Before we continue, I must say that you do not need a certificate to get a job in Python as long as you can prove your knowledge. You can use Python to build web apps, desktop apps, do some scientific calculations, or, if you’re reading this article, learn and apply various data science concepts. (5 valuable certificate to prove your python programming level)
Sometimes, you even learn Python for the sole purpose of learning a programming language – which was my intention to learn the languages a decade ago – rather than learning to use it for a specific purpose.
We can learn Python or data science through different online platforms, for free or for a fee. And through the skills, you develop you can land your desired job, but if you want to make your resume better, this article is for you. This article will go through the 5 Python certificates out there that you can take to prove your Python knowledge level.
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Python certificates issued by the python institute openEDG
Perhaps the 4 most important and talked about Python certificates are ones offered by Python Institute OpenEDG.
PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
This is a 45 minutes test that costs $59 and mainly consists of drag and drops, fills in blanks, or multiple-choice questions.
Since this test targets entry-level knowledge, it will focus on core Python concepts and basic commands, such as basic formatting and output methods, the difference between compiled languages and interpreted languages, basic data types and converting between them, and control flow statements (conditional statements and loops).
PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming
Since this test is more advanced than the PCEP, it contains more questions and takes longer to finish, precisely 65 mins. The PCEP test costs $294 and will consist mainly of multiple-choice questions and code questions based on Python 3.x.
This test covers the same concepts covered by the PCEP. It goes beyond introductory-level into some intermediate-level knowledge, such as name scope issues, modulation in Python, the basics of object-oriented programming, manipulating data structures in Python, and handling errors and exceptions.
PCPP1 – Certified Professional in Python Programming 1
The first one is the PCPP1, a 65 mins test that costs $195 and consists of multiple-choice and Python 3.x coding questions.
This test focus on reflecting the applicants’ experience and skills in advanced object-oriented programming concepts and their implementation in Python, graphical user interface design and programming in Python, and text file processing. It also covers Metaprogramming, the usage of PEP (Python Enhancement Proposals) and coding, and the interaction with some Python libraries and modules.
PCPP2 – Certified Professional in Python Programming 2
A simple way to differentiate between the two tests is to think of PCPP1 as an in-Python advanced test, where PCPP2 tackles packaging and distributing Python code for users.
The PCPP2 addresses what happens after you finish writing a Python code and release it to the public. So, it tests knowledge on the packaging and distributing code to PIP, packages design patterns, network programming, dealing and interacting with databases, and testing your work.
Certificate offered by the Microsoft
Another known source for Python certificates is Microsoft. Currently, one Microsoft offered certificate that is often at the end of most Python learning online courses.
Microsoft Python Certification Exam (98–381)
If you’re a beginner and want another option besides the Python Institute OpenEDG certificate, the Microsoft 98–381 certificate is the one for you. This certificate is often offered at the end of Python introductory courses online.
This exam measures your knowledge about writing syntactically correct Python code, handling and manipulating different data types, writing correct control flow statements, working with basic input and output commands, and writing Python code to solve a specific problem using different modules and tools.
5 valuable certificate to prove your python programming level
