Full-Stack Developer Certification Guide

Earning a full-stack developer certification or certificate can be a strong way to demonstrate the additional learning you've undertaken and the skills you've developed as a result. There are many certifications that focus more narrowly on full-stack skills, such as back-end certification, front-end certification, mobile development, and database engineering certification. 

In this article, we'll review some of the options you may want to consider if you're looking to earn a certification or certificate related to full-stack development. One option for learning the fundamentals of the role and building important skills is the Microsoft Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate. It's ideal for aspiring developers eager to build complete web applications.

Full-stack developer certifications and certificates

A full-stack developer certification is a credential you earn after proving you've gained industry-standardized knowledge by completing an exam. Certificates, on the other hand, are short professional development programs to help you build or advance your skills in a certain area, which you can also include on your resume.

If you're not sure what type of credential to pursue, take time to review job postings for full-stack developers and look at the required education or skills section for more details. You may also want to network with other full-stack developers and better understand what certifications or certificates may have helped them in their career.

Full-stack developer certificates

The two certificates below are designed for those who are interested in becoming a full-stack developer and need foundational training in order to find entry-level roles or pivot into the career from another field.

1. Microsoft Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate

In this 12-course series, you’ll develop a strong foundation in front-end development, working with modern frameworks like Blazor to create dynamic and responsive user interfaces. On the back end, you’ll work with .NET and learn how to manage databases, implement security protocols, and deploy applications in cloud environments. You’ll also gain experience using Microsoft Copilot, a powerful AI tool that will help streamline your coding and debugging process.

Requirements: No prior experience is necessary.

Skills learned: Microsoft Copilot, UI and UX design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript., .net framework, C# programming, OOP, CI-CD

Cost: $59 per month for Coursera Plus (or save when you pay for the full year: $399 annually)

2. IBM Full-Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate

In this 15-course series, you'll learn in-demand skills and tools for front-end, back-end, and cloud-native application development. You'll also have the option to learn how generative AI tools and techniques are used in software development.

Requirements: No prior experience is necessary.

Skills learned: GenAI, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Kubernetes, Microservices, Serverless Functions, Express, Node.js, Python, Django

Cost: $59 per month for Coursera Plus (or save when you pay for the full year: $399 annually)

Database certifications

Working with databases is an essential skill for a full-stack developer. Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft all offer certifications that showcase database skills. 

1. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator

The Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator certification demonstrates a standard of skill using MySQL, including installing, configuring, and monitoring the MySQL 8.0 infrastructure. Earning this credential also displays your knowledge of securing the database and optimizing its performance.

Requirements: To successfully complete this exam, you will need Oracle training and experience in the field using MySQL. You may take training or exam preparation courses before taking the exam. 

Skills learned: Installing and running MySQL, configuring MySQL, monitoring MySQL, troubleshooting issues, identifying security risks, understanding network security, maintaining a stable system, optimizing queries, and more.

Exam format: 73 multiple choice questions, 130 minutes to complete

Cost: $245, valid for six months after purchase [1]

2. IBM Associate Certified DBA - Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals

As an associate-level certification, the IBM Associate Certified DBA—Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals is an entry-level credential that demonstrates beginner to intermediate knowledge of database administration using IBM’s Db2 12 for z/OS, including how to create databases and a basic understanding of database security. 

Requirements: To complete the exam required to earn your certification, you will need beginner to intermediate knowledge of databases. To prepare for the certification, you may take optional training courses designed to cover some of the material found on the exam. 

Skills learned: Understanding Db2 databases, architecture, and servers; database security; basic knowledge of Db2, DSN, and troubleshooting; continuous delivery; transaction management; application design; and SQL statements

Exam format: Live exam, 63 questions with 90 minutes to complete

Cost: $200 [2]

3. Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

The Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals certification allows professionals to demonstrate a level of skill using Microsoft Azure data services, such as understanding relational data and workloads. This is an entry-level credential that can be used to prepare for more advanced certifications, such as Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate or Azure Data Engineer Associate. 

Requirements: To pass this exam successfully, you must understand the fundamentals and core concepts of Microsoft Azure. To prepare for the exam, you can complete a course to help you learn new skills and review the material you’ll need to know. 

Skills learned: Core data concepts, considerations for relational and non-relational data, understanding analytics workloads.

Exam format: Approximately 40 to 60 questions, 45 minutes to complete

Cost: $99 [3]

Read more: Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals—Is It Worth It?

Front-end certifications

Front-end skills, or the skills required to create the design or client side of a development project, are an important part of a full-stack developer’s role. If you’d like to enhance your front-end developing skills, the Google: Associate Android Developer certification and the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate credential are two valuable certifications. 

1. Google: Associate Android Developer

Acquiring the Associate Android Developer certification shows potential employers that you have entry-level knowledge of Android software and are proficient with this system in terms of app functionality, user interface, data management, debugging, and testing.

Requirements: To pass the exam and earn this certification, you will need a solid, beginner-level proficiency with Android, which you have developed through education, self-study, or your current job. Google offers excellent Android training resources if you need to learn more before the exam.

