Popular Software Engineer Certifications

Key takeaways

Earning a software engineer certification can help you enter the field, advance your career, and potentially enjoy higher earning power.

• Software engineers will remain in demand over the next decade, with an anticipated job outlook of 15 percent through 2034 [1]. Additionally, a software engineer's salary averages $97,382, but if you are an Oracle Certified Associate, you might earn $101,000 [2, 3].

• Benefits of earning a software engineer certification include demonstrating your skills and validating your expertise, which can help you stand out in the job market. 

• After certification, you can pursue various careers, including roles such as software architect or systems engineer.

Explore the benefits of getting certified and five popular options to help you decide if a software engineer certification is worth it. If you want to begin building your skills before pursuing a certification, consider enrolling in the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate. You'll have an opportunity to build a solid foundation in best practices, gain practical experience in creating applications, and develop skills in test driven development, cloud computing architecture, and application deployment. In the end, you'll also earn a career-boosting credential you can add to your resume and professional profile. 

Why consider certifications for software engineer careers 

Software engineers develop programs and applications for businesses and individuals. It’s a dynamic position encompassing design, testing, implementation, maintenance, and more. Demand is high for these skilled professionals, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating 15 percent growth in the field between 2024 and 2034, a rate significantly higher than the average for all careers [1]. 

A software engineer certification offers one possible path to enter a career and can also help differentiate you from other candidates. Certifications are optional in many instances, although certified software engineers are often in higher demand than non-certified software engineers because certification demonstrates competency and proficiency to employers. 

Are certifications for software engineers worth it? Benefits of software engineer certification 

Becoming a certified software engineer has many benefits, from gaining a credential that highlights your skills to potentially earning a higher salary. Learn more about each possible advantage in more detail below. 

Demonstrate skills and best practices in software engineering. 

Employers may seek out certified software engineers more than non-certified ones because certification demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the latest technology and best practices in software engineering. Certification illustrates your skills and expertise as a software engineer, often making you an attractive candidate in the job market.

Launch your career. 

If you’re new to the profession and already have a related degree, obtaining certification can be an efficient way to gain employment if you have not gained relevant experience. Additionally, certification might help you break into the field as you build professional experience. 

Earn a higher salary. 

Certified software engineers have a greater bargaining advantage when negotiating salaries and may earn more overall than those without certification. For example, according to October 2024 data from PayScale, a software engineer's salary averages $97,382 [2]. However, an Oracle Certified Associate earns an average of $101,000, and an AWS Certified Developer Associate earns an average of $119,000 [3, ].

5 popular software engineer certifications 

With many options to choose from, it can take time to decide on which certifications to pursue. Below, we detail five popular credentials for software engineers, along with relevant details like requirements and cost, to help you choose your path.

1. Professional Software Engineering Master Certification (PSEM)

The Professional Software Engineering Master Certification has no prerequisites to register, but it is ideal for anyone with a college degree and some industry experience. The IEEE Computer Society offers this credential. You must prepare in 11 knowledge areas and pass an exam to earn PSEM credentials. 

Requirements: To qualify for the Professional Software Engineering Master Certification, you will need a four-year college degree in computer science or a related field and at least four years of related industry experience. 

The IEEE Computer Society offers 11 modules to help you learn each knowledge area, which you can use to prepare for the exam. These areas include everything from software design and testing to configuration management and engineering management. The exam consists of 160 questions and takes about three hours to complete. 

Cost (US): While membership is not required to become certified, you will receive professional benefits and discounts if you enroll as a member of the IEEE Computer Society. 

Members and students receive discounts on both course and exam costs. You can also save if you purchase bundles that include the courses and exam in one fee: 

• Members: $890 for the courses and exam; $690 for the exam only [5]

• Non-members: $1,200 for the course and exam; $865 for the exam only [5]

• Students: $445 for the course and exam bundle [5]

Additional information

Certified individuals renew their certifications every three years through an application process. To reapply for certification, download and complete the recertification application and complete. Recertification requirements include completing an application and at least 30 professional development hours (PDH) earned over a three-year span. 

2. Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate

Oracle is a popular platform that offers certification for individuals who want to become proficient in using Oracle and its products. Earning certification through Oracle demonstrates your proficiency as an Oracle developer, giving you an advantage over non-certified software engineers. Certification with Oracle also likely boosts your earning potential as a software engineer since you can confirm your knowledge of working with Oracle products. Oracle offers multiple certification pathways, from project management to application development. 

Earning your Oracle Database SQL Associate certification demonstrates knowledge of foundational elements of SQL development. Passing the exam certifies your proficiency in skills such as fluency in SQL language, data modeling and normalization, and using SQL to create and manipulate tables within an Oracle database. 

Requirements: You must pass the exam to earn your Oracle Database SQL Certification.The exam has 63 questions, all multiple choice, with 120 minutes to take the exam. You’ll need a score of at least 63 percent to pass.

Cost (US): $245 [6]

Additional information

Oracle doesn’t require any other prerequisites beyond registering and passing the exam. However, Oracle offers a recommended training program and practice test to anyone who wants to prepare for the exam. To access these resources, you must purchase an annual technology learning subscription. 

