Python is a general-purpose, open-code, object-oriented, high-level programming language. It emphasizes code-readability and in the process reduces the cost of program maintenance. It supports modules, packages, for code reuse, and program modularity.
Python certification:
Python certification is kind of proof that you have learned about the Python language and are competent enough to start working in it. You can use it as a credential to impress upon your potential or current employer and raise your academic profile. The employer will take your Python certification as evidence of your know-how in this field and decide whether you are fit for the job or not.
Why is Python certification not enough?
It may sound oxymoronic but getting a Python certification won’t declare you as a Python expert or guarantee you a lucrative job. And there are multiple reasons for that. The employer is mostly interested in your skill, command of the subject, and your expertise level. A certificate is not the only measure to know about that. He will glance through it in a few seconds and would probably be more interested to see the projects you have done in Python.
This is somewhat of a limitation of any open-source software or programming language. There is a lack of standardization here and it is always evolving and never static.
You can take any Python certification course. There are plenty of institutes offering that. You can even learn Python on your own through YouTube tutorials, etc. Sometimes you can get your certification by not writing a single code of Python language. The exam could be in MCQ format and you just have to click the correct option. Therefore, employers are wary of these multitudes of Python certification courses and emphasize practical exposure the candidate might have.
Popular institutes offering Python courses:
We will now take a look at some popular institutes that are offering Python certification. You can easily take Python certification online too from various websites that offer online courses. These institutes enjoy a good reputation and offer a comprehensive and standardized certification program. So, let’s begin;
The Python institute:
The Python institute offers some of the most well-known certifications in the field. The details of their certification are as follows;
- Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP) — $59 (exam only)
- Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP) — $295 (exam only)
- Certified Professional in Python Programming 1 (PCPP-32-1) — $195 (exam only)
- Certified Professional in Python Programming 2 (PCPP-32-2) — $195 (exam only)
These levels are progressive. It means you have to start from the first level and then graduate to the next one. Often you will be required to produce a certificate of the previous level to take an exam of the next level.
If you pass all four levels, you can call yourself a Python Institute Certified Expert in Python Programming (CEPP).
You can prepare for these exams on your own and do not have to study with the Python Institute. Whenever you feel you are ready to sit in the exam, you just have to sign up for it and that’s about it.
Microsoft:
Microsoft provides a basic level of Python certification called Introduction to programming using Python. It costs US$127. You can take this exam whenever you feel you are qualified enough to take it. Microsoft does not provide any curriculum or study material for it. There are some requirements to sit in the exam though; 100 hours of working in Python and a reasonable competence in writing, maintaining, debugging “well-formed and well-documented Python code”. If you think you have fulfilled these criteria, then you can take up this exam.
So, that was all about Python certification, what is it all about, and how to attain it. We hope you will find it informative and it will help you choose the right path to learn Python.
