But behind every one of those applications is a programmer or team of programmers. Programmers build applications from the ground up and then often work to ensure they continue working properly. This includes building and maintaining web browsers, the systems that control traffic lights, plenty of entertainment media like systems needed to build video games and innumerable others. The skill sets of programmers are often invaluable because of this.
However, “programming” is something of a broad term and field, and plenty of subcategories fall under the umbrella of programming or are at least closely related to programming. Some of these include coding, software engineering, data science, and several others. Thus, anyone who is willing to pursue basic programming knowledge is on a road that branches into multiple available career paths. For those in or near Atlanta, there are several available options for those looking to get training as programmers in pursuit of their first programming job or those wishing to broaden an existing programming skill set. These include full-fledged part-time and full-time certificate programs as well as more focused classes that prepare participants for certification exams.
Noble Desktop: Software Engineering Certificate
Key Information: Noble Desktop’s Software Engineering Certificate program is a 510-hour live online course. Over 20 weeks of full-time study, students will learn several skills related to front end development, JavaScript development, and Python development. Full tuition is $10,995, which can be paid upfront or following one of several available interest-free financing options. Any module or the entire course can be retaken for free within one year. No prior knowledge is required save for basic computer skills.
This certificate program comprises several of Noble’s other courses and bootcamps, which all combine to offer a structured and comprehensive overview of what you need to find work as a software engineer. The program begins with learning about front end development, focusing on skills in HTML, CSS, Flexbox, Grid, Bootstrap, and other tools. The second unit focuses on developing with JavaScript and its associated tools, including React, MongoDB, Node.js, and Express.js. The last portion of the class will have students working with Python and Django to further their programming knowledge and skill set.
As a live online program, anyone in the Atlanta area can enroll and take advantage of the program’s format to work with expert instructors and get immediate help with questions or concerns. All students will also receive twelve 1-on-1 mentoring where they can, among other things, review their portfolio work with an expert, get feedback on resumes and LinkedIn profiles, receive advice for applying to jobs, and drill down on challenging concepts. By the program’s end, all students will have completed several practical development projects and have a collection of multiple working programs they can include in job applications.
If students need to miss a session or simply want a refresher of course material, recordings of each class session can be accessed within one business day and are then available for one month after the session’s end. All things considered, this program is great for those who want to learn skills related to both front end and back end web development, and those who are hoping to get their first job in software, web development, or a related programming position.
Per Scholas: Software Engineer Training in Atlanta
Key Information: The Per Scholas Software Engineering Training program is a 15-week, full-time program. The only costs participants need to pay are related to commuting and, if necessary, childcare. While this sounds too good to be true, the trade-off is that this program requires a rigorous application process, including an interview, passing one or two assessments, and meeting the Per Scholas pre-training income policy requirements. Assuming these requirements are met and a student is accepted into the program, no previous technical knowledge is necessary, though any prior experience working with computers will be helpful.
The course focuses on equipping students with all the fundamentals of software engineering and ensuring graduates are ready for entry-level software engineering jobs. Topics covered include object-oriented programming, JavaScript and Java, React, Redux, and other front and back end development skills. Through live, instructor-led training, students will slowly build a software engineering portfolio comprising multiple projects, including a final capstone project, all of which will prove invaluable come job application time.
Program graduates are matched to jobs at employer partners with an Atlanta-based career coach dedicated to helping students succeed in finding work, whether their first job or a more advanced position. All graduates also get access to tuition-free continuous upskilling to support career growth during employment. Technical interview practice, help with resumes, and other career-oriented services are similarly available.
NextGen Bootcamp: Computer Science Summer Certificate Program
Key Information: NextGen Bootcamp offers a computer science certificate to those who complete this 95-hour live online program. The program is open to any high school students interested in learning Python, Java, and several of their associated tools and applications. For high school students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in AP Computer Science, NextGen Bootcamp’s certificate program promises a significant head start in preparing for the AP exam. Tuition is available at an early-bird discount of $3,695. There are no prerequisites to enrollment in the program save for basic computer knowledge.
High school students in this program will learn to use industry-standard coding languages like Java and Python. They’ll also become familiar with some associated tools of these languages, such as Pandas and Matplotlib. Upon completing the program, students will be able to easily write and use industry-standard algorithms, write their own programs and applications, write their own codes and functions, and gain several other necessary skills for thinking like a programmer and doing a programmer’s work.