3. CompTIA Security+ 

The CompTIA Security+ certification is ideal for transitioning into cloud computing and cybersecurity. It is suitable for software engineers with cybersecurity experience who want to build their skills and demonstrate proficiency in this area. 

Earning this certification demonstrates your knowledge of security architecture, operations, security program management, general security concepts, and more. 

Requirements: CompTIA requires that exam applicants have at least two years of 

experience in a security or systems administration position and already hold the 

CompTIA Network+ certification. CompTIA doesn’t require taking any special courses before taking the exam.

Cost (US): $425 [7]

Additional information

You can purchase exam prep courses and materials through CompTIA, but the prep is optional and not required to apply for and take the exam. Additionally, CompTIA offers several instructor and self-led prep courses and practice exams to help you prepare for your certification exam for purchase via their website. 

To pass the exam, you must score 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. You must earn at least 50 continuing education units (CEUs) every three years to renew your credential. You can upload credits to your CompTIA account.

4. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer- Associate

The AWS Certified Developer-Associate certification offered through Amazon Web Services is suitable for individuals with development experience using AWS or other cloud services. Earning your AWS Certified Developer certification demonstrates proficiency in working with AWS cloud-based applications, including developing, testing, debugging, and deploying cloud-based applications using AWS. 

If you earn this certification, you become eligible to pursue advanced certifications, making the developer associate certification a significant foundational credential if you want to work with AWS products.

Requirements: The only requirement to earn this certification is to pass the certification 

exam with a minimum score of 720 on a scale of 100 to 1,000. The exam includes 

content in the following domains: security, deployment, development with AWS services, 

and troubleshooting and optimization.

Cost (US): $150 [8]

Additional information

Amazon offers both free and paid test prep resources through AWS Skill Builder. Access the free resources or pay for the AWS Skill Builder subscription to access official practice exams and additional exam prep courses, and materials. A monthly subscription costs $29 a month for individual plans, and $50 a month or $449 yearly for team plans [9]. 

Beyond taking advantage of the exam prep materials, AWS also recommends that for an associate-level certification that you have at least one year of experience working in a developer role, be proficient in at least one programming language, have experience working in cloud services, and be familiar with AWS technology. 

5. Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)

The CSSLP certification, offered by ISC2, certifies proficiency in software security and the software development life cycle (SDLC). Consider this certification if you’re a software engineer who wants to learn more about the security side of the SDLC. Earning the CSSLP certification is a beneficial step in your career in software development because it demonstrates that you know the best security practices of all phases of the SDLC.

Requirements: The only requirement to earn CSSLP certification is to pass the CSSLP exam, but you must take several steps to gain eligibility to take the exam. Eligible candidates for this certification should have at least four years of cumulative qualified SDLC professional experience or three years of cumulative SDLC professional experience and a four-year college degree in a related field.

If you have no professional experience or degree, ISC2 still allows candidates to take the exam to earn status as an “associate.” Associates have up to five years to meet the experience and educational requirements to achieve full certification status.

Cost (US): $599 [10]

Additional information

After passing your exam, prepare to pay your first annual maintenance fee (AMF). AMFs are due annually. Certified individuals pay $135 to be members, while associate candidates pay $50 annually [11]. 

To pass the exam and earn this certification, you’ll need a score of 700 out of 1,000. The exam tests over eight domains of subject matter. 

What jobs can you get with a software engineer certification?

Software engineer certifications can open the door to various jobs, including IT support and cybersecurity. Some positions potentially available to individuals who earn a software engineer certification may include a systems engineer, software architect, or software developer.

*Salary data sourced from Glassdoor represents total median pay, which includes base salary plus bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation.

Systems engineer

Total median salary (US): $147,000 [12]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent [13]

Education requirements: To become a systems engineer, you will likely need to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, information systems, or a related field. 

As a systems engineer, you will help design, build, and manage complex systems. In this role, you will study or plan new systems to help your company achieve its goals. You may also research, install, and maintain necessary hardware and software components. 

Software architect

Total median salary (US): $229,000 [14]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 12 percent [15]

Education requirements: To become a software architect, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. 

As a software architect, you will make complex decisions about the software your company needs to achieve its business goals. In this role, you will work to find innovative solutions to technical challenges, often working as a lead to a development team.

Software developer

Total median salary (US): $121,000 [16]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent [1]

Education requirements: To become a software developer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer information technology or a related field. 

As a software developer, you create software programs that solve users' problems. In this role, you think about user needs, design software to meet those needs, maintain existing software, and recommend changes in the future. 

Read more: Software Developer Career Path: How to Qualify, Develop, and Build Your Career

Explore our free software engineering and career-boosting resources

Connect with the learning and career guidance you need to plan your professional journey or move to the next rung of the career ladder when you browse our Career Resources Hub. You can also check out the following:

• Learn with Career Chat: 5 popular software engineering certifications

• Watch on YouTube: Software Engineering Roadmap for Beginners (with NO Experience)

• Hear from a fellow learner: Meet the Software Engineer Looking to Be a More Competitive Job Candidate

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