Robert Johns | 15 Jan, 2024
Fact checked by Jim Markus

How To Make Your JavaScript Resume Stand Out? JavaScript Certifications!

In this article, I share the best JavaScript certifications in 2024.

Whether you’re looking to land a job as a JavaScript developer or want to further your JavaScript career by enhancing your resume, I’ve included JavaScript certifications for juniors and experienced pros.

JavaScript continues to be the most popular language among developers in front-end, back-end, and full-stack web development. One of the best ways to stand out is to earn one of the best JavaScript certifications. 

Often challenging to achieve, JavaScript certifications can validate your JS skills and show future employers that you have what they’re looking for.

And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of more than $85,000 for web developers, earning one of the best JavaScript certifications can be highly lucrative.

So, if you’re ready, let’s dive into the best JavaScript certifications, including the skills you need to pass the exam, exam formats, and more.

The Best JavaScript Certifications in 2024

1. [JS Institute] JSE: Certified Entry-Level JavaScript Programmer

Why We Chose This JavaScript Certification[JS Institute] JSE: Certified Entry-Level JavaScript Programmer

The JSE certification is a great choice for those starting their journey in JavaScript.

It covers the essentials of the language's core syntax and semantics, which is ideal for beginners and those new to programming with JS. Just be sure to get your JS cheat sheet ready to prep for the exam!

This JavaScript certification tests your understanding of JavaScript basics, including variables, data types, operators, control flow, and functions. It's perfect for gaining a solid foundation in JavaScript and for preparing for more advanced studies in the language.

Main areas examined:

  • Introduction to JavaScript and Computer Programming: Basic programming concepts, setting up programming environments, and running JavaScript programs.
  • Variables, Data Types, and Type Casting: Working with variables, understanding data types, and type casting.
  • Operators and User Interaction: Various operators in JavaScript and basic two-way communication with users.
  • Control Flow – Conditional Execution and Loops: Implementing conditional execution and loops for controlling program flow.
  • Functions: Declaration, usage, and concepts related to JavaScript functions.
  • Errors, Exceptions, Debugging, and Troubleshooting: Handling errors, exceptions, and basic debugging techniques.

Prerequisites: None, but it is recommended to have the JSE

Price: $59 (JSA-41-01)

Validity Period: Lifetime

Total Exam Questions: 30

Content: Single-selection and multiple-selection items

Exam Duration: 45 minutes (including 5 minutes for Tutorial/NDA)

Exam Location: Online or at OpenEDG Testing Centers

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? New JavaScript programmers or those beginning in programming aiming to build a foundational understanding of JavaScript.

2. [JS Institute] JSA: Certified Associate JavaScript Programmer

Why We Chose This JavaScript Certification[JS Institute] JSA: Certified Associate JavaScript Programmer

The JavaScript Specialist (JSA) Certification from the JavaScript Institute is an excellent choice if you want to demonstrate proficiency in advanced JavaScript topics, particularly object-oriented programming (OOP).

This JavaScript certification is ideal for both new and experienced developers, as it validates a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript, including object-oriented analysis, design, programming, and advanced functions.

For me, what sets the JSA certification apart is its focus on both the theoretical and practical application of JavaScript.

The idea here is to ensure you are not only familiar with JavaScript syntax and properties but also skilled in applying advanced concepts like asynchronous programming, generators, iterators, and handling built-in JavaScript objects.

This makes it a valuable credential if you want to design, develop, and maintain sophisticated JavaScript programs and applications.

Prerequisites for this certification are minimal, with a recommendation for prior knowledge from the JSE certification, but it's not formally required.

The exam itself lasts 65 minutes, comprises 40 items, including single-selection and multiple-selection questions, and it requires a 70% passing score.

Priced at $295, the certification offers a comprehensive assessment of JavaScript programming skills, making it suitable for those looking to establish or advance their careers in web development.

It's also a great way to feel more prepared for JavaScript interview questions when you're searching for your next gig.

