Python has a broad library that’s cross-platform compatible with Windows, Macs, and UNIX. It’s also a highly portable language that can run on various hardware platforms. Python is used in various careers such as software engineering, data science, and back-end development. Learning Python through certificate coursework or pursuing certification in this field can lead to a range of high-paying job opportunities.
Noble Desktop: Python Developer Certificate
Key Information: Python Developer Certificate is offered by Noble Desktop for those interested in a career in back-end development, software engineering, or Python development. Tuition is $3,995, and financing options are available. As a prerequisite, students should be familiar with HTML and CSS equivalent to that provided in Noble’s Web Development with HTML & CSS class. It’s also useful, though not required, for students to know an additional programming language. This certificate requires 90 hours to complete during three weeks of full-time study. Coursework is taught in the live online format. Tuition includes the option of a free course retake for up to a year.
In the Python Developer Certificate, participants use Python for software development using tools like SQL, Django, Django REST, and Git. An overview of Python’s lexical syntax is introduced in the first week of this comprehensive program. Class then moves into more advanced Python topics such as sorting algorithms, dictionaries, and custom functions. Week two covers APIs, object-oriented programming, and using SQL to communicate with databases.
This hands-on program also teaches students to work with Django, which is Python’s web framework for back-end web programming. By the end of the program, participants will be familiar with using querying models, task automation, and URL dispatchers. They also will be familiar with using Django REST for API endpoints, authentication, and images. Additionally, this certificate allows participants to create a professional portfolio. The lead instructor offers guidance as learners work on several projects to include in their portfolios.
Four one-on-one mentoring sessions are provided to all participants in this certificate. Students can use these for additional help with complicated course material or to ensure they’re on track with their Python learning goals. These sessions can also be used for professional development. This time can be spent working individually with a mentor on LinkedIn profile development, resume crafting, job application prep, or professional portfolios.
Digital Workshop Center: Python Data Science
Key Information: Python Data Science is a certificate program that teaches students how to work with big data, Python software, data visualization, and data modeling. This program is available live online. Tuition is $5,995. Financial aid and scholarships are available, as well as flexible payment plans. This program requires completing 35 three-hour sessions.
Python Data Science is a series of courses that are taught in an accelerated bootcamp setup. Every Python for Data course completed affords credit toward the certificate program. Students receive hands-on training in a range of in-demand Python skills. They start by learning to code using Python software. Instruction is provided on cleaning and organizing data, performing descriptive statistics on it, plotting it, and writing functions capable of performing basic tasks. Those enrolled also work with predictive statistics, task automation, and linear regression models. By the end of this program, students will know how to use programming to solve problems, understand core machine learning concepts, and work with optimization.
Python Data Science is a comprehensive program designed to prepare participants to use Python in a real-world setting. The challenges presented in class are intended to mirror those in the workplace and prepare participants for various job situations. In addition to in-depth instructor-led training, all students complete professional portfolio projects with one-on-one assistance from an expert mentor and receive career counseling. Participants work with expert career coaches to complete mock interviews, write resumes, and learn more about the job search. Additionally, DWC offers project-based micro-internships to students in a partnership with Parker-Dewey.
Knowledgehut: Data Science with Python Certification
Key Information: Data Science with Python is an umbrella program that teaches participants a range of tools for using Python for data science, analysis, and visualization. Tuition is $1,759. It takes 42 hours to complete this live online class. Although no prerequisites are required, it’s helpful for participants to have basic programming knowledge.Â
Data Science with Python provides comprehensive training in data science concepts and skills such as statistics, exploratory data analysis, regression classification modeling, hypothesis testing, and machine learning. Students receive hands-on training in Python and how to use advanced Excel for statistical analysis. This class also covers predictive modeling and advanced statistics.Â
Those enrolled work with various Python libraries for data manipulation such as Pandas, Statsmodel, scikit-learn, and NumPy. Students explore how Python’s graphics libraries, like Seaborn and Matplotlib, can be used to visualize data. By the end of the class, those enrolled will be familiar with different tools for predictive modeling, like ANOVA, OLS for linear regression, MLE for logistic regression, KNN, MLE, and decision trees. The class concludes with a capstone project that allows participants to apply the Python skills they’ve acquired. In addition to 42 hours of training led by an expert instructor, participants also receive interview prep to prepare for the job search.
