Constructing a profession as a software program developer might be useful, however generally is a aggressive subject to interrupt into, particularly in 2024 when over 130,000 layoffs have occurred at tech corporations already. Whereas not all 130,000 might have been software program engineers, they haven’t been immune from the cuts.
A method builders can set themselves up for higher alternatives is to pursue certifications for abilities which might be related to their profession. A certification affords a chance for builders to indicate others that they’ve a specific ability; It’s one factor to record Kubernetes as a core competency on their resume, and one other to say they’ve handed the certification examination for one of many CNCF’s Kubernetes certifications.
“Individuals are actually comfortable by taking a certification, as a result of it’s the validation of some information,” stated Christophe Sauthier, head of CNCF certifications and trainings, in a current episode of our What the Dev? podcast. “It’s one thing that we really feel is admittedly necessary as a result of anyone can say that they know one thing, however proving that often makes an actual distinction.”
A 2023 CompTIA report discovered that 80% of US HR professionals surveyed relied on technical certifications throughout the hiring course of. Sauthier stated the CNCF has performed a survey wanting into the influence of certifications as effectively, and has additionally seen that individuals who get hold of them usually profit.
“Greater than half the individuals who answered the survey stated that taking some coaching or certification helped them get a brand new job,” stated Sauthier. “It’s a method for folks to be extra acknowledged for what they know, and in addition to often get higher pay. And after I say lots of people get higher pay, it was about one third of the individuals who answered our survey who stated that that they had the next pay due to taking coaching or certifications.”
One other survey from CompTIA in 2022 confirmed that IT professionals that obtained a brand new certification noticed a median $13,000 enhance in wage.
The best way to choose a certification
As a way to see these advantages, it’s necessary for anybody pursuing a certification to consider which one will greatest swimsuit their wants, as a result of they arrive in all sizes and shapes.
Sauthier says he recommends beginning with an entry-level certification first, as this may allow somebody to get used to what it means to take a certification.
Then, it’d make sense to maneuver onto extra superior certifications. For example, the CNCF’s Licensed Kubernetes Safety Specialist (CKS) certification is “fairly robust”, he stated. Nevertheless, its issue is what appeals to folks.
“Individuals are actually attracted by it as a result of it actually proves one thing,” he stated. “It’s essential truly clear up actual issues to have the ability to cross it. So we provide you with an atmosphere and we let you know, ‘okay, there may be this problem,’ or ‘please implement that,’ and we’re then evaluating what you probably did.”
Sauthier did word that issue alone shouldn’t be a deciding issue. “After I’m wanting on the numerous certifications, I’m extra fascinated about one thing which is extensively adopted and which isn’t opinionated,” he stated. Having it not be opinionated, or not tied to a particular vendor, will make sure that the talents are extra simply transferable.
“Many distributors from our neighborhood are constructing their bricks on high of the nice challenge we’ve got throughout the CNCF, however the certifications we’re designing are focusing on these bricks so it is possible for you to to reuse that information on the assorted merchandise which have been created by the distributors,” he stated.
He went on to elucidate how this informs the CNCF’s technique of certification improvement. He stated that every query is authorized by at the very least two folks, which ensures that there’s broad settlement.
“That’s one thing that’s actually necessary so that you’re positive whenever you’re taking a certification from us that the information that you’ll validate is one thing that it is possible for you to to make use of with many distributors and lots of merchandise over our entire neighborhood,” he stated. “That’s actually one thing necessary for us. We don’t need you to be vendor locked with the information you may have whenever you take certainly one of a certification. In order that’s actually crucial factor for me, and never the issue of the certification itself.”
The CNCF just lately took its certification program a step additional by introducing Kubestronaut, an achievement folks can get for finishing all 5 of its Kubernetes certifications. At present, there are 788 Kubestronauts, who get added advantages like a non-public Slack channel, coupons for different CNCF certifications, and a reduction on CNCF occasions, like KubeCon.