The six-week certificate program is split into two major units. The first focuses on learning to program with Java and lasts around 50 hours. The second emphasizes Python data science and machine learning and lasts 45 hours. Both units combine live, hands-on instruction with working on several relevant projects to learn and master course concepts. Because class sizes are small and offered in a live format, students will have ample opportunity to ask questions and receive help quickly with challenging concepts or project roadblocks.
All students will receive a certificate of completion signaling their newfound mastery of course material upon successfully finishing the program. If desired, a digital copy of the certificate can be downloaded and posted to the student’s LinkedIn profile. Another perk of NextGen Bootcamp’s program is that if students need to miss a class session for whatever reason, the live recording of the session can be downloaded within one business day and accessed for up to a month thereafter. For high school students who are certain or at least interested in a programming career, this bootcamp offers a terrific start.
DigitalCrafts: Software Development Certificate Bootcamp
Key Information: This software development bootcamp from DigitalCrafts is offered in three formats: a full-time, 17-week option; a part-time, 26-week option; and an online, flex learning option that gives students more flexibility to complete courses on their own time. The flex learning program consists of six five-week courses. Tuition totals $9,500, though certain scholarships and zero-interest financing options are both available. The program is primarily geared towards people interested in full stack development, but no prior programming experience is necessary for enrollment.
Because full stack development is the focus of the program, both front end and back end languages and applications are covered through hands-on practice, projects, and live instruction. Participants will learn to program using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Git, GitHub, Node.js, and several others. Elective workshops are also frequently offered to students and alumni to give experience with other related programs and help fill in any blanks on a job candidate’s resume.
For those who are unsure about this bootcamp, DigitalCrafts offers free introductory courses for both software development and cybersecurity, allowing students to expose themselves to bootcamp content before needing to make a financial commitment. Successful completion of the program means graduates will receive a certificate that can be included on resumes and in any job application.
Devmountain: Web Development Immersive Bootcamp
Key Information: This immersive bootcamp from Devmountain is available in person in Chamblee, Georgia, a short distance from Atlanta. The in-person tuition is priced at $7,000, and there’s also a remote bootcamp option priced at $9,900. Part-time and full-time options are available in both cases. However, whether students commit to the part-time or full-time options, they will spend less overall time when attending the bootcamp in person; the full-time bootcamp lasts 13 weeks and the part-time bootcamp lasts 28 weeks for in-person participants, while remote participants will need to dedicate 17 weeks or 34 weeks respectively. Financing options are available.
An application process is necessary for enrollment, and the process includes a 20-30-minute consultation with an admissions counselor to field your questions and learn about your goals. Applicants will also undergo a skill review, wherein staff and admissions officials will gauge how well they might learn the material and whether or not they will like learning web development. Upon acceptance, students will get a comprehensive look at multiple programming tools, including JavaScript, HTML, CSS, React, Node, Redux, Git and GitHub, and PostgreSQL.
All graduates receive a certificate of completion, will have a portfolio of completed projects that can be showcased in job applications and will be ready for junior positions as front end developers. Because Devmountain’s bootcamp emphasizes equipping their students with full stack development skills, graduates can find employment in similar junior positions in other programming professions.
FAQ for Programming Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Most people would likely assume there is no difference between a certificate and a certification. However, there is a difference. Generally, a certificate is awarded to students who complete a training course. Certificates can be physical documents or digital badges that can be attached to a LinkedIn profile. Certificates are usually only rewarded after successful completion of a training course lasting multiple weeks or, more often than not, months.
Certifications are given to students who pass an exam. Those in pursuit of certification may choose to opt for classes that range from a few days to a few weeks in preparation for passing the exam. Many training companies and schools also offer exam preparation courses to supplement programming-specific coursework. Aspiring programmers will generally opt for multiple certifications, which can include the PCAP for Python and the OCJP for Java among several others.