Main areas examined:

  • Classless objects: Focusing on creating and manipulating objects using various techniques, including literals, constructors, and the Factory pattern.
  • Classes and class-based approach: Covering class design, inheritance, static members, and getters/setters.
  • Built-in objects: Dealing with JavaScript's built-in objects like Numbers, Strings, Date, and understanding data structures like Set and Map.
  • Advanced functions: Exploring extended function parameter handling, closures, asynchronous programming with promises, and advanced promise chaining techniques.

Prerequisites: None, but it is recommended to have the JSE

Price: $295 (JSA-41-01)

Validity Period: Lifetime

Total Exam Questions: 40

Content: Single-selection and multiple-selection items

Exam Duration: 65 minutes (including 5 minutes for Tutorial/NDA)

Exam Location: Online or at Pearson VUE Testing Centers

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Ideal for web developers, software engineers, and IT professionals aiming to enhance their JavaScript programming skills for professional growth or career advancement.

3. [W3Schools] Certified JavaScript Developer

Why We Chose This JavaScript Certification[W3Schools] Certified JavaScript Developer

The W3Schools JavaScript Certification is ideal for assessing your knowledge of JavaScript fundamentals, user interactions, and API data processing.

The exam itself is made up of 70 multiple-choice questions, and it requires a 75% score to pass within 70 minutes. However, if you get a passing score of 95% or above, you also get an 'Excellency' notation added to your certificate, which is a nice touch.

So it can definitely pay to spend that extra time learning about the ins and outs of JS, including things like the difference between double and triple equals.

Unlike those from the JS Institute, you need to self-moderate with these exams, which means you'll need to ask your teacher, boss, or an experienced JS programmer to help out. The name and title of your supervisor are then printed on the certificate.

We don't want any cheating after all!

Priced at $95, it's a valuable credential for those knowledgeable in HTML and CSS looking to validate their JavaScript skills.

This JS certification is also ideal for aspiring web developers and software engineers who want to add some more depth to their resumes.

Note that you can take an accompanying JavaScript course to learn the necessary skills, or you can look at the W3Schools JavaScript tutorial.

Prerequisites: None

Price: $95

Validity Period: Lifetime

Total Exam Questions: 70

Content: Multiple-selection items

Exam Duration: 70 minutes

Exam Location: Online and self-proctored

Passing Score: 75%

Who is it best for? Ideal for beginners to web development or IT professionals aiming to enhance their JavaScript programming skills for professional growth or career advancement.

4. [International JavaScript Institute] CJSD: Certified JavaScript Developer

Why We Chose This JavaScript Certification[International JavaScript Institute] CJSD: Certified JavaScript Developer

The CJSD from the International JavaScript Institute is a great choice for IT professionals and more experienced JS developers, as it assesses advanced JavaScript skills in topics from JavaScript Core principles to object-oriented programming and client-side JavaScript for web application development.

Yep, if you've spent a lot of time working inside your JavaScript IDE and you know your stuff, this is a great choice to level up your resume.

The exam itself is made up of 70 questions that you need to complete in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 70%.

Priced at €79 (they're based in Europe, so it's priced in Euros), you'll need to take the exam online with video monitoring.

Main areas examined:

  • General principles of programming: Covering the basics of programming methodologies and best practices.
  • JavaScript fundamentals: Including syntax, control structures, data types, expressions, and operators.
  • JavaScript arrays, functions, and indexed collections: Focusing on data handling and functional aspects of JavaScript.
  • JS in a web browser: Addressing DOM, Browser Object Model, AJAX, event handling, and graphics.
  • Prototype-based object-oriented programming: Emphasizing on classes, objects, and prototype-based inheritance.
  • JavaScript Web APIs: Exploring the interfaces for interacting with web technologies and services.

Prerequisites: None

Price: €79

Validity Period: Lifetime

Total Exam Questions: 70

Content: Multiple-choice

Exam Duration: 90 minutes

Exam Location: Online, video-monitored

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Advanced JavaScript developers and IT professionals seeking to certify their expertise. 

