7 Best Python Certifications For All Levels [2024 Update]

Earning a Python certification is a great way to advance your career and stand out to potential employers by validating your skills and boosting your resume.

That's why I’ve found the 7 best Python certifications in 2024, covering options for both beginners and experienced developers.

Let’s dive into the best Python certifications, exam formats, practice tests, and the key skills you’ll need to succeed.

What Is a Python Certification?

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

To get a Python certification, you must meet the prerequisites before attending and passing a Python certification exam that tests your skills and knowledge in various aspects of Python programming. 

These certifications for Python could be for general programming, or they may emphasize a particular discipline like automated testing or data analytics. You’ll often need to refresh your memory of important concepts and theories via online documentation or Python books. 

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

In 2024, the only show in town seems to be the OpenEDG Python Institute if you’re after a Python certification. Microsoft used to offer a certification for Python newcomers, but the exam for this has now been retired.

Who better to get your certification from than the Python Institute? It’s in the name!

7 Best Python Certifications in 2024

Python Institute: PCEP - Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer

Why choose this certification

As a stepping stone to the PCAP (associate level), this entry-level Python certification verifies your ability to accomplish essential tasks with the basics of Python, which is ideal for any of the various Python applications you might consider in 2024.

It's also ideal for anyone that's new to computer programming, as to pass the PCEP exam, you’ll need a solid but basic understanding of Python programming skills.

That said, you should be prepared to answer questions about language syntax & semantics, the difference between compilation & interpretation, control flow essentials (conditionals & loops), data structure like Python lists, variables & data types, operators, I/O operations, using functions, and exception handling.

One of the best ways to cement these foundational skills is to build Python projects for your portfolio.

Get Certification

Key Information

Prerequisites: None

Price (As of Oct 2024):

• Exam only: $59 single shot (PCEP-30-02)
• Exam + Practice test: $71 single shot (PCEP-30-02)

Validity Period: Lifetime

Total Exam Questions: 30

Content: Single & multiple-choice, gap-fill, code-fill, code insertion

Exam Duration: 40 minutes

Exam Location: Online

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Entry-level Python programmers or software developers

Python Institute: PCAP - Certified Associate in Python Programming

Why choose this certification

If you’ve gained your PCEP certification, or you’re familiar with more advanced Python programming skills, the PCAP is a strong certification choice to demonstrate your ability to design, write, debug, and re-factor complex Python programs, including multi-module applications.

There's also the fact that the PCAP can really help your resume stand out, which is ideal if you want to impress during Python interviews.

To pass the PCAP exam, you’ll need to understand the Python language Standard Library, Pip, object-oriented programming (OOP), modules and packages, and exception handling.

You'll also need to have advanced knowledge of strings and finding substrings, data structures like dictionaries and tuples, lambda functions, generators, list comprehensions, and file handling.

Plus, you should be very comfortable with all of the common Python operators.

Get Certification

Key Information

Prerequisites: None

Price (As of Oct 2024):

• Exam only: $295 single shot (PCAP-31-03)
• Exam + Retake + Practice test: $359 (PCAP-31-03)

Validity Period: Lifetime

Total Exam Questions: 40

Content: Single & multiple-choice

Exam Duration: 65 minutes

Exam Location: Online (or authorized test center)

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Junior Python developers or software devs looking to switch to Python

Python Institute: PCPP1 - Certified Professional in Python Programming 1

Why choose this certification

Designed for a professional in Python programming that’s passed the PCAP, the PCPP1 is the first stage in a 2 part-professional certification track from the Python Institute.

This advanced Python certification demonstrates to prospective employers your advanced Python skills in various areas, including the Python Standard Library, function syntax (extended argument, decorators, etc), and coding standardization (PEP8, PEP 257, code layout, etc).

To pass the exam, you’ll also need to have advanced knowledge of OOP (inheritance, polymorphism, etc.), GUIs, event-driven programming, network programming (HTTP methods, data formats), and simple REST clients.

You should also be able to demonstrate extended knowledge of file processing in various formats (XML, CSV, etc.) and exception handling, building upon the skills needed to pass the PCAP.

Being a professional-level Python certification, it is much more challenging to earn the PCEP and PCAP, so there's no room for common Python mistakes!

Get Certification

Key Information

Prerequisites: PCAP

Price (As of Oct 2024): $225 exam only, single shot (PCPP-32-101)

Validity Period: Lifetime

Total Exam Questions: 45

Content: Single & multiple-choice

Exam Duration: 65 minutes

Exam Location: Online (or authorized test center)

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Junior and mid-level developers looking to advance their career or team leads that want to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of Python

Python Institute: PCPP2 - Certified Professional in Python Programming 2

Why choose this certification

The second stage of the Python Institute’s professional certification track, PCPP2 completes your general Python programming certification journey by demonstrating your advanced knowledge of the Python language.

