Top Web Development Certificates & Certifications in Los Angeles

Web developers create and maintain websites, either independently on a freelance basis or on a team as an employee for a company.

There are two different focuses in web development: front-end and back-end. Front-end developers focus on website design and user interface, while back-end developers write code to ensure the website functions properly. Some web developers, referred to as full-stack developers, are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. 

Web development is a great career path for someone seeking numerous job opportunities, as well as the potential to earn a high salary and work remotely. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23% job growth for web developers between 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average. California has the highest employment level and is among the top five highest-paying states for web developers. In the Los Angeles area, web developers have a mean annual salary of $98,000, higher than the national average of $78,000. As a major city and entertainment/media hub, Los Angeles offers numerous opportunities for web developers to help companies build and maintain their online presence. 

There are also various educational routes for learning the skills you need to become a web developer, including certificate programs that can be completed in less time than formal college degrees. Whether you're changing careers or a bprofessional-looking to improve your skills, earning a web development certificate or certification will give you valuable coding skills, demonstrate your expertise to employers, and keep you up-to-date on the latest programming languages. 

Noble Desktop: Front-End Web Development Certificate

Key Information: $3,495,18 or 36 sessions, remote learning, free retake, no prior coding experience required.

In Noble Desktop's Front-End Web Development Certificate program you'll learn how to develop code to create a user interface for websites. You'll learn HTML, the standard markup language for website content, CSS for styling, JavaScript for interactivity and animation, and Git to track code changes. This program also teaches you how to use WordPress, the world's top content management system that allows you to control the look and functionality of a website. 

Noble Desktop provides an interactive classroom experience with hands-on training and custom workbooks that will guide you step-by-step. You'll also receive six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions that'll help you formulate your career goals and improve your resume. Upon completion, you'll receive a New York State-licensed certificate demonstrating your web development skills. 

This online certificate program can be attended either full-time (4 weeks) or part-time in the evenings (4 months). If you miss a class or need a review, you can retake a class once within a year of the original class date. You can also access recordings of each session that are posted within one business day of the completed session.

Noble Desktop: Full-Stack Web Development Certificate

Key Information: $7,995,86 sessions, remote learning, free retake, no prior coding experience required. 

Learn both front-end and back-end web development in Noble Desktop's Full-Stack Web Development Certificate program. In this course, you'll learn how to develop the visual side of a website as well as the infrastructure that maintains the website's functionality. You'll learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to develop visually appealing websites, as well as the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js) that allows you to develop dynamic web applications and websites. 

In this project-oriented course, you'll create a portfolio of working web applications that will help you in your career endeavors. In addition to the classroom instruction, you'll receive ten 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where you can review your portfolio with an expert, improve your resume, and receive professional career advice. Upon completion of the course, you'll receive a NY state-licensed certificate. 

This online program can be attended full-time for 17 weeks or part-time in the evenings for 10 months. Noble Desktop offers small class sizes and hands-on instruction, as well as a free retake option; if you miss a class or need a review, you can retake a class once within a year of the original class date. 

Los Angeles City College: Full Stack Web Application Developer Certificate 

Key Information: $800 to $900,6 classes (18 units total, around 4 semesters), lecture and lab format, no prerequisites required.

Los Angeles City College offers a Full Stack Web Application Developer certificate for individuals who want to learn how to code and maintain websites. In this program, you'll learn how to use the MEAN software stack (MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js) to develop web applications, as well as HTML and CSS for creating content and design. In a class project, using the CRUD methodology (create, read, update, and delete/destroy), you'll create a web application that is used to manage inventory, back orders, and a best sellers list in a fictitious bookstore. 

Classes generally consist of a lecture followed by a lab that provides hands-on learning. By the end of the program, you'll have a portfolio of websites you've created showcasing the various technologies you've learned. To receive your certificate of achievement, you must complete 12 units of required classes and 6 units of electives with a "C" or better. 

Los Angeles Pacific College: Certificate in Web Software Technology

Key Information: $9,900,36 units (9 months), Adobe Certification included, no prerequisites required.

Receive hands-on experience in website design with Los Angeles Pacific College's (LAPC) Certificate in Web Software Technology. In this program, you'll use the newest technology to design and develop websites from scratch, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL. Course offerings include web development and scripting, web media production, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and 3D modeling software, among others. 

By the end of the program, you'll have a portfolio of work including professional websites you have developed, as well as an Adobe Certified Professional certification in web design. LAPC offers career assistance to connect you with potential employers and financial assistance including federal aid and scholarships. 

Los Angeles Mission College: Full Stack Developer Certificate of Achievement

Key Information:$800 to $900,6 classes (18 units total), lecture and lab format, no prerequisites required. 

