Are you interested in becoming a professional WordPress developer?
Have you been wondering if there is a WordPress certification that will testify to your WordPress skills?
Is your competition bragging about WordPress certification?
The bottom line is this: There is no official WordPress certification.
This article will explore private WordPress certification, how to get trained in WordPress, the time required to learn the platform, its value in the job market, and even how to make money with WordPress.
TL;DR:
- The WordPress organization does not offer a certification option.
- You can get training from private educational companies, some of which grant certificates upon completion.
- Online platforms such as Udemy offer completion certificates, but these are not testimonies to your educational accomplishments.
What is WordPress Certification?
WordPress (the organization) does not offer a certification path or certificate. The “certification” you can acquire on learning platforms refers to that platform’s certification of your attendance in a WordPress course.
It would be nice to have a WordPress certification that is recognized, and that validates your skills and knowledge in using and developing WordPress websites.
It would prove that you have acquired some expertise in WordPress and can be an asset in the professional world.
Unfortunately, such a certification does not exist.
Third-party WordPress Certifications
Several third-party organizations offer WordPress certifications.
These certifications are created independently by these organizations. The certifications cover different aspects of WordPress development or administration education completion milestones.
While they do not have the direct endorsement of WordPress, they can still provide valuable recognition and demonstrate your proficiency in WordPress.
Popular Third-party WordPress Certifications
Several third-party organizations offer WordPress certifications. Some popular ones include:
WPMU DEV WordPress Academy
WPMU DEV WordPress Academy Certification covers many WordPress topics, including development, design, security, and performance optimization.
Yoast SEO Training
Yoast SEO Training and Certification focuses on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in WordPress.It trains individuals in optimizing WordPress websites for better search engine rankings.
WP Elevation
WP Elevation Certification is aimed at WordPress consultants and freelancers. It provides training on client management, business growth, and project delivery, giving you the skills to succeed as a WordPress professional.
Udemy WordPress Courses
Udemy has over 7,000 WordPress courses, 244 of them for beginners.
Many of these courses provide certification upon completion, allowing you to demonstrate your newly acquired skills.
Linkedin Learning (Lynda.com) WordPress Courses
Linkedin Learning (the old Lynda.com) offers an extensive library of online courses, including WordPress courses.
These courses often come with certificates of completion, validating your learning journey.
How to Get Trained in WordPress
Different Ways to Get Trained in WordPress
There are several avenues available to get trained in WordPress:
Online Tutorials and Resources:
Numerous online tutorials, articles, and forums are dedicated to teaching WordPress.These resources can provide a great starting point for beginners to familiarize themselves with the platform and its functionalities.
- 9+ WordPress Theme Tutorials Rated (Free and Paid)
- The Best WordPress Beginner Course (Become Your Own Small Business Webmaster)
- How to Become a WordPress Developer
WordPress Training Courses:
As mentioned earlier, there are various training courses available, both online and in-person, that offer comprehensive training in WordPress.These courses are designed to cater to different skill levels and cover a wide range of topics.
Joining WordPress communities and forums:
Engaging with the WordPress community can be an excellent way to learn from experienced professionals and gain practical insights. Participating in forums, attending meetups, and joining online communities allows you to connect with fellow WordPress enthusiasts, ask questions, and share knowledge.
Online Tutorials and Resources
Online tutorials and resources can provide a wealth of information for beginners.
Websites like WordPress.org, WPBeginner, TutorialsPoint, and WPMU Dev offer step-by-step tutorials, guides, and documentation covering various WordPress aspects.
These resources can help you understand the basics of creating a WordPress website, managing content, customizing themes, and more.
WordPress Training Courses
As discussed earlier, training courses dedicated to WordPress provide a structured learning experience.
- How to Learn WordPress for Free for Beginners (13 Free Tutorials)
- The Best WordPress Beginner Course (Become Your Own Small Business Webmaster)
These courses are typically designed by industry experts and cover all the essential aspects of WordPress.
They may include lectures, hands-on exercises, quizzes, and project work to help you gain a practical understanding of WordPress.
Becoming a Professional WordPress Developer
Steps to Become a Professional WordPress Developer
Becoming a professional WordPress developer requires dedication and continuous learning.
Here are some steps you can follow to establish yourself as a WordPress expert:
Building a Strong Foundation in WordPress
Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of WordPress, including installation, setup, and configuration. Understand how WordPress themes and plugins work and learn how to customize them to suit specific project requirements.
Mastering WordPress Development Skills
Dive deeper into WordPress development by learning programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.Gain expertise in building custom themes, developing plugins, and working with the WordPress API.
Gaining Practical Experience and Showcasing Your Work
Apply your skills by working on real-world projects. Collaborate with clients or contribute to open-source WordPress projects to gain practical experience. Maintain a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential clients or employers.
Building a Strong Foundation in WordPress
To become a professional WordPress developer, it is crucial to have a strong foundation in the platform.