To pass the exam, you’ll need a firm grasp of Python design patterns (OOP, Singleton, Factory, etc.), networking & communication, multithreading & process management, advanced standard & non-standard library modules, creating and working with SQL & NoSQL databases, unit & functional testing frameworks, and the principles of clean code.

This Python certification will show prospective employers an advanced level of Python expertise, an understanding of the entire software design lifecycle, analytical & design skills, and the ability to work on small to large multi-module projects across various industries.

Note that this exam will be available to take from H2 2024 onwards.

Get Certification

Key Information

Prerequisites: PCPP1 (and PCAP)

Validity Period: Lifetime

Price (As of Oct 2024): $195 exam only, single shot (PCPP-32-201)

Total Exam Questions: 45

Content: Single & multiple-choice

Exam Duration: 65 minutes

Exam Location: Online (or authorized test center)

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Experienced developers, engineers, system architects, and team leads

Python Institute: PCAT - Certified Associate in Testing with Python

Why we chose this certification

One of the newest Python Institute certifications, the PCAT is a specialization for software testing with Python at the associate level. This cert shows employers you understand the importance of software testing & automation, different testing approaches, and how testing reinforces software development via refactoring. 

To pass the exam, you’ll need to understand software testing principles and best practices, unit testing fundamentals, software decomposition, D.R.Y (Don’t Repeat Yourself) software engineering, and F.I.R.S.T (Fast, Independent, Repeatable, Self-Validating, and Timely) testing. 

You’ll also need to be well-versed in the popular software development approaches of Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD).

The PCAT also makes you eligible for professional-level certifications offered by the Python Institute in unit testing (PCPT1), test automation (PCPT2), and security (PCPT3) in late 2024.

Get Certification

Key Information

Prerequisites: None

Validity Period: 5 years

Price (As of Oct 2024):

• Exam only: $295 single shot (PCAT-31-0x)
• Exam + Practice test:  $319 single shot (PCAT-31-0x)

Total Exam Questions: 40

Content: Single & multiple-choice

Exam Duration: 65 minutes

Exam Location: Online (or authorized test center)

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Junior Python developers or test engineers with on-the-job experience

Python Institute: PCED - Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python

Why we chose this certification

The newest offering from the Python Institute PCED (Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python) is a foundational credential that's ideal for showcasing your basic skills in data analysis using Python.

I'm really impressed by the addition of this certification, as it's an excellent way for newcomers to the world of data to demonstrate essential knowledge and understanding in the field of data analytics, with an emphasis on basic Python expertise. It's also really affordable, making it the data equivalent of the PCEP.

To earn the PCED certification, you'll need to understand basic data analytics, including data acquisition, cleaning, validation, analysis, and visualization.

You'll also need to know the fundamentals of data pre-processing, statistical analysis, and programming techniques to perform extract-transform-load (ETL) processes while also utilizing fundamental Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and visualization tools.

The PCED is also a great stepping stone to their associate certification, the PCAD, so if you're new to the field of data science or you want to pursue an analytics career, this is a great precursor to the more PCAD certification. 

Get Certification

Key Information

Prerequisites: None

Validity Period: Lifetime

Price (As of Oct 2024): $59 exam only, single shot (PCED-31-01)

Total Exam Questions: 40

Content: Single & multiple-choice

Duration: 40 minutes

Passing Score: 70%

Exam Location: Online

Who is it best for? Junior Python developers, early career data analysts and data scientists, or software developers looking to switch to a data-focused position

Python Institute: PCAD - Certified Associate in Data Analytics with Python

Why we chose this certification

Another new offering from the Python Institute, PCAD is an associate-level certification in data analytics to validate your proficiency in data acquisition, cleaning & wrangling, modeling & analysis, and visualization with Python.

This Python certification is a solid way to demonstrate well-rounded skills and comprehensive knowledge in data analytics, including key concepts & methodologies, and best practices.

As you'd expect, there's a natural synergy between these data analysis skills and Python concepts for data science in general.

To pass the exam, you’ll need to be familiar with data visualization, statistical analyses, predictive modeling & model selection, machine learning, and popular Python libraries like NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib, SK-Learn, and Seaborn in a data science and analytics setting.

PCAD certification will also be a prerequisite for a professional-level certification in data analytics (PCPD) offered by the Python Institute in late 2024 or early 2024.

