• Written By
    Renan França
  • Last Updated
    September 02, 2020

Top 10 best Javascript Certifications [updated 2021]

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A JavaScript certification can work as evidence to a potential hiring manager that all concepts about this programming language are known and dominated.

But before we go further, it's important to say that a certificate alone will not land you a job. Experience also counts, no matter if you're a junior or a senior developer.

A Javascript certification can work as a milestone in learning. Or even present you to a new world of possibilities.

Are you prepared to know the best certifications to become a certified Javascript Developer?

Get on board!

What is the use of JavaScript?

You can learn a lot with a Javascript certification, but given the intimate relationship between Javascript and the web world, you might need to know some HTML and CSS.

HTML allows developers to create an essential structure for a page's text. CSS allows us to apply styling to a page. And Javascript has historically been the bridge with which you could add some sort of dynamism to a page.

This dynamism has grown disproportionately bigger in importance than the other two in recent years, to a point where the language alone can be used to create and style a web page. But don't be afraid to go on just because you don't know CSS and HTML yet. A lot of certifications include CSS and HTML lessons.

As you start delving further into Javascript, you will learn about frameworks and libraries, which are very important for building brilliant user-interfaces.

You will also learn how to create web servers, APIs, and connect the frontend with the backend.

How do you become a certified Javascript developer?

The easiest way to become a certified Javascript developer is by enrolling in online certifications provided by e-learning platforms such as Treehouse, Udacity, PluralSight, Udemy, and more.

Up next, we will be listing the top 10 certifications, which will help you master JavaScript (and web development to some extent).

We split them into two categories: in-depth certifications (that last more than a week); and fast certifications (that you can finish in less than 2 hours).

What are the best JavaScript Certifications?

In-depth certifications (from beginner to advanced levels)

Full Stack JavaScript Developer

Link: Full Stack JavaScript Developer

Provider: Treehouse

Course description: This certification has 36 different courses. The course covers almost every primary concept of JavaScript, such as Numbers, Functions, Loops, Objects, etc. After the basics of JavaScript, they have classes for CSS, DOM, HTML forms, Regular expressions, and object-oriented JavaScript, which are essential for web development.

Level: Beginner

Language: English

Duration: 12 weeks

Prerequisites: none

Price: $ 199/month (7-day free trial available)

JavaScript Core Language

  • Provider: Pluralight
  • Description: This certification is for those who want to learn core JavaScript. It covers all the basic concepts of JS and advanced level concepts such as utilizing modules for code organization, employing classes for code organization, understanding communication, and browser integration.
  • Link: JavaScript Core Language
  • Level: Beginner
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Prerequisites: HTML and CSS
  • Price: $20/month (free trial and other offers available)

Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript

  • Provider: Microsoft
  • Description: Microsoft provides this certification. The exams cover concepts such as the basics of JavaScript, DOM, and HTML forms. The syntax knowledge of JavaScript is the main focus of this certification. The questions will also test the ability to rearrange the code appropriately while logically solving them. To clear the exam, you should have a proper understanding of the basics of JavaScript, debugging, and rearranging the code.
  • Link: Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript
  • Level: Beginner
  • Language: English, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), French, German, Korean.
  • Duration: at least 100 hours
  • Prerequisites: Basic of JavaScript, DOM, HTML
  • Price: $127

Programming for the Web with JavaScript

  • Provider: edX
  • Description: In this certification, some courses target client-side development using JavaScript. The courses include working with DOM, web browser internals, and jQuery. You will learn how to create a dynamic web application using JavaScript frameworks and libraries. Other courses include server-side development with architecture, middleware, HTTP, and RESTful API design.
  • Link: Programming for the Web with JavaScript
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Prerequisites: Basics of programming, knowledge of data structures
  • Price: Free ($150 for certification)