This involves understanding the core WordPress concepts, such as using themes, plugins, and the administrative interface.
Familiarize yourself with the WordPress Codex, official documentation, and online resources to comprehensively understand the platform’s architecture.
Mastering WordPress Development Skills
To excel as a WordPress developer, you must acquire proficiency in programming languages and technologies commonly used in WordPress development.
The key languages to focus on are HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
Learn about WordPress-specific APIs and frameworks, such as the WordPress REST API or popular theme frameworks like Genesis or Divi.
Gaining Practical Experience and Showcasing Your Work
Practical experience is essential for becoming a professional WordPress developer.
Collaborate with clients or contribute to open-source WordPress projects to apply your skills and gain hands-on experience.
Create a portfolio website to showcase your work and demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients or employers.
Regularly update your portfolio with new projects as you gain more experience.
Is Third-Party WordPress Education Worth It?
Obtaining a third-party WordPress certification from Udemy or WPMU Dev) can offer several advantages for your career:
- Increased credibility: Third-party certification adds credibility to your profile and validates your skills in WordPress.It demonstrates to clients or employers that you have acquired a certain level of expertise in the platform.
- Better job opportunities: Many companies specifically seek professionals who spend time and effort learning their technical skills. Education can open doors to better job opportunities and increase your chances of being selected for roles that require WordPress expertise.
- Higher earning potential: Educated professionals often command higher rates and salaries than non-certified individuals. Companies are willing to pay a premium for certified professionals due to the assurance of their skills and knowledge.
Career Opportunities and Earning Potential
Having a WordPress education can significantly enhance your career prospects.
It can qualify you for various roles, such as WordPress developer, WordPress consultant, freelance web developer, or even starting your WordPress agency.
With third-party training, you can pursue various career paths in the WordPress ecosystem and potentially earn a lucrative income.
Opinions of Industry Professionals
Industry professionals have varying opinions on the value of WordPress certification.
Some emphasize the importance of certifications to establish credibility and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Others believe practical experience and a strong portfolio are more important than certifications.
It is advisable to consider a combination of certifications, practical experience, and a solid portfolio to enhance your career prospects and stand out in the industry.
Earning Money with WordPress
Different Ways to Make Money with WordPress
WordPress offers numerous opportunities to generate income.
Here are some different ways to make money with WordPress:
- Monetizing your WordPress website or blog: You can earn money through advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products or services on your website.
- Offering WordPress services as a freelancer: As a certified WordPress professional, you can provide services such as website design, development, maintenance, SEO optimization, content creation, and website management to clients.
- Creating and selling WordPress themes and plugins: With strong design and development skills, you can create and sell premium WordPress themes or plugins on marketplaces like ThemeForest or CodeCanyon.
If you have a WordPress website or blog, there are several ways to monetize it.
You can display advertisements through platforms like Google AdSense or work with brands for sponsored content.
Additionally, you can earn affiliate income by promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral links.
Offering WordPress Services as a Freelancer
As a certified WordPress professional, you can offer a range of services to clients.
These services may include website design and development, custom theme or plugin development, website maintenance and updates, SEO optimization, content creation, and website management.
Freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can help you find clients and build your reputation.
Creating and selling WordPress Themes and Plugins
With advanced design and development skills, you can create premium WordPress themes or plugins and sell them on popular marketplaces like ThemeForest, CodeCanyon, or your website.
This can be a lucrative opportunity as the demand for quality themes, and plugins is high in the WordPress community.
Is WordPress a Valuable Skill?
Current and Future Demand for WordPress Skills
WordPress continues to dominate the web development landscape, with millions of websites built on the platform.
Its user-friendly interface, flexibility, and extensive ecosystem of themes and plugins make it a popular choice for businesses and individuals.
As such, the demand for WordPress skills is expected to remain strong in the foreseeable future.
WordPress in the Evolving Digital Landscape
WordPress has evolved beyond its initial purpose as a blogging platform and has become a robust content management system (CMS) powering various websites, including e-commerce platforms, membership sites, portfolios, and more.
The platform is continuously updated and improved to adapt to changing technological trends, making it well-positioned to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
Job Market Trends for WordPress Professionals
The job market for WordPress professionals is expected to continue growing.
Companies, small businesses, and individuals of all industries require WordPress experts to build and maintain their online presence.
Additionally, the rising popularity of remote work and freelancing opportunities further expands the job market for WordPress professionals.
As long as websites are an essential part of the digital landscape, the demand for WordPress skills will remain high.
Conclusion
WordPress certification is not an option, but WordPress education can help you get a better job with a higher salary.
Learning WordPress can offer various avenues for making money, such as monetizing your website, offering WordPress services as a freelancer, or creating and selling WordPress themes and plugins.
WordPress is a valuable skill in the ever-evolving digital landscape, with a strong demand for professionals proficient in the platform.
