Top Blockchain
Professional Certifications
Blockchain and cryptocurrency have gained extensive popularity over the last few years. Major corporations are looking to capitalize on this technology, which is creating a higher demand for blockchain professionals.
Blockchain professional certifications are great resources to help you stay relevant in the industry. Many institutions are providing blockchain training, making it possible to find an option that works for you. Take a look below to learn more about the best blockchain certifications of 2021.
Demand for Blockchain Skills in 2021
Blockchain has the potential to become a fundamental technological tool. Blockchain professionals have a combination of skills, including proficiency in cryptocurrencies and programming technologies. Since blockchain is used for most cryptocurrencies, it is a vital skill if you want to work in this field.
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The popularity of cryptocurrency will only grow in 2021. Blockchain jobs are in higher demand, and they also pay higher salaries.
How Much Do Blockchain Jobs Pay?
According to PayScale, people with blockchain skills earn an average salary of $108,365 per year. Jobs that involve blockchain include software engineers, software developers, and research scientists.
With the rise of cryptocurrency, companies are investing more into professionals with skills related to handling Bitcoin and blockchain. Many organizations and individuals are creating their own cryptocurrency services and technologies. They need skilled blockchain experts to get the job done.
Why You Should Get a Blockchain Certification
Blockchain is being implemented in many industries, and more people are using this technology in different areas. It has proven its reliability and function in many fields, including healthcare, education, finance, retail, and government agencies.
A blockchain professional certification validates your knowledge and skills. Being certified comes with many benefits, some of which are listed below.
Earning Potential
A professional certification can significantly boost your earning potential. Employers are more likely to offer you a higher salary if you have been professionally certified by an accredited institution.
Opportunities for Advancement
A professional certification opens doors for advancement, whether it’s within your current company or a new organization. It will also help if you are thinking of switching careers into a more specific blockchain position.
Advantage Over Competition
Completing a professional certification validates your skills and shows you have committed extra time to improve yourself. Having one that complements your resume will give you a competitive edge over other job candidates.
Business Opportunities
Some online blockchain courses include modules on how to run your own business. Being professionally certified can give you the accreditation you need when dealing with clients of your own.
Enhanced Knowledge
A professional certification amplifies what you already know. Going through the certification process will sharpen your knowledge and skills and allow you to grow as a professional.
Top Blockchain Certifications
Each professional certification comes with its pros and cons. The best option for you will depend on your career focus, availability, and industry. Below are a few picks from some of the top blockchain accredited institutions.
Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP)
Cost: $99.99 for exam, $39.99 for application
Validity: Two years
A Certified Bitcoin Professional is knowledgeable about bitcoin blockchains, transactions, and how the bitcoin network operates. The certification is provided by the CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium (C4).
Professionals with this certification can apply bitcoin technology to any area of expertise. They will understand privacy, double-spending, and other issues related to the currency.
A passing exam grade of 70 percent is required to successfully apply for the certification. While there are no requirements before taking the exam, you should have a basic understanding of bitcoin and its functions. C4 also offers preparation courses and materials.
Certified Blockchain and Digital Marketing Professional (CBDMP)
Cost: $129
Validity: Lifetime
The CBDMP is a unique certification designed to showcase your knowledge in integrating blockchain and digital marketing. It is accredited by the Blockchain Council.
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of digital marketing and blockchain technology. It aims to provide you with the necessary skills to implement blockchain in digital marketing to promote products and services.
To obtain the certification, you need a passing mark of 60 percent in the multiple-choice examination. There are no prerequisites for the exam, but a basic understanding of blockchain and digital marketing will be beneficial.
Certified Blockchain Architect (CBA)
Cost: $199
Validity: Lifetime
The CBA certification offered by the Blockchain Council enables you to gain an expert understanding of the blockchain domain. The course trains you to utilize your skills to make important decisions and craft detailed structures for the blockchain system.
You will be equipped with knowledge of blockchain architecture and the ability to build your blockchain enterprise. To receive the certification, you have to complete the six-hour online training course and pass the examination.