Skills learned: Android app construction, user interface development, data management in a mobile environment, how to use debugging tools, and testing a program for errors

Exam format: A coding project and an exit interview, eight hours to complete the exam, and must use the current version of Android Studio.

Cost: $149 [4]

2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

Earning an Azure Developer Associate certification from Microsoft demonstrates your ability to build end-to-end solutions with this program, manage web apps, and utilize Azure storage, among other skills. This is a great choice to showcase your proficiency with cloud-based technologies.

Requirements: To obtain this certification, it is recommended that you have at least two years of professional experience in which you’ve developed your skill set and the same amount of time working with Azure. Additionally, you need the ability to program with a language supported by Azure while being capable of using Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and other tools.

Skills learned: Develop computing solutions for Azure, have capability with Azure storage, apply Azure security, monitor and problem-solve Azure solutions, and connect and utilize Azure services and third-party services.

Exam format: 100 minutes to complete, between 40 and 60 questions 

Cost: $165 [5]

Back-end certifications 

Back-end development, or creating the framework that supports and powers development projects like a website, is another essential part of a full-stack developer’s role. These certifications can help you begin building your back-end skills. 

1. Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP)

Offered by the Python Institute, the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP) certification exam allows you to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Python programming language, including its fundamental concepts and functionality. After passing this exam, you can move on to higher levels of certification, such as earning your Certified Associate or Certified Professional level credentials.

Requirements: This course requires beginner-level knowledge of the Python programming language. You can prepare for the exam with Python courses that teach you the basics. Practice exams are also available.

Skills learned: Python terms and definitions, logic, literals, variables, numeral systems, data types, data collections, exceptions, language syntax, functions, and more.

Exam format: 30 questions with 40 minutes to complete the exam

Cost: $59 [6]

Read more: Being a Python Developer: What They Can Do, Earn, and More

2. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer I and II

Oracle offers certification for Java SE 8 at two levels: Certified Associate and Certified Professional. Within both the associate and professional levels, you must pass an exam to earn your certifications, Java SE 8 Programmer I and Java SE 8 Programmer II. These credentials allow you to demonstrate your Java proficiency more precisely. 

Requirements: This course requires an intermediate understanding of Java. To prepare for it, Oracle recommends completing a training program and gaining practical experience with Java before taking the exam.  

Skills learned: Working with data types, operators and decision constructs, arrays, loops, methods and encapsulation, inheritance, handling exceptions, and more.

Exam format: 56 multiple choice questions, 120 minutes to complete

Cost: $245, valid for six months after purchase [1]

Framework certification

A framework is integral to back-end development, offering the functionality to build and deliver your project. To demonstrate a firm grasp of this skill, full-stack developers can earn certifications in framework-related areas, such as the OpenJS Node.js Services Developer (JSNSD) certification. 

1. OpenJS Node.js Services Developer Certification (JSNSD)

The Linus Foundation offered the JSNSD credential. This certification will demonstrate your aptitude for using and creating Node.js servers and services focusing on security. Earning this credential will demonstrate an advanced or experienced familiarity with using Node.js. 

Requirements: Before taking this exam, you should have at least two years of professional experience using Node.js. In addition to the exam, they offer a course to help you study exam topics and prepare for it. 

Skills learned: Creating RESTful HTTP services, understanding HTTP status codes, processing user input, protecting against cyber threats, and mitigating risk when attacks occur.

Exam format: Online, with two hours to complete 

Cost: $395 [7]

Mobile app development certifications

While only sometimes required, increasing your knowledge about mobile app development can help you broaden your skills and strengthen your career as a full-stack developer. 

1. GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB)

Earning this certification displays your skills in securing mobile devices that could potentially access sensitive information on networks and systems. At its core, this credential demonstrates your ability to gauge and manage the security of mobile devices and their applications.

Requirements: Knowledge of managing Android and iOS devices and applications, defending against mobile malware, reverse engineering applications, and gauging application security. Real-world experience in this area is recommended. Training and practice tests are available.

Skills learned: Analyzing mobile applications, assessing mobile application security, attacking encrypted traffic, manipulating mobile application behavior, unlocking and rooting mobile devices, and more.

Exam format: 75 questions, two hours to complete, 71 percent score minimum to pass

Cost: $979 [8]

Build your full-stack developer skills on Coursera

Develop your skills as a full-stack developer with programs from industry leaders on Coursera. Review the options below and determine the best fit for your needs:

• Begin a rewarding career in this profession with the Microsoft Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate. Over 12 courses, you’ll develop a strong foundation in front-end development, working with modern frameworks like Blazor to create dynamic and responsive user interfaces. On the back end, you’ll work with .NET and learn how to manage databases, implement security protocols, and deploy applications in cloud environments.

• Or learn critical skills in front-end, back-end, and cloud native application development with the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate. Over 15 courses, you’ll learn how to build, deploy, test, run, and manage full stack cloud-native applications. You'll publish the applications you've developed to your GitHub repository to share your portfolio with your peers and prospective employers.