Practical Programming: FinTech Bootcamp
Key Information: FinTech Bootcamp is a certificate program that teaches students how to use Python to clean, analyze, visualize, and make predictions based on financial data. This program takes 114 hours to complete. Tuition is $4,995. Financing is available. All students can retake this class for free for up to one year.
FinTech Bootcamp is a hands-on program that teaches students how to use advanced Python to analyze financial data. This course teaches students to work with various Python libraries like Matplotlib, Pandas, and NumPy. Students use machine learning to create financial models and use statistical skills like regression to craft a model for predictive returns on financial data. Instruction is provided on pivotal financial ratios and how machine learning techniques can be applied to valuation models. Those enrolled also explore Python’s applications for algorithmic trading and strategies like exponential moving average, backtesting, and moving average convergence divergence.Â
This course comprises several smaller courses, which are intended to be completed sequentially: Python for Data Science Immersive, Python Machine Learning Immersive, SQL Bootcamp, Python for Automation, Python for Finance Immersive, and Python Data Visualization & Interactive Dashboards. FinTech Bootcamp is designed to prepare students to pursue an entry-level position in fields like financial technology or data science. All students receive four one-on-one mentoring sessions during this course. These can be used to revisit complicated material from class or for professional development and job interview prep.
FAQ for Python Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Before deciding whether Python certificate study or certification is a better match for you, it’s important to be clear on the difference. To earn Python certification, you must sign up for an exam and pay a fee. Certifications are available from a third party unaffiliated with any one school or educator. You can decide how you wish to prepare for this test. Some students opt for a formal training course, whereas others rely on their prior Python work background or education and study independently. If you’re relatively new to Python or haven’t used this scripting language in some time, it may take several dozen hours to prepare for the test. The Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP) is one Python certification you may opt for. This exam tests you on the logic and structure of Python, its main functions, variables, operations, and runtime environment. If you earn at least 70% on this test, you are awarded a certification that can be included on your resume.
Unlike Python certifications, which are test-based measures of Python knowledge, certificates are training classes. These intensive programs vary in content; some are designed to teach you only Python skills, whereas others situate Python in a larger skill set and provide additional instruction on this language’s uses in FinTech or data science. Some providers offer certificates in-person, and others have live online training options. Often, full-time and part-time learning options are available to acquire Python training around other scheduling commitments. Certificate length can also vary from just a few weeks to six months or longer. Tuition for certificates ranges from $3,000 to more than $16,000, depending on class duration and the provider. One benefit of these programs is that they sometimes include additional incentives and hands-on instruction. Some certificates provide students with career counseling, one-on-one mentoring, job application workshops, or portfolio support. Certificates are awarded to students who successfully complete these programs.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Determining whether to study Python through a certificate program or seek certification is a decision that will likely depend on several factors. Certificate programs are an excellent option if you are interested in learning this language for work-related reasons and didn’t study it in college. They provide hands-on training in a small class environment where you have not only the support of an expert instructor but also a cohort of learners who are on a similar learning journey. It’s often important to employers that those applying for jobs demonstrate they have an educational background studying Python. Even if they don’t ask specifically that you earn a Python certificate, doing so is a great way to show that you’ve studied this language and are committed to applying your skills in a professional setting. Certificate programs are a much more affordable option than college, which makes them a popular and cost-effective way to gain programming training. Whereas four-year university study can cost $36,000 a year, certificates can be completed for a fraction of the cost of one year of study. Additionally, they offer a much shorter learning format and train you exclusively in Python programming and related skills. Some certificates also offer professional support and development.
