Python is the programming language that opens more doors than any other.
Its straightforward, intuitive syntax makes it an ideal entry point for newcomers to programming, while its robust standard library and extensive ecosystem of third-party modules cater to the specialised needs of professionals across a huge variety of industries.
This has led to a rapid growth in adoption of Python - growth which has taken place without many of the formal structures associated with other enterprise technologies, such as a certification ecosystem providing a clear pathway for advancement. That has recently changed with the advent of the Python Institute’s series of certifications.
So why get certified in Python? Let’s start by taking a tour round just how important Python has become in today's technology, data and analytics workplace.
Web Development
In web development, global technology platforms like Instagram, Spotify, and Reddit are based on Python. Their ability to reliably handle millions of daily users demonstrates Python’s maturity as an enterprise-grade technology.
Data Analytics
In data analytics, extensive libraries and frameworks such as pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib, each with vibrant open-source communities supporting them, have established Python as the benchmark technology in this field, driving analytical decision-making processes in industries ranging from finance to entertainment and healthcare. Learning Python has become the obvious progression for intermediate-level analysts graduating from tools such as Excel, Tableau and PowerBI, whilst its accessibility makes it approachable for beginners too - even those without extensive prior analytical experience.
Machine Learning and AI
In machine learning and artificial intelligence, Python is dominant for similar reasons. Its accessibility and the extensive ecosystem of libraries and frameworks it offers, such as TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, and Scikit-Learn, have made Python the go-to language for developing sophisticated ML models, conducting research, and deploying AI applications.
So why get certified in Python?
This widespread adoption across various industries means that Python offers valuable opportunities to those skilled in its use. However its growth has been so fast that until recently it hasn’t developed an established system of certification. This is in contrast to longer-established technologies such as Java or Microsoft's .NET framework, which provide clear career pathways for developers, system administrators, and database managers through well-recognized certification programs.
These certifications act as benchmarks for hiring and professional development, ensuring a standardised level of expertise within their respective communities. As an individual, the argument for acquiring certification is compelling - it validates one's skills and knowledge, enhances employability, opens doors to higher salary brackets and fosters professional credibility and confidence.
Historically, the Python community has lacked such a system. However, in the last couple of years the Python Institute has significantly changed the landscape for Python professionals with its comprehensive certification pathway, including the PCEP (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer), PCAP (Certified Associate in Python Programming), and PCPP (Certified Professional in Python Programming) certifications. These credentials have quickly become the industry standard, providing a structured, exam-based validation of Python programming skills that is recognized worldwide.
By providing this certification pathway, the Python Institute offers a clear and attainable progression for Pythonistas to prove their expertise. However, it’s not just individual programmers or analysts who can benefit from certification. For companies and employers, investing in certification and training for employees can offer several strategic advantages:
Firstly, Python certifications offer a reliable benchmark for assessing the proficiency and expertise of employees in the core aspects of the language, helping to ensure that all team members meet standardised levels of skill and knowledge.
Secondly, they can help encourage a common set of best practices. Python is a flexible language, and while a robust set of conventions exist (most notably PEP 8), Python programmers are free to deviate from these conventions. The certifications offered by the Python Institute encourage compliance with conventions, ensuring that teams of certified programmers are more likely to write harmonious code and work productively together.
Thirdly, offering certification opportunities can boost employee morale and job satisfaction, demonstrating an employer’s investment in their employees' professional development and career growth, enhancing loyalty and reducing turnover rates.
Finally, having a certified team can boost confidence among clients and customers. This is particularly relevant for companies who provide software or data services, or where sensitive data is shared between client and customer. Certified employees are likely to make fewer mistakes, which can save companies from costly fixes, or worse legal penalties and damage to their reputation.
Our Python Certification Courses
Framework’s Python certification courses fit naturally with the certifications offered by the Python Institute. Each course is structured around the syllabus of the respective exam, but goes beyond imparting the core knowledge required, bringing each topic to life with relevant, practical and enjoyable examples. All are taught interactively, with each module broken into several short instructor-led demonstrations followed by practical lab examples and group discussions.
Our entry level course, PCEP, is tailored for beginners eager to learn their first programming language. These may be aspiring programmers looking to learn Python, data analysts with a background in tools such as Excel, Tableau or PowerBI, or technical managers who want to understand Python to more effectively manage and communicate with their teams. Find out more about this course here.
Our intermediate course builds on the PCEP to prepare students for the associate-level PCAP certification. During four days of interactive