The Best Entry Level Web Development Certifications for Beginners
If you’re looking to break into web development, certifications can be a fantastic way to build foundational skills and boost your resume. For beginners, entry-level web development certifications provide structured learning, hands-on projects, and recognized credentials that demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. Plus, many of these programs offer SEO (Search Engine Optimization) training, an essential skill in today’s digital-first world. Let’s explore some of the best entry-level web development certifications that will help you start a successful career.
Why Get Certified in Web Development?
As web development continues to evolve, companies seek professionals who are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills. A certification can help you:
- Learn coding essentials: Gain hands-on experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and popular frameworks.
- Build credibility: Certifications show employers you’ve committed time and effort to learning the fundamentals.
- Stay competitive: By learning SEO and user-friendly design, you’ll stand out in the job market.
- Gain career flexibility: With web development skills, you can work in various roles, from front-end development to SEO specialization.
Here are the best entry-level web development certifications that offer a strong foundation in coding, design, and SEO.
1. Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate
Google’s IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate, available on Coursera, is an excellent choice for those looking to build foundational programming and web development skills. Although not exclusively web-focused, it provides a strong introduction to Python, a language frequently used in web development, and basic automation, which is increasingly relevant.
- Duration: Approximately 6 months
- Platform: Coursera
- Skills Covered: Python, version control, automation, data scraping, and troubleshooting.
- Ideal For: Beginners interested in both web development and automation
Why It’s Worth It: This certificate not only teaches Python but also introduces automation concepts that can be useful for backend web development. Google’s backing also adds value, as this certificate is well-regarded in the tech industry.
2. Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate
Meta’s Front-End Developer Professional Certificate, also on Coursera, is designed to teach you the core skills of front-end web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The program includes hands-on projects where you’ll create web applications, giving you a practical experience in building and deploying websites.
- Duration: 6 months
- Platform: Coursera
- Skills Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and accessibility.
- Ideal For: Beginners wanting to specialize in front-end development
Why It’s Worth It: With Meta’s reputation, this certification is highly regarded by employers. It covers SEO-friendly design elements, accessibility, and responsive design—critical for SEO and user experience.
3. FreeCodeCamp’s Responsive Web Design Certification
FreeCodeCamp offers a free, comprehensive certification in responsive web design, perfect for beginners on a budget. The program covers HTML, CSS, and Flexbox, which are fundamental to web development and responsible for building SEO-friendly, mobile-responsive websites. By completing the certification, you’ll develop several projects that you can showcase in your portfolio.
- Duration: 3 month
- Platform: Code Camp
- Skills Covered: HTML, CSS, Flexbox, Grid, and responsive web design.
- Ideal For: Complete beginners interested in starting with the basics
Why It’s Worth It: FreeCodeCamp’s program is not only comprehensive but also project-focused, which means you’ll have portfolio-worthy work upon completion. Additionally, responsive design is crucial for SEO, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites.
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
The Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals certification is ideal for beginners who want to explore cloud services for web development. Although it’s not strictly a web development certification, Azure knowledge is valuable for web developers, particularly those interested in backend development and hosting websites on the cloud.
- Duration: Variable, generally 1-3 months
- Platform: Microsoft Learn
- Skills Covered: Cloud concepts, Azure services, cloud security, and basic network concepts.
- Ideal For: Beginners interested in backend and cloud web development
Why It’s Worth It: Azure Fundamentals introduces essential cloud concepts that are critical for backend development. Cloud services are increasingly used in web development, and Azure’s extensive use across industries makes this certification highly valuable.
5. Google UX Design Professional Certificate
While this certification focuses on user experience design, it covers important SEO-friendly web development concepts, such as accessibility and responsive design. The Google UX Design Certificate includes training in Figma and Adobe XD, popular tools for creating user-friendly, visually appealing websites.
- Duration: Approximately 6 months
- Platform: Coursera
- Skills Covered: UX design, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and responsive design.
- Enroll Now
- Ideal For: Beginners interested in design aspects of web development
Why It’s Worth It: Good UX is essential for SEO and user engagement. Google’s UX certification teaches you how to create a site that’s easy to navigate and enjoyable to use—qualities that align with Google’s SEO best practices.
6. W3Schools Front-End Development Certificate
The W3Schools Front-End Development Certificate is a self-paced course designed for beginners. It covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery, providing the foundational skills for front-end development. W3Schools is known for its easy-to-understand tutorials, which makes this certification accessible for self-learners.
- Duration: 3 month (OnSite)
- Platform: W3Schools
- Skills Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery
- Ideal For: Beginners seeking a simple, straightforward introduction to front-end development
Why It’s Worth It: W3Schools’ certification offers a no-frills approach to web development, focusing on essential skills. The program includes interactive exercises that reinforce your understanding, and the certificate adds credibility to your resume.
7. Udacity’s Intro to Programming Nanodegree
Udacity’s Intro to Programming Nanodegree is ideal for beginners who want a comprehensive introduction to web development and programming. The program covers HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript, along with practical projects that help build a strong portfolio. Udacity also offers career support, which can be valuable for entry-level job seekers.
- Duration: 4 months
- Platform: Udacity
- Skills Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python
- Ideal For: Beginners serious about pursuing a career in web development
Why It’s Worth It: Udacity’s program offers practical, project-based learning and career support. Python knowledge is a bonus for backend development, and the portfolio projects can help you stand out to employers.
8. Codecademy’s Web Development Career Path
Codecademy’s Web Development Career Path offers a structured learning journey for beginners. It covers the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more advanced topics like Node.js, which is commonly used in backend development. The Career Path also includes project-based learning, helping you build a portfolio along the way.
- Duration: (ON SITE approximately 6 months
- Platform: Codecademy
- Skills Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, React, and responsive design.
- Ideal For: Beginners seeking a comprehensive web development curriculum
Why It’s Worth It: Codecademy’s Career Path offers both breadth and depth, covering essential front-end and backend skills. The responsive design training aligns with SEO best practices, making this program suitable for those looking to optimize for search engines.
9. LinkedIn Learning: Become a Web Developer Learning Path
LinkedIn Learning’s Become a Web Developer path is a collection of courses that provide a thorough introduction to web development. Topics range from HTML and CSS to JavaScript and MySQL, with courses on responsive design and SEO basics. This path is flexible and allows you to go at your own pace, covering both front-end and backend skills.
- Duration: 3 Month (ON SITE)
- Platform: LinkedIn Learning
- Skills Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, and responsive design.
- Ideal For: Beginners looking for a self-paced, flexible curriculum
Why It’s Worth It: LinkedIn Learning’s flexibility allows you to complete individual courses, making it easy to build a curriculum that suits your needs. The SEO basics course included is beneficial for those wanting to create search-friendly websites.