This certification is beneficial to those looking to advance as a blockchain architect or blockchain consultant.
Certified Blockchain Developer (CBD)
Cost: $129
Validity: Lifetime
The CBD certification is an extensive training program that aims to provide in-depth practical knowledge in blockchain technology.
You learn how to build your blockchain business, understand the Solidity programming language, and prove your skills in any blockchain project. Earning this certification will show that you have mastered the core concepts of blockchain technology commonly used across large-scale organizations.
Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE)
Cost: $129
Validity: Lifetime
A Certified Blockchain Expert is someone who has an extensive understanding of blockchain technology and can build blockchain-based applications for businesses. This intensive training aims to prove your mastery of the core concepts of blockchain technology.
This course is offered by the Blockchain Council and is self-paced. To qualify for the certification, you have to pass the examination with a minimum of 60 marks.
The certification will prove useful if you are looking to transition into positions like blockchain architect, blockchain project manager, or blockchain consultant.
Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP)
Cost: $1,899
Validity: Lifetime
The Certified Blockchain Professional certification provides practical skills and a thorough understanding of cryptography and cryptocurrencies. The course is offered by EC-Council.
This certification is designed to provide full-stack developers with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain. It covers applications of blockchain technology, blockchain project implementation, and advanced blockchain development.
The course is divided into four phases and can be completed in three months. There are no prerequisites for the certification, but it’s recommended that you have experience in JavaScript and object-oriented programming.
Certified Blockchain Security and Healthcare Professional (CBSHB)
Cost: $129
Validity: Lifetime
If you have basic knowledge of blockchain and are looking to work in the healthcare industry, the CBSHB certification may be the right one for you.
Offered by the Blockchain Council, this is a specially curated certification that covers the fundamentals of blockchain use in the healthcare industry. You’ll learn how blockchain can be used for clinical trials and to prevent drug counterfeiting.
Qualifying for the certification includes completing the three-hour online training and scoring a minimum of 60 percent in the examination. While there are no prerequisites for the certification, you should have basic knowledge of blockchain security before attempting the exam.
Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP)
Cost: $199
Validity: Lifetime
The Certified Blockchain Security Professional certification from the Blockchain Council aims to cover all aspects of blockchain security.
This certification will equip you with a holistic understanding of blockchain’s inherent security features and best practices for the blockchain industry. You will also be able to differentiate between cyber attacks and threats.
You will need a passing mark of 60 percent to qualify for the certification. Although there are no requirements before taking the exam, it’s recommended that you have a foundational knowledge of blockchain security before making your attempt.
Certified Ethereum Professional (CEP)
Cost: $99.99 for exam, $39.99 for application
Validity: Two years
The Certified Ethereum Professional certification focuses on the fundamentals of Ethereum blockchain and the Solidity programming language. The certification is also offered by C4.
The course includes six domains that make up the common body of knowledge that all Ethereum professionals are expected to have. You need to have a passing grade of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for the certification.
There are no prerequisites for the certification, but it’s recommended to know cryptography and Ethereum basics. You can access an exam preparation guide for a better understanding of what the exam will entail.
CryptoCurrency Security Standard Auditor (CCSSA)
Cost: Contact provider directly
Validity: Lifetime
C4 offers the CCSSA certification for professionals who want the formal ability to grade information systems against the cryptocurrency security standard (CCSS).
To qualify for the certification, you need to pass the examination, which includes 20 multiple-choice questions covering the 33 aspects of the CCSS. These questions will be related to a real-world scenario.
This certification will be beneficial to blockchain engineers, cyber security professionals, and information system auditors.
Choosing the Right Certification
Blockchain technology can be used in almost every sector. Having a professional certification on your resume will benefit you, no matter the industry.
Before you choose a professional certification, it’s important to consider the industry you wish to be in and your projected career path. Read below for more factors you should consider before choosing which blockchain certification is best for you.
Which Industry Are You In?
There are blockchain professional certifications specifically made for certain industries such as digital marketing, healthcare, and law. You should decide if you intend to stay in the tech field or if you prefer to branch out to a different sector before deciding on the certification.