While certificates are awarded by the school or program providing the training, certification exams must be taken through a third party. Because of this, if certification is the goal, most programmers will opt for introductory courses or exam prep courses before taking an exam to save time. On some occasions, schools will incorporate exam fees into the costs of class tuition, or employers will cover the costs of current employees seeking certification to aim for a higher position. Generally, though, students should be prepared to schedule and pay for their exams.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Your personal and professional goals should be the primary influences on your decision to pursue a certificate or certification. Certificate programs offer a comprehensive way for people who are new to programming to work towards their first programming job, but they also provide an avenue for mid-career professionals to acquire a new skill set related to their work or build upon an existing skill set.
Certifications show potential employers that you have some level of training and expertise using particular programs. One advantage to certifications is that they are usually standardized, and therefore recognized across the industry. Aiming for certifications is a good option for those looking for a basic, entry-level programming position or for working professionals who want just a few additional, necessary skills required for a higher position.
Certificate programs are likely to last for a significantly longer period than certification prep courses or introductory classes. However, this means that certificate programs have the freedom to offer part-time and full-time options and cover a broader spectrum of material than prep course options. Some employees or hopeful programmers are drawn to the shorter, more intensive nature of certification prep courses though, and if you know you only need knowledge of a single program, such a course will probably save plenty of time and money over a certificate program. In some cases, it may be difficult to find a standardized exam for certain programs, which is why opting for a certificate program may be a better choice for some; a certificate from an accredited training program will carry weight with employers in almost any case.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Not necessarily, though it certainly doesn’t hurt. Some companies do require certifications to be considered for particular positions, and many others consider it an assurance of peace of mind. A relevant certification serves as a guarantee that a job applicant has the necessary skills required for fulfilling certain job responsibilities.
Some companies are willing to provide training to applicants who wish to take a certification exam, and may even be willing to cover your exam costs. It’s always worth asking if such options are available, especially if you’re pursuing a position that requires skills you don’t currently have or if your current responsibilities could be performed more efficiently with additional skills. In such cases, a certification exam or certificate program are great options for working your way up.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
When deciding on a certificate program, some of your top deciding factors should include your learning needs and learning style as well as your professional and career goals. You should think about how much time you’re willing and able to dedicate to a program, how long it will take to commute to and from a program’s location, and whether or not you prefer learning in a traditional classroom environment or your own home or office.
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
Those looking for a traditional classroom experience can find one at an in-person class. One consideration is that participants will need to commute to in-person classes, meaning that not only do they need to factor total class time into their schedules but total commute time as well. Many people opt for in-person classes for the opportunity to meet and work with peers who share similar interests and get the chance to work closely with expert instructors.
Online classes are also taught by expert instructors, but online certificate programs generally offer more flexibility in terms of the learning experience. Online classes can be taken from the comfort of a home or office, eliminating the need to schedule time for commuting to class. However, because online classes are taught via video conferencing platforms like Zoom, it can be tougher to socialize than in an in-person class. This is especially true of online asynchronous classes, where Zoom may only be used rarely for an occasional chat with an instructor or other program staff.
At the end of the day, in-person certificate programs are optimal for those who learn best in a traditional classroom environment and are willing to commute to a physical location. Online classes are best suited to those who can’t commute or are otherwise more comfortable in an online setting.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Live online classes are meant to simulate a traditional classroom experience as closely as possible. These classes are led by expert instructors who guide students through the course material in real time and are available to answer questions as they arise. Live online classes are also scheduled, so students will need to plan to be available at specific times of the day to attend class, often multiple days a week. Other work may be expected or required outside of class time.
Asynchronous classes are on-demand, so there are no live sessions that need to be attended. This ensures that students have plenty of flexibility in terms of when to do their assigned work or make progress in their program. Some asynchronous classes have specified durations, such as needing to finish all course material within a 12-week or six-month timeframe, or requiring that a given unit be finished within a single week. Others allow students to learn at their preferred pace with much longer deadlines. Despite this flexibility, asynchronous classes may or may not provide access to an instructor or course supervisor that students can reach out to with questions. Even if this access is provided, students will likely need to wait considerably longer to receive responses than they would in a live online or in-person environment.
If you know online is the way you want to go, then deciding between live online and asynchronous options will largely depend on your schedule and whether you think you’ll need access to additional instruction or resources to learn effectively. If you have a busy schedule and need extra flexibility, you may want to consider enrolling in an asynchronous class. If you have the necessary time to block out for scheduled classes and know you’d benefit from live peers and instructors, a live online class may be the way to go.