Retired JavaScript Certifications

Until recently, we had also included three more JavaScript certifications in our list, but these have all now been retired in 2024.

That said, if you're interested in these, or perhaps you already took the exam and want to refresh your memory about these JS certifications, we've added a summary of each below.

[Microsoft] Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript

The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification, including Exam 98-382 for JavaScript skills, was designed to verify foundational knowledge across various tech domains.

Before being sunsetted, it was ideal for beginners in JavaScript, and it focused on ECMAScript v5 proficiency, covering JavaScript programming, data types, functions, and interaction with the DOM and HTML forms.

[CIW] JavaScript Specialist

The CIW JavaScript Specialist certification was ideal for ensuring proficiency in JavaScript techniques, including manipulating the DOM, controlling program flow, and interacting with databases.

The certification covered everything from fundamental JavaScript principles to advanced topics like AJAX and web APIs, making it suitable for software developers, web designers, and full-stack developers.

[Microsoft] Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3

The MCSA: Web Applications certification could be earned by passing Exam 70-480 in HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS along with either Exam 70-483 (C programming) or 70-486 (Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications).

This was ideal for aspirants in web development and administration as it certified skills in modern web app implementation, catering not just to JavaScript developers but also to those interested in HTML and CSS technologies. This certification was well-suited for roles in web development and web administration.

5 Best Courses to Prepare For JavaScript Certifications

If you want to get ready for your JavaScript certification exam, it can be a great idea to enroll in JavaScript certification courses to brush up on your skills or learn the new skills you need to pass the exam.

Here are five great online JavaScript courses I'd encourage you to check out if you'd like to do this!

1. [Udemy] The Complete JavaScript Course 2024: From Zero to Expert

Key Informationthe-complete-javascript-course
Course Instructor: Jonas Schedtmann
Level: Beginner
Duration: 69 hours
Free or Paid: Paid
Certificate: Yes
Enrolled Students: +800K

Why we chose this course

The Complete JavaScript Course, taught by renowned instructor Jonas Schmedtmann, offers a comprehensive learning experience in JavaScript and popular JavaScript frameworks.

Covering beginner to advanced topics, including object-oriented programming, asynchronous JavaScript, and ES6+, this nearly 70-hour course includes practical projects and coding challenges.

It focuses on modern JavaScript practices and encourages a developer's mindset, encompassing planning, architecting, and debugging. With over 800k students, it's a top choice for aspiring professional developers and anyone preparing for a JavaScript certification.

2. [Coursera] Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS

Key InformationProgramming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
Course Instructor: Duke University: Susan Rodger, Robert Duvall, Owen Astrachan, Andrew Hilton
Level: Beginner
Duration: 33 hours
Free or Paid: Paid (Free to evaluate)
Certificate: Yes
Enrolled Students: +500K

Why we chose this JavaScript course

The Duke University CS department's introductory JavaScript course is perfect for programming novices. It covers essential problem-solving skills, HTML, CSS, and foundational JavaScript concepts like functions, loops, and conditional statements.

The 33-hour course blends videos, text, and quizzes across four modules, catering to diverse learning styles. It emphasizes practical application through JS projects, including one on image filtering and another using steganography.

With nearly half a million students, this course is an excellent choice for beginners wanting to learn JavaScript and add a valuable certificate to their resume. That's a nice bonus on your way to prepping for a real JS certification.

3. [Educative] Complete JavaScript Course

Key InformationThe Complete Guide to Modern JavaScript
Platform: Educative
Course Instructor: Baptiste Pesquet
Level: Beginner
Duration: 20 hours (Text-based content)
Free or Paid: Paid
Certificate: Yes
Enrolled Students: N/A

Why we chose this JavaScript course

The educative course on JavaScript offers an interactive learning experience, focusing on hands-on coding rather than traditional video lessons.

It's designed for beginners, teaching JavaScript fundamentals and modern ES6 features through more than 300 coding playgrounds. This approach encourages active learning and coding practice.

