Constructing a profession as a software program developer could be invaluable, however could be a aggressive area to interrupt into, particularly in 2024 when over 130,000 layoffs have occurred at tech corporations already. Whereas not all 130,000 might have been software program engineers, they haven’t been immune from the cuts.
A technique builders can set themselves up for higher alternatives is to pursue certifications for expertise which might be related to their profession. A certification affords a possibility for builders to point out others that they’ve a specific ability; It’s one factor to listing Kubernetes as a core competency on their resume, and one other to say they’ve handed the certification examination for one of many CNCF’s Kubernetes certifications.
“Individuals are actually glad by taking a certification, as a result of it’s the validation of some information,” stated Christophe Sauthier, head of CNCF certifications and trainings, in a latest episode of our What the Dev? podcast. “It’s one thing that we really feel is absolutely vital as a result of anyone can say that they know one thing, however proving that normally makes an actual distinction.”
A 2023 CompTIA report discovered that 80% of US HR professionals surveyed relied on technical certifications in the course of the hiring course of. Sauthier stated the CNCF has carried out a survey wanting into the impression of certifications as effectively, and has additionally seen that individuals who get hold of them typically profit.
“Greater than half the individuals who answered the survey stated that taking some coaching or certification helped them get a brand new job,” stated Sauthier. “It’s a approach for individuals to be extra acknowledged for what they know, and in addition to normally get higher pay. And once I say lots of people get higher pay, it was about one third of the individuals who answered our survey who stated that they’d the next pay due to taking coaching or certifications.”
One other survey from CompTIA in 2022 confirmed that IT professionals that obtained a brand new certification noticed a mean $13,000 enhance in wage.
The right way to choose a certification
So as to see these advantages, it’s vital for anybody pursuing a certification to consider which one will greatest swimsuit their wants, as a result of they arrive in all sizes and shapes.
Sauthier says he recommends beginning with an entry-level certification first, as this may allow somebody to get used to what it means to take a certification.
Then, it would make sense to maneuver onto extra superior certifications. As an example, the CNCF’s Licensed Kubernetes Safety Specialist (CKS) certification is “fairly robust”, he stated. Nevertheless, its issue is what appeals to individuals.
“Individuals are actually attracted by it as a result of it actually proves one thing,” he stated. “You could really clear up actual issues to have the ability to cross it. So we provide you with an setting and we inform you, ‘okay, there may be this situation,’ or ‘please implement that,’ and we’re then evaluating what you probably did.”
Sauthier did word that issue alone shouldn’t be a deciding issue. “Once I’m wanting on the varied certifications, I’m extra fascinated with one thing which is extensively adopted and which isn’t opinionated,” he stated. Having it not be opinionated, or not tied to a selected vendor, will be sure that the abilities are extra simply transferable.
“Many distributors from our neighborhood are constructing their bricks on prime of the nice challenge now we have inside the CNCF, however the certifications we’re designing are concentrating on these bricks so it is possible for you to to reuse that information on the assorted merchandise which have been created by the distributors,” he stated.
He went on to elucidate how this informs the CNCF’s means of certification improvement. He stated that every query is accepted by not less than two individuals, which ensures that there’s vast settlement.
“That’s one thing that’s actually vital so that you’re positive once you’re taking a certification from us that the information that you’ll validate is one thing that it is possible for you to to make use of with many distributors and plenty of merchandise over our entire neighborhood,” he stated. “That’s actually one thing vital for us. We don’t need you to be vendor locked with the information you’ve got once you take one in every of a certification. In order that’s actually an important factor for me, and never the problem of the certification itself.”
The CNCF not too long ago took its certification program a step additional by introducing Kubestronaut, an achievement individuals can get for finishing all 5 of its Kubernetes certifications. Presently, there are 788 Kubestronauts, who get added advantages like a non-public Slack channel, coupons for different CNCF certifications, and a reduction on CNCF occasions, like KubeCon.