevOps Engineer Professional certification validates your skills in managing and implementing DevOps practices on the AWS platform. It demonstrates your ability to automate the testing and deployment of AWS infrastructure and applications. This certification is designed for individuals who want to prove their DevOps methodologies and AWS services expertise.
Issued by: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Focus:
- Monitoring and logging
- Continuous delivery and automation
- Security controls implementation
- Governance processes
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Two or more years of experience in provisioning, operating, and managing AWS environments
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: Yes, it requires renewal every three years.
Price: $300 for the exam
Who It’s For: If you're working in a DevOps role, this certification validates your ability to implement and manage DevOps practices on AWS, enhancing your team's efficiency and career potential in cloud environments.
FAQs About Software Engineering Certifications
What are the benefits of getting a software engineering certification?
Getting a certification can boost your career by validating your skills and knowledge. It shows employers you’re committed to your professional development. Certifications can also help you stay updated with the latest technologies and practices. They might even give you an edge in job applications or promotions.
How do I choose the right software engineering certification for me?
Start by identifying your career goals and the skills you want to develop. Research certifications that align with these goals. Consider factors like industry demand, the certification’s focus, and your current skill level. Talk to peers or mentors for recommendations based on their experiences.
How much time does it take to get a software engineering certification?
The time it takes varies based on the certification and your existing knowledge. Some may require weeks of study, while others might take months. Plan your study schedule around your work and personal commitments. Make sure you allocate enough time to understand the material thoroughly before attempting the exam.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other valuable resources to check out:
What's Next?
Boost your SaaS growth and leadership skills.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights from CTOs and aspiring tech leaders. We'll help you scale smarter and lead stronger with guides, resources, and strategies from top experts!
