Developer & Partner Certifications in the IT Industry

In modern software development, certifications are more than titles — they represent verified skills, technical expertise, and trust. Global certification programs help ensure that developers and agencies work according to industry best practices, using proven technologies and secure development methods. Below is an overview of some of the most recognized certifications for developers and technology partners across the IT industry.

About Developer and Partner Certifications

Certifications play an important role in defining standards and expectations in the technology world. They show that professionals and companies meet specific technical criteria and maintain up-to-date knowledge within fast-changing technology ecosystems. (Note: this list covers key certifications, not an exhaustive inventory of all available programs.)

1. Developer Certifications

Developer certifications validate individual or team expertise in specific programming languages, frameworks, or platforms. They often focus on advanced skills, security standards, and performance optimization. Some of the most known include:

  • AWS Certified Developer – for cloud-based application development on Amazon Web Services.
  • Node.js Certified Developer – validates backend proficiency in Node.js runtime and ecosystem.
  • Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka (CCDAK) – proves advanced knowledge in event streaming and real-time data pipelines.
  • Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) – focuses on containerized applications, microservices, and orchestration.
  • Certified Blockchain Developer – covers architecture, smart contracts, and blockchain-based applications.
  • Salesforce Certified Developer – confirms the ability to build and customise applications on Salesforce’s CRM platform.
  • Certified Web Developer / Certified Full Stack Developer – broad skill validation for frontend and backend systems.

These certifications help employers and clients identify specialists who understand specific technologies deeply and apply them effectively in production environments.

2. Platform-Specific Certifications

Some certifications apply to developers working with specific CMS, e-commerce, or enterprise platforms. These credentials show verified expertise in configuration, customisation, and integration within given ecosystems. Common examples include:

  • Certified Magento Developers – for building secure and scalable e-commerce systems.
  • Shopify Certified Developers – for setting up, customising, and extending Shopify online stores.
  • Umbraco Certified Developers – for projects using the Umbraco CMS framework.
  • Odoo Certified Partner / Developers – for ERP and business management system implementation.
  • SAP Certified Partner / Developers – for enterprise-grade ERP, logistics, and financial system integration.

Such certifications ensure that developers follow official platform guidelines and maintain compatibility with future system updates.

3. Partner Certifications

Partner certifications apply to agencies and companies rather than individuals. They represent verified collaboration with major technology providers and recognition for meeting quality, expertise, and support standards. Common partner programs include:

  • AWS Certified Partner – recognised for delivering secure and scalable cloud solutions.
  • Google Cloud Certified Partner – ensures expertise in cloud infrastructure, AI, and data analytics.
  • Microsoft Certified Partner – covers cloud, productivity, and enterprise development.
  • Atlassian Certified Partner – for companies that implement and support Jira, Confluence, and DevOps tools.
  • Shopify Certified Partner – confirms e-commerce development and integration capabilities.
  • Odoo Certified Partner and SAP Certified Partner – for ERP and business automation projects.

These partnerships help agencies gain access to advanced training, product updates, and support, ensuring that client solutions meet vendor standards.

4. Emerging Certifications in AI and Security

As AI and automation grow, new certification categories are appearing for professionals combining software engineering with responsible technology use. Examples include:

  • Certified AI Security Professional (CAISP) – focuses on securing AI systems and preventing data misuse.
  • Certified Software Development Professional – ensures broad software engineering competence across design, testing, and maintenance.

These certifications reflect the increasing need for developers to understand both technology and its ethical implications.

Why These Certifications Matter

Certifications help standardise quality across the global IT ecosystem. They demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and technical excellence - two qualities that clients value when choosing development partners. While not every agency or developer needs to hold all certifications, understanding them helps businesses evaluate partners with confidence and set shared expectations for quality and compliance.

These professional and partner certifications are closely connected to broader industry standards such as ISO and SOC frameworks. For a detailed overview of those frameworks, see our article Compliance & Certification in the IT Industry — it explains how international standards define security, quality, and operational excellence in modern IT.

Extended Resource for Further Reading

For a more complete list and further detail on developer and partner certification programs, visit this reference: Webopedia: Computer Certification Index

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Jakub Bílý

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