What Skills Do You Want to Focus On?
Consider the specific skills you want to focus on. If you already have some experience in blockchain, decide if you want to further develop your current skills or add new ones to your portfolio.
What Positions Are Available in Your Area?
A job search through websites like Indeed or LinkedIn can give you an idea of the kind of skills employers in your area need. Being familiar with the employment market can help you decide which certification is the right one for you.
Professional Certification vs Certificate Program and Courses
It can be easy to get confused between certificates and certifications. Understanding the difference between professional certification and a certificate program can help you make an informed decision on what you need.
Professional certifications verify that you have specific skills. These certifications are accredited and are usually provided by industry-specific organizations. Most of these organizations are governed by a council and offer membership services. Instead of a program or course, certifications usually consist of only an exam.
A certificate program is a training course where participants will receive a certificate after completing one course or a series of courses. These courses are provided online or in person by educational institutions, and they generally do not have any prerequisites.
Best Courses to Prepare for Certification Exams
While some professional certifications don’t require any work experience or education, it’s in your best interest to equip yourself with adequate knowledge before pursuing certification.
Most professional certification providers supply reading materials, but you should also consider using different resources such as training courses to better prepare yourself. Take a look below at some of the best blockchain online courses to help you.
Blockchain Developer Nanodegree by Udacity
Cost: $599
Duration: Four months
Outcome: Certificate
The Blockchain Developer Nanodegree is a comprehensive program covering topics for beginners and advanced learners alike. The course starts with the basics of blockchain and continues with a deep dive into blockchain architecture.
It is helpful to have at least one year of experience with object-oriented programming, some experience developing web applications with JavaScript, and proficiency in consuming data from a remote API.
Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases by Coursera
Cost: Free to enroll, additional cost for the certificate
Duration: 16 hours
Outcome: Certificate
This is a beginner course offered by the Consensys Academy through Coursera. It covers the foundations of blockchain, technical aspects, and how it is used.
This is an ideal course for both non-developers and developers because it also covers the philosophical concepts of blockchain. The training includes behind-the-scenes scenarios of companies with business problems to teach you how to use blockchain to solve them.
Blockchain Revolution in Financial Services by INSEAD
Cost: Free to enroll, additional cost for the certificate
Duration: Five months
Outcome: Certificate
This course, offered by INSEAD through Coursera, is designed for bankers and finance professionals looking to learn blockchain skills. It’s ideal for those who want to focus on fintech and learn how blockchain impacts the finance industry.
There are no prerequisites for this beginner-friendly course. If you’re new to cryptocurrency, it will ease you into the world of blockchain.
Ethereum and Solidity: The Complete Developer’s Guide by Udemy
Cost: $94.99
Duration: Approximately 24 hours
Outcome: Certificate
In this course, students will learn about backend and front end programming while diving deeper into Ethereum and Solidity. This is a great course for professionals looking to learn techniques for advanced apps or to have a better understanding of Ethereum.
This is an intermediate course, so you should have some knowledge of the fundamentals of NPM and JavaScript before signing up.
Online Degree in Cryptocurrency and Trading by Blockchain Council
Cost: $299
Duration: Two hours
Outcome: Certificate
This is an online program that focuses on the most sought-after industry requirements needed in the cryptocurrency and trading field. Its lessons include introductions to blockchain followed by in-depth training on understanding the functions of Bitcoin.
The online degree promises to provide in-demand technical skills that can be used in various cryptocurrencies. There are no prerequisites to joining the program, and it can teach you everything you need to know.
Should You Pursue a Blockchain Certification?
Yes, you should pursue a blockchain certification. Whether you are looking to kickstart your career in blockchain or develop your professional skills, a blockchain professional certification is worth the time and money. Having at least one certification will supplement your knowledge and help boost your earning potential.
Completing a professional certification lets potential employers know you’re proactive in keeping up with the industry. It also proves your knowledge and skills are accredited by a professional institution. You should earn a blockchain certification in 2021.