Learn front-end and back-end web development in Los Angeles Mission College's Full Stack Developer Certificate program. You'll learn how to code and maintain web applications using either the. NET developer platform or MEAN (MongoDB, Express, AngularJS, Node.js) development technologies. Course topics/technologies include an introduction to HTML and CSS, programming in JavaScript, SQL, Python, and full-stack web application development which includes creating a CRUD (create, retrieve, update, and delete) capstone project. 

Classes generally consist of lectures followed by labs for students to apply their web development skills. Students walk away with an e-portfolio of web applications they have created using JavaScript and a certificate of achievement in full-stack web development. 

UCI Division of Continuing Education: Full Stack Web Development Certificate Program

Key Information: $5,495, remote learning, 9 to 18 months, 12 units total, no prerequisites required.

The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education offers an online certificate program in full-stack web development. In this program, you'll gain technical and creative skills necessary for website and app development by learning front-end languages as well as back-end coding. You'll gain hands-on experience as you learn how to plan, create, and maintain functional websites using programming languages (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), evaluate and test code for validity and device compatibility, gain knowledge of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and learn how to utilize different libraries such as React, for building user interfaces. Projects include completing a website from start to finish and learning how to build a web development portfolio.

While there are no prerequisites for attending the program, students who wish to receive their certificate must complete a Declaration of Candidacy and pay a $125 application fee. Certificate students also have access to UCI Division of Continuing Education's Career Advancement Network (CAN) which offers one-on-one career coaching, technology tools, webinars, networking events, and mentorship/internship opportunities. 

Glendale Community College: Web Development Certificate of Achievement

Key Information: $1,150 to $1,350,10 classes (25 to 27 units total, around 5 semesters), no prerequisites required. 

Los Angeles-area residents can earn a certificate in web development at Glendale Community College. In this program designed for IT professionals or college students in web development, you'll learn how to use industry-standard technologies to produce, publish, and maintain websites and web applications. Coursework includes internet technologies, web design skills, and web programming and scripting languages. Students will complete a skills-building project over the course of three semesters. 

Glendale Community College offers career services for students such as counseling, workshops, resume assistance, and online resources. They also offer assistance with job placement through their College Central Network. 

Long Beach City College: Web Development—Full Stack, Certificate of Achievement

Key Information: $1,400 to $1,500,8 classes (31 units), no prerequisites required.

Long Beach City College offers a full-stack certificate program to prepare students for employment in both front-end and back-end web development. Coursework includes topics in website development, responsive design, database-driven web applications, and user-centered design. Students will learn how to utilize several programming languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and PHP. 

The Career Center at Long Beach City College offers career counseling, workshops, an employment search database, and resume assistance. Financial aid is also available. 

Long Beach City College: Front-end Web Developer—Certificate of Achievement

Key Information:$850 to $950,5 classes (19 units), no prerequisites required. 

Individuals interested in front-end web development can attend Long Beach City College's front-end web development certificate program. Students learn how to design websites and applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress. By the end of the program, you'll have created websites using these technologies and will have comprehensive skills that can be applied to a variety of industries and situations. 

Long Beach City College offers career services at their Career Center such as counseling, workshops, employment search, and help with writing a resume. Students may also be eligible for financial aid. 

FAQ for Web Development Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

Generally, the difference is that a certificate is awarded to students who complete a training course while a certification is given to students who pass an exam. A certificate can provide specific skills you need to pursue or advance in a career, while a certification typically demonstrates your mastery of a subject. 

Certificates are achieved as a result of educational completion or achievement while a certification is an assessment based on industry standards of your current knowledge/skills. Moreover, to become certified in a subject or skill you typically need job experience, while certificates can be pursued by individuals with no prior knowledge or experience. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

Pursuing a certificate is the best option if you are new to the field of web development, are looking to advance your skills, and/or want to stay informed of modern web technologies. If you are currently working in web development and want to validate your expertise by becoming a certified professional, taking a certification course and exam may be the best choice for you. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

There is no required certification for being a web developer. A degree or certificate program in web development will give you the necessary skills to find a job as a web developer. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

Both in-person and live online classes offer students the ability to receive immediate feedback from their instructors. Taking in-person web development classes at a school or college may be appealing to those who prefer learning alongside other students and need access to a computer and/or software. If you would rather skip the commute and work from the comfort of your own home, online classes offer you the flexibility to learn from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

Many online classes in web development are offered live online, meaning you learn from an instructor in real time, often involving Zoom or other videoconferencing software. With live online courses, there is a set time that you have to attend the class via your computer. Asynchronous classes, meanwhile, are self-paced and often involve reading or listening to lectures on your own time. When learning web development, taking a live online course can be particularly helpful since it requires careful precision to write code. Having an instructor available to assist you and provide immediate feedback will help you as you learn complex technology for building websites and applications.