What is the Best Python Certification in 2021?

Samuele Perfetti
4 min readMar 15, 2021

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In almost all job descriptions found on the Internet, you can read expressions such as “Python experience”, “Preferably knowledge of Python” or similar. But why Python and not another programming language? And why should you know a programming language?

Leaving aside jobs in Engineering, Finance, Data Science, where the requirement is a must, requesting it also in roles outside the more technical and technological business area, such as that of assistant to the general manager, or a doctor in a clinic, seems like a odd enough.

Why should these figures know how to program?

First of all, everything in this world is automated and having basic knowledge about it is definitely an advantage. Also, mastering or having a knowledge of the programming language helps you develop a more structured and creative way of thinking. In other ways, it helps you learn problem-solving skills. For example, you will be able to break down difficult problems into several workable parts and address it. As Steve Jobs said in 1995, “Everyone in this country should learn to program a computer, because it teaches you to think.”
In conclusion, no one requires you to be the next Zuckerberg or the upcoming Jobs. You should learn computer programming to know how to solve your problems like, for example, writing a small program that can perform several functions you do manually, saving time, effort and allowing you to be 100 times more efficient.

So, why Python and what is the best Python certification?

Undoubtedly, Python is widely recognized as the best programming language to learn first. and, according to the TIOBE index, it is the best programming language for the year 2020.
Many reasons make Python special, among all, Python is:

  • Easy to learn — the time needed to learn Python is shorter than for many other languages; this means that it’s possible to start the actual programming faster;
  • Easy to teach — the teaching workload is smaller than that needed by other languages; this means that the teacher can put more emphasis on general (language-independent) programming techniques, not wasting energy on exotic tricks, strange exceptions, and incomprehensible rules;
  • Easy to use for writing new software — it’s often possible to write code faster when using Python;
  • Easy to understand — it’s also often easier to understand someone else’s code faster if it is written in Python;
  • Easy to obtain, install and deploy — Python is free, open, and multi-platform; not all languages can boast that.

Finally, Python provides excellent library support and has a large community of developers, always ready to help you with debugging.

If you’re still not sure if Python is the language everyone should know, both because it gives you those soft skills in programming and because it’s easy to learn, you need to know that companies such as YouTube, Instagram, Netflix, Pinterest or SurveyMonkey are all built-in Python.

Out of all the possible certifications / courses you can find, the best Python certification is the one offered by the Python Institute. The Python Institute is committed to developing an independent global standard in Python programming certification, which will enable programming specialists, software developers, and IT professionals around the world to objectively evaluate and document their programming skills and obtain recognition for their experience.

The first certification for an entry-level is: PCEP — Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer. With this certification, you will become familiar with universal computer programming concepts such as data types, containers, functions, conditions, loops, as well as Python programming language syntax, semantics, and the runtime environment.

PCEP: Exam Information

  • Exam name: PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
  • Exam Code/Exam Version: PCEP-30–01 | Status: Published
  • Exam Level: Entry
  • Associated Certifications: PCAP — Certified Associate in Python programming (PCAP-31–02, PCAP-31–01)
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Duration: 45 minutes (exam) + approx. 5 minutes (Non-Disclosure Agreement/Tutorial)
  • Number of Questions: 30
  • Format: Single-choice and multiple-choice questions, drag & drop, gap fill | Python 3.x
  • Passing Score: 70%
  • Language: English
  • Courses Aligned: PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python (Cisco Networking Academy, instructor-led: Modules 1–3), PCAP: Programming Fundamentals in Python (Part 1) — OpenEDG Education Platform, self-enroll/self-study
  • Full Exam Price: USD 59
  • Delivery Channel: OpenEDG Testing Service
  • Testing Policies: Click here to view Testing Policies
  • Exam Syllabus: Click here to view Exam Syllabus
  • Sample Test: Click here to download a free PCEP sample test (TBA)

Generally, it’s enough to have this first one. But if you develop an interest in Python or want to be more qualified, the next step is to get PCAP — Certified Associate in Python Programming, also offered by the Python Institute. It is quite more complex than the first, requires more passion and more hours of study, but through this you will be able to master the fundamentals of Python.

PCAP: Exam Information

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Samuele Perfetti
Samuele Perfetti

Written by Samuele Perfetti

Master's degree in Finance, Machine Learning and Deep Learning lover, Bookworm, Traveler, and Writer for passion.

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