How to get a coding certificate
Written by: Matt Whittle, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson
Published: February 6, 2025
Are you looking to become a coder or simply expand your knowledge to a new tech subject? Learning a coding language in a certificate program can help you meet these goals.
Explore details on how to get a coding certificate, including common coursework and enrollment options.
Why get a coding certificate online?
Become more competitive in the job market A strong résumé is key to becoming hired in the field of technology. Including your coding certificate among other credentials can bolster your likelihood of becoming hired and thriving in your role. | Expand your understanding of a concept Coding certificates allow you to explore an aspect of programming without committing to a full degree. A certificate can provide an ideal way to dip your toe in the field. | Save money compared to getting a degree Due to the shortened timeline of a certificate, attendance is significantly more affordable — and much less time consuming — than pursuing a full degree through a college. |
Steps to getting a coding certificate
Taking stock of your skills, goals, and availability is key to finding the right certificate program for your needs. For example, a coding certificate may help you begin to learn a specific programming language, but others may want to learn more in-depth aspects of programming beyond coding alone.
Step 1: Assess your skills and complete prerequisites to find the right program.
If you're completely new to coding and want to complete a foundational program, then a certificate offered by a college may provide an ideal pathway and not require any prework.
Learners seeking a more in-depth learning experience can consider computer programming certificates with colleges or more intensive programs like independently owned software development bootcamps. These options may require you to have some experience with specific coding languages.
Step 2: Apply to the program
Admissions requirements vary based on the type of program — a non-credit coding certificate, for example, may not require a specific grade point average (GPA) in other coursework, as you are simply enrolled upon applying. Computer programming certificates within degrees, however, may set GPA requirements.
Coding bootcamps that provide certificates upon completion often do not require experience or a degree, though they may want you to complete an interview and provide them with your high school transcripts. Regardless of the provider, you'll need a computer and a reliable internet connection.
Step 3: Complete your course sequence
Delivery methods vary among online certificate programs, but you'll need to complete a sequence of courses to earn your certificate. For example, some may use asynchronous learning without set class times and only deliver one course at a time and confer a certificate upon completion.
Full-time coding bootcamps with certificates are more intensive and may use full-time enrollment with multiple classes at once, requiring live online instruction and a comprehensive exam or capstone experience.
How are certificates different from certifications? Certificates are academic programs offered by educational institutions, often within full degree programs. Certifications, however, are offered by third-party organizations to demonstrate mastery of workforce-related concepts. |
What do you learn in a coding certificate program?
Coding certificate programs aim to familiarize students with fundamentals of programming, HTML, and computer science through a sequence of three or four courses. Though learners who earn these certificates are not as well prepared as those who have completed full degrees, they can list these certificates on their résumés to demonstrate their coding skills to employers.
Timelines and credit requirements vary among programs. Some may exist within degree programs and comprise a set of classes grouped together to make a certificate, while others operate as "non-credit" programs outside of degrees.
Undergraduate coding certificates cover more fundamental topics, like introductions to HTML and CSS, while graduate-level certificates may explore subjects in greater detail, such as computer science.
Get started in coding with a certificate from edX
Are you ready to build up your coding skills and boost your résumé? Then check out edX's coding certificate courses and get started today.