If you’ve already studied Python in college or through a certificate program, you may not be interested in additional classroom work. Instead, you may wish to demonstrate that you’ve acquired a level of expertise with this language and show this to prospective employers. In this case, certification may be a better option. Although certification isn’t required by all employers, earning this distinction is a good way to set yourself apart from other candidates who may have similar credentials but lack certification. Preparing for the test requires time and commitment and can show recruiters that you’re serious about working with Python and have the credentials to prove it. Additionally, any time you spend preparing for Python certification is in service of providing you with a set of transferable skills that can serve you well in a variety of professional roles.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
One of the most important considerations you may need to weigh is whether Python certification or certificate study will help you get a job. Since each employer and job post is unique and requires different skills from candidates, it’s important to research what is required to apply for a given job. Some jobs may specify that they’re seeking candidates who possess a specific Python certification, whereas others may instead require that applicants demonstrate their Python knowledge via their resume, cover letter, and interview process. Regardless of whether Python training is required by an employer, studying for a certification or completing months of training in a certificate program is a useful way to acquire valuable Python training. Mastery of this language can open many professional doors and lead to higher-paying, six-figure career options such as a Python Developer or Software Engineer. Since Python certification is earned through a test given by a third party, it’s an industry-recognized indication that you’ve achieved advanced Python training. This designation looks great on your resume and can make you a more competitive job applicant.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Once you’ve established that a certificate program in Python is a good learning match for you, the next step is deciding whether to study in-person or online. This decision will depend on a few factors, like the type of learner you are, where you live, and what you ultimately want to do with your Python training.
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes?
Live online and in-person training options are available for studying Python. Before selecting which is right for you, weighing their benefits and drawbacks is important.
If you prefer studying in the virtual environment, live online Python certificates are a great educational option. These classes provide you with real-time access to an expert instructor with industry computer programming experience. You can ask any questions as they occur and even share your screen with the teacher (with permission) for additional guidance. All coursework can be completed remotely using a teleconferencing platform like Teams, which means you’ll never have to sit in rush-hour traffic in Philadelphia or waste time searching for parking. Live online Python training requires you to attend regularly scheduled classes, which may mean taking time off of work or rearranging your schedule to make it to training sessions.Â
If you consider yourself to be an extroverted learner and enjoy studying in a traditional classroom environment, you may want to explore in-person Python certificate options. This is the most interactive and engaging way to acquire training with this scripting language. Not only do you have access to an instructor who’s available to answer questions and provide clarification, but you also have the additional benefit of a cohort of students learning alongside you, which can offer additional support and a sense of community. One important factor to consider when opting for in-person Python coursework is that you will have to attend classes at a training facility. This means commuting regularly to class, which is often in or near a major city. For those who don’t live near a big city or who don’t have access to reliable transportation, in-person coursework may be prohibitive. Additionally, attending in-person classes requires an additional financial commitment to pay for parking, gas, and tolls.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Within the online format, there is live online coursework and asynchronous training material. Live online Python training is synchronous and occurs in real-time. You connect with an instructor on a live teleconferencing platform. This type of interactive coursework allows students to ask questions in the moment and receive immediate support and clarification. You may even wish to grant the instructor permission to share your screen to receive even more specific assistance. Because coursework is available entirely remotely, there’s never a need to waste time on the commute or spend money on gas or parking fees. Although live coursework is typically a more expensive option than asynchronous material, this additional cost affords a range of benefits such as access to an instructor in real-time, the support of students in the virtual classroom, and individualized support while studying Python.
Asynchronous Python material is considered the most flexible way to acquire Python training. Whereas live coursework requires attending classes that meet at specific times, asynchronous content is pre-recorded. It can be watched and read any time or day and from any location. You may want to devote an entire weekend to learning Python or space your studies out for half an hour after work each night for two weeks. Additionally, learners can dictate their own study pace rather than relying on an instructor to do so. This means you can pause lessons, rewind them, or rewatch them as often as you like to help with retention. Since so much content is available pre-recorded online, asynchronous material takes many forms. You can select YouTube videos that cover a specific Python topic and take just minutes to watch. More robust content is also available such as courses focused on data science that teaches Python in concert with other on-demand programming languages and data skills, like SQL, data analytics, and machine learning.Â
When selecting asynchronous content, it’s essential to choose the most current available and ensure it’s offered by a reputable provider. Additionally, it’s important to remember that you will not have access to an instructor when learning Python through this format. This means that if you have any questions as you progress into more complex material, you’ll have to find answers independently. This is why self-paced study is most suited to independent learners who are self-motivated to study this language, even without other students or an instructor present. While asynchronous content can be a good place to start when learning Python programming, if you need to use this language at your current job or to apply for a new professional role, more structured, live coursework may be necessary at some point. This is why some learners opt to begin their Python learning journey with asynchronous content and progress to live online certificates or in-person study to acquire advanced skills.