You can also pair this with a JS book if you want to broaden your overall knowledge of the JavaScript language.

The course covers variables, loops, functions, DOM traversal, event handling, and web app development, culminating in a Social News web app project. It's browser-based with an integrated coding environment, ideal for newcomers to coding or those refreshing skills ahead of a JS certification exam!

4. [Codecademy] Learn JavaScript

Key InformationLearn JavaScript
Course Instructor: Kenny Lin
Level: Beginner
Duration: 20 hours
Free of Paid: Paid (Free to audit)
Certificate: Yes
Enrolled Students: +2.5M

Why we chose this JavaScript course

The Codeacademy JavaScript course, designed for beginners, is a great starting point for those interested in web or mobile app development.

It starts with core programming concepts and progresses to object-oriented principles, iterators, and ES6 syntax. Emphasizing practical learning, the course includes coding challenges, quizzes, and three projects to build a beginner's portfolio.

Codeacademy's interactive platform offers real-time feedback and AI-driven recommendations, making it an effective learning tool for over 2.5 million students.

If you're new to JS and have your eyes on a certification, this is another strong choice to boost your skills before taking an exam.

5. [Udacity] Full Stack JavaScript Developer Nanodegree

Key InformationFull Stack JavaScript Developer Nanodegree
Instructors: Rachel Manning, Alyssa Hope, Andrew Wong, Guillaume B. Laviolette
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 160 hours
Free or Paid: Paid
Certificate: Yes
Enrolled Students: N/A

Why we chose this JavaScript course

Udacity's Full Stack JavaScript Developer Nanodegree is ideal for an in-depth, hands-on approach to full-stack development using frameworks like Node.js, PostgreSQL, Express, and Angular.

The course includes learning asynchronous JavaScript, unit testing with Jasmine, and application deployment with AWS. Emphasizing real-world projects, it helps you build a portfolio with projects like an Image Processing API.

The 4-month program balances theory and practical projects, also focusing on career growth, including enhancing LinkedIn and GitHub profiles. If you're an advanced JS developer who wants to earn a certification, this is a great place to boost your skills.

What Is a JavaScript Certification?

Not to be confused with JavaScript certificates, which are often awarded after you’ve attended and completed a JavaScript course, JavaScript certifications are industry-recognized credentials for verifying your competence and expertise with the JavaScript programming language.

To get a JavaScript certification, you may need to meet prerequisites before attending and passing a JavaScript certification exam that tests your skills and knowledge in various aspects of JavaScript programming. 

It’s also essential to point out that a JavaScript coding certificate is much easier to get, and it can be a great stepping stone on your way to learning JavaScript via a JS course or JavaScript boot camp. However, this article focuses on JavaScript certifications awarded by a recognized body.

Choosing the Best JavaScript Certification

If you’re not quite sure which JavaScript certification is best for you, consider the following criteria:

  • Required Skills: Do you have the necessary technical and theoretical skills?
  • Cost: Can you afford the investment for the exam and potential practice tests?
  • Renewal Period: How long will your certification be valid? Do you need to renew regularly or at all?

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! That sums up the best JavaScript certifications in 2024, including a range of JavaScript certifications for juniors and experienced professionals. 

Whether you’re just starting out in JavaScript or an experienced pro who’s leading a team, each of these JavaScript certifications can show your current or future employer that an industry-recognized body has validated your skills.

Whichever of these JavaScript certifications you choose, we wish you the best of luck with your JavaScript career!

Are you looking for a web development course to level up your JavaScript skills? Check out:

Dr. Angela Yu's Web Development Bootcamp on Udemy

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By Robert Johns

Technical Editor for Hackr.io | 15+ Years in Python, Java, SQL, C++, C#, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, .NET, MATLAB, HTML & CSS, and more... 10+ Years in Networking, Cloud, APIs, Linux | 5+ Years in Data Science | 2x PhDs in Structural & Blast Engineering

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