Deep JavaScript Foundations

  • Provider: Frontend Masters
  • Description: This course allows you to dive into the core pillar of the JavaScript language with Kyle Simplson, author of the popular "You Don't Know JS", book series. You will be able to learn about object wrappers, coercion, scope, closure, types, prototype system, and ES6 features .
  • Link: Deep JavaScript Foundations
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 9h50
  • Prerequisites: Basics of programming
  • Price: $40 (Unlimited Access)

Full Stack Web Developer

  • Provider: Udacity
  • Description: This Udacity Nanodegree is one of the best for learning full-stack web development. The main aim of this study program is building database-backed APIs and web applications. It also describes how to deploy, secure, and manage user authentication and access control. Moreover, the Nanodegree also has a course of building an application using flask and deploying it to the cloud using Kubernetes and Docker.
  • Link: Full Stack Web Developer
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 16 weeks
  • Prerequisites: Python or any object-object-oriented programming, CSS, HTML, GIT
  • Price: $1100

ES6 - JavaScript Improved

  • Provider: Udacity
  • Description: The introduction of ES6 brought many new possibilities to JavaScript. These changes have become a core part of JavaScript programming. New syntax changes such as arrow functions, let, and const is very important to learn for every JavaScript developer. This Udacity certification is specially created for those who want to learn all the concepts of ES6.
  • Link: ES6 - JavaScript Improved
  • Level: Advanced
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Prerequisites: JavaScript
  • Price: Free

ES6 JavaScript: The Complete Developer's Guide

  • Provider: Udemy
  • Description: This Udemy certification is perfect for those who want to master ES6. This course is a long course that covers almost every ES6 concept in detail, such as arrow functions, generators, maps, forEach, find, filter, reduce, const, and let. ES6 is one of the main concepts which are targeted by the interviewers. So it is essential to understand ES6 as much as you can. Link: ES6 JavaScript: The Complete Developer's Guide
  • Level: Advanced
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 6.5 hours
  • Prerequisites: JavaScript
  • Price: $120

Fast certifications (from beginner to advanced level)

The JavaScript Developer Certificate

  • Provider: W3Schools
  • Description: If you have any experience in programming, there is a high chance of you encountering W3Schools. It is one of the most popular websites that provide free as well as paid programming content. The JavaScript developer certificate has 70 multiple choice questions that will test you about JavaScript and HTML DOM.
  • Link: JavaScript Developer Certificate
  • Level: Beginner
  • Language(s): English
  • Duration: 70 minutes
  • Prerequisites: Proper understanding of JavaScript and HTML DOM
  • Price: $95

CIW JavaScript Specialist

  • Link: CIW JavaScript Specialist
  • Provider: CIW
  • Description: This certification targets every kind of JavaScript developer such as web developer, software developer, full-stack developer, UI/UI developer, etc. It covers all the essential concepts, including DOM, frameworks, libraries, flow control, form validation, event handling, debugging scripts, and cookie creation. JavaScript Objects are also an essential part of this certification.
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Prerequisites: Developing Web pages and, knowledge of HTML code development
  • Passing score: 70.91%
  • Price: $ 150

CIW JavaScript Specialist

  • Provider: International Javascript Institute
  • Description: This certification consists of an exam that contains questions regarding core JavaScript and client-side concepts. Several concepts are necessary for this certification. They include principles of programming, JavaScript fundamentals, arrays, strings, collections, functions, objects, object-oriented, classes, web browsers, DOM, events, APIs, and browser environment.
  • Link: CIW JavaScript Specialist
  • Level: Advanced
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Prerequisites: Core JavaScript, client-side JavaScript
  • Passing score: 70%
  • Price: €70
  • The best short courses to prepare yourself for JavaScript Certification Exam

    JavaScript Projects for JavaScript Beginners

  • Description: If you want to learn how to create interactive web pages using JavaScript, you can go for this short course. This course explicitly describes the usage of JavaScript to make dynamic and interactive pages.
  • Link: JavaScript Projects for JavaScript Beginners
  • Target Audience: UI developers, web developers, JavaScript developers
  • Skill taught: DOM