Get Certification

Key Information

Prerequisites: None

Validity Period: 5 years

Price (As of Oct 2024):

• Exam only: $295 single shot (PCAD-31-0x)
• Exam + Practice test:  $319 single shot (PCAD-31-0x)

Total Exam Questions: 40

Content: Single & multiple-choice

Duration: 65 minutes

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Junior Python developers, data analysts, data scientists, or software developers looking to switch to a data-focused position

Python Certification Summary

If you're not quite sure which Python certification to target, take a look at my summary table below to quickly compare the various Python certification options.

How To Choose the Best Python Certification

With so many Python certifications available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s what I think you should consider when making your choice:

• Your Skill Level: Look for a certification that matches your experience. If you’re just starting out, opt for beginner-friendly certifications. Experienced developers should aim for advanced certifications that cover in-depth topics.

• Industry Relevance: Consider certifications that align with your career goals. If you’re aiming for a job in data science, web development, or machine learning, focus on certifications that emphasize those skills.

• Certification Authority: Make sure the certification is offered by a reputable organization. Well-known providers like Microsoft, AWS, and Python Institute often carry more weight with employers.

• Exam Format and Content: Review the exam structure and content to ensure it covers the skills you want to demonstrate. Some certifications emphasize practical coding tasks, while others might be more theory-focused.

• Time Commitment: Assess how much time you can dedicate to studying and taking the exam. Some certifications require weeks of prep, while others are quicker to achieve.

• Cost and Resources: Look at the cost of the exam and whether study materials, practice tests, or prep courses are included. Some certifications might have hidden fees or require you to pay for retakes.

• Job Market Value: Research how valuable the certification is in your desired field. Check if employers in your industry actively seek out candidates with that certification.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll be better equipped to choose the Python certification that best fits your career path and learning style.

Why Trust Our Picks?

When it comes to Python, you're in good hands. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in Python alone, I've seen it all — from the early days to the latest advancements.

Plus, I’ve written code in more languages than I can count: Java, SQL, C++, C#, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, .NET, MATLAB, HTML & CSS, and the list goes on.

Whether building full-stack apps, working in the cloud, automation, or solving complex scientific problems, I’ve spent a lot of time in the trenches.

Plus, my two PhDs in Engineering and Bachelor's in Computing have given me a huge insight into what you need to excel in various programming language.

So, the TL-DR: I've got your back and I've been in the same spot as you when wanting to prove my worth in a new language (many times!).

I've even written my own Python course if you're interested in taking an academic approach to learning Python before going after a certification.

Wrapping Up

Earning a Python certification can be a game-changer for your career, whether you're just starting out or looking to advance.

With Python continuing to dominate fields like data science, web development, and automation, validating your skills with a certification is a smart investment.

I’ve covered the best Python certifications available in 2024, so now it’s up to you to pick the one that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re after a certification for beginners or something more advanced, taking this step can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Are you brand new to Python and looking for the best way to learn? Check out:

The Hackr.io Python Masterclass - Python with Dr. Johns

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Certification Is Best for Python?

The best Python coding certification depends on your skill level, experience, career goals, and also whether you want a specialized certification versus one for general programming.

This article has included a range of general programming certifications for various levels of skill and experience, along with certifications for specialisms in testing and data analytics. 

2. How Difficult Is Python Certification?

If you consider the entry-level PCEP, this should not be challenging if you understand Python basics. In contrast, the PCPP1 and PCPP2 Python expert certification exams expect you to be a professional in Python programming with advanced Python language skills.

Python developer certification exams should be sufficiently challenging to ensure you have the required knowledge to be an ambassador for that cert. To help you pass, research the exam content, take practice tests, study online resources and Python books, and consider Python courses.

3. How much Is a Python certification?

Python certification cost depends on the level and whether you want to pay for additional practice tests. The Python certifications we have covered range from $59 to $295, depending on the certification level you wish to obtain.

4. Can You Get Python Certified for Free?

You will need to pay for a certification exam if you want to achieve a Python certification. 

These should not be confused with free courses that offer a certificate in Python programming after completion, as these are much easier to obtain than industry-recognized certifications.

5. Is a Python CERT Worth It?

This depends on your career aspirations and goals. Generally, an industry-recognized certification can enhance your resume by professionally validating your Python skills, which may give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs.

6. Can I Get a Job After Doing Python Certification?

Being a certified Python programmer signals to any potential employer that you’re serious about your career but do not expect a job because you have obtained a Python certification. 

You will still need to meet the rest of the job’s educational or experience-based requirements. You’ll also need to impress at each interview stage, whether that be a pre-screening, technical coding challenge, or a final-stage interview with your potential team leader and team members.