Explore JavaScript Beginners Guide to Coding JavaScript

  • Description: One significant aspect is learning how to code efficiently in JavaScript. There is so much in JavaScript that you may find several ways to create a simple functionality. It is recommended to use JavaScript efficiently. So if you are a beginner and want to learn the efficient way of coding in JavaScript, this course is a perfect choice.
  • Link: JavaScript Beginners Guide to Coding
  • Target Audience: Beginners
  • Skill taught: Coding in JavaScript

JavaScript Syntax and Operators

  • Description: It is imperative to get familiar with the syntax and operators of a JavaScript's specific programming language. Learning and understanding syntax is the very first challenge for a beginner. It may take some time to understand the JavaScript syntax, and it also requires proper guidance. This course is for those who want to master JavaScript syntax and operators.
  • Link: JavaScript Syntax and Operators
  • Target Audience: Beginners
  • Skill taught: JavaScript

Is JavaScript hard to learn?

This is the question every beginner asks. The answer is simple. No, JavaScript is not hard to learn.

But definitely, it is challenging to master. Learning its basics is not a tough challenge, although when you gradually move to the intermediate and advanced topics, it starts to become challenging.

If you have experience in other high-level programming languages such as Java, then starting with JavaScript is not going to be a big deal. Much of the syntax of JavaScript is similar to Java, and C++.

The basics won't take much time; JavaScript's syntax is more natural to catch when compared to most programming languages.

If you are a beginner, you need proper guidance. Starting JavaScript without any guidance will only make the journey harder.

There are several ways to have guidance, such as online courses and certifications. It is strict advice never to skip any concept. Always go with the flow.

The journey can be tough in the starting, especially when you are trying to understand syntax. Try to practice as much as you can.

HTML vs JavaScript

HTML is a markup language, while JavaScript is a scripting language. There is a lot of difference between both of them.

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It has several elements that are used to create an essential structure for web pages. These HTML elements, also known as HTML tags, are written using angular brackets.

For example, to write a paragraph, <p> tag is used. It has a corresponding closing tag </p>.

A few tags such as the <img> tag used for adding images do not have a similar closing tag. HTML is used to create a static web page.

It is a basic structure which only displays whatever is hardcoded.

On the other hand, JavaScript is a high-level programming language that is used to convert a static HTML web page into a dynamic one.

For example, we can create a button using HTML's <button> tag. But to make something happen when it is clicked, we need JavaScript.

HTML is simple to learn and does not take long to understand how its elements work. HTML is limited, as a markup language it is utilized to create the basic structure of a web page.

On the other hand, JavaScript brings infinite possibilities, and it requires effort and time to learn. When compared to HTML, JavaScript is challenging to learn and understand.

If your aim to become a Web developer, then both HTML and JavaScript are requirements. However, JavaScript does not have any relation or dependency on HTML. So if you wish to become a JavaScript developer, you can directly start with JavaScript, but to become a web developer, you'll also need HTML.

Java vs JavaScript

Java and JavaScript are not the same, not at all. Java can be more difficult to learn than JavaScript. These two programming languages emerged in the mid-90s.

At that time, Java was a dense programming language for professional developers, while JavaScript was created as a light scripting language.

So this is why both of these languages have similarities in name and syntax. The syntax of Java can be complex, and it takes time to get familiar with it. Moreover, Java is not that programmer-friendly.

On the other hand, the syntax of JavaScript is easy to catch, and it is more programmer-friendly than most of the different programming languages.

Quick tip: once you understand the syntax of JavaScript or Java, both will get easier over time.

Both of these languages are widely used, mostly in web and mobile application development. Java is also a big name in desktop GUI application, enterprise application, scientific application, gaming application, and cloud-based application.

So Java is used more widely than JavaScript. But JavaScript is the top name in web application development, and it is also gaining popularity in cross-platform mobile application development.

Python vs JavaScript

Apart from Java, Python is another programming language whose usage can challenge the popularity of JavaScript. Syntax-wise, both JavaScript and Python are very programmer-friendly.

But generally, the syntax of Python is considered most comfortable among all other programming languages. So learning and understanding Python is easier on the beginner level.

Python is also a prominent name in the web development community.

However, the popularity and usage of JavaScript are still higher than Python. Python is also popular in other domains such as game development, machine learning, artificial intelligence, desktop GUI, web scraping, and embedded application.

jQuery vs JavaScript

jQuery is a library that is combined with JavaScript. The main focus of jQuery is DOM manipulation. It is crucial to understand DOM and its working to create dynamic web pages. As working with DOM can be complicated, jQuery is used to simplify it.

jQuery is used for DOM tree transversal for example. It is also utilized for event handling and animations. Moreover, it is commonly used with AJAX. The syntax of jQuery in a way to navigate easily through the DOM tree. The selection of DOM elements becomes easy with jQuery. It is also combined with CSS.

It is one of the most widely used libraries with JavaScript. The syntax can be confusing initially, but once the basics are clear, it is easy to use jQuery with JavaScript.

How long does it take to learn JavaScript?

As mentioned earlier, JavaScript is a vast language. So learning it will take time as well as effort.

The journey is a bit long, but it is worth it. For a beginner, the very first challenge is understanding the syntax. It will take time to learn the syntax and understand how to use it.

This stage should be given proper time and effort because the next steps depend on it only. The basics of programming, such as statements, loops, and conditions, are mandatory to understand.

Understanding the basics will ease the journey.

The intermediate and advanced level concepts, such as functions and objects are also mandatory. Most beginners usually go through these concepts and move forward without practice.

This is a mistake.

Give time and effort, and try to go as deep as you can. It will not only clear your concepts but also help you in job interviews, because most of the questions in JavaScript job interviews come from these intermediate and advanced level concepts.

The same journey for an experienced programmer is short and easy. JavaScript's syntax is similar to Java and many other programming languages.

So the syntax and primary will not take much time, and you can move on to the advanced concepts in a short time.

JavaScript jobs: Is JS enough to get a job?

As mentioned earlier, JavaScript is one of the most popular languages, and in some surveys, it is the most popular programming language in the world.

So if you are well-trained in JavaScript and understand the working of the language, you may find a decent job.

There is so much that could be done with JavaScript, such as client-side development and server-side development.

Companies usually desire a developer with expertise in JavaScript frameworks and libraries such as Angular and React, or in the backend technologies such as Node.js.

But many companies also prefer to hire developers who are skilled in JavaScript, so that they can use their skills according to their requirements, or the companies can train the developers in the required technology.

What jobs can you get if you learn JavaScript?

If your basics are clear and you understand concepts such as objects, ES6, and other advanced level concepts, you can find a job as a JavaScript developer.

Along with JavaScript, HTML and CSS are two other core technologies of the World Wide Web. So learning HTML and CSS will help you evolve in this field.

There are several job domains for a JavaScript developer. One of the significant fields is the User-Interface developer.

JavaScript frameworks and libraries such as Angular, React, and Vue are in high demand, and if you are familiar with these, then your chances of finding a job increase considerably.

But to learn such frameworks and libraries, you must understand JavaScript properly.

What else should you learn to become a web developer?

Apart from JavaScript, HTML and CSS are mandatory to become a web developer. Moreover, in modern web development, you also need frameworks and libraries such as Angular and React.

For those who want to be frontend developers:

The part of a web application that is visible to the user is called the front-end. A basic, simple front-end can be developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you want a high performing, more interactive front-end, you will need additional JavaScript frameworks and libraries.

HTML

HTML is a markup language that is utilized to create the basic structure of a web page. It consists of several HTML elements, each having its attributes.

HTML is used to create a basic structure of a web page. Further, CSS and JavaScript are applied to an HTML document.

When compared with JavaScript, HTML is easy to understand and learn.

It does not take much time to understand HTML tags and attributes. If you want to learn HTML, you can go for the following course.

CSS

HTML only creates a basic structure which is not appealing. CSS is utilized to make a website more attractive.

Several CSS properties are used to convert a boring HTML page into an attractive one.

No website today is complete without CSS. The presentation of a website is as important as its features. A front-end developer must understand the working of CSS and how it is applied to an HTML document.

Like HTML, CSS also does not take much time to learn and understand. But it is vast. There are several concepts, properties, and ways of using CSS, not only through HTML but also through JavaScript.

If you want to learn CSS, you can try this course.

JavaScript´s Framework: React and Angular

Angular

It is already mentioned several times in this article that HTML, CSS, and JavaScript alone are not sufficient to create a modern web application. You will need additional frameworks and libraries.

Angular is one of the most popular and widely used JavaScript frameworks. It is a full-fledged framework that has almost everything that is required to create a dynamic web application.

Angular is full of concepts. There are many concepts as directives, components, injections, and others. It is fair to say learning angular can take time and effort, but it is worth learning because there are many job opportunities for angular developers.

There are several courses available online. If you want to learn Angular, you can try this course .

React

React has emerged significantly in recent years. It is one of the most popular JavaScript libraries that is overgrowing because of its high performance.

The main aim of using react is UI rendering. Instead of real DOM, React uses virtual DOM, a lightweight copy of the real DOM. The usage of virtual DOM considerably increases the performance of the application.

As React mainly focuses on UI rendering, it requires additional libraries for other features such as state management. There are several courses available online. If you want to learn React, you can try this course .

This course also covers additional concepts such as redux and react hooks, which are very useful while working with React.

For those who want to be backend developers

The backed part is responsible for the dynamic behavior of a web application. The database is one of the critical elements of the backend. Generally, every web application has a database connection that stores the data displayed on the front-end.

Node

Initially, JavaScript can only be used inside the JavaScript. So it was limited for client-side use only. But with the emergence of Node, it became possible to use it outside the browser.

In the past few years, Node has become a big name in server-side development. It is used with several different types of databases, such as SQL, and MongoDB.

Node is one of the technologies used in MEAN and MERN full-stack development. If you want to learn Node you can try this course .

SQL

SQL is the most popular database. It is used worldwide with several technologies.

Though demand for NoSQL databases such as MongoDB is increasing rapidly, many companies are still using SQL as the primary database. There is a high-demand for SQL developers.

The concepts of storing data in SQL is simple. It uses tables to store data and queries to perform operations. If you want to learn SQL, you can try this course .

JavaScript salary: how much does a JavaScript developer make?

$84,638 per year is the average salary of a JavaScript developer in the United States of America in 2020. For a React developer, the USA's average salary is $120,000, and for an Angular developer, it is $108,000.

The money you can make as a JavaScript developer depends on your technology and experience. Having a JavaScript certification will indeed increase your chances of finding a high paying job as a JavaScript developer.

JavaScript developer as a freelancer is another option. Freelancing is booming, and JavaScript developers are making a good amount of money through it. You can find several websites online which will help you offer your freelancing services, and once your works start, you will start earning.

You can make money with JavaScript alone. But you can find high-paying jobs if you are good in smart technology. So after learning JavaScript, you should go for technologies such as Angular, React, and Node.

Conclusion

Learning in JavaScript never ends. There are several courses available online to learn different aspects of JavaScript.

In this article, we listed the top 10 JavaScript certifications that were chosen carefully from reputed websites.

As we said, the certifications earned through these processes will increase the value of your CV.

Along with JavaScript, we have also covered the importance of different languages and technologies, such as HTML, CSS, Angular, React, and Node.

These languages and technologies increase your chance of getting a job, and in fact, you can find better, high-paying jobs with them. We have also listed some of the courses to learn these languages and technologies.

To finish off this post, it is essential to remind you about our search tool. It is the easiest way to find courses about Javascript or any other programming language.

Renan França

I am a journalist responsible for SEO and Content strategies at Classpert. I usually write about entrepreneurship, marketing, SEO, programming and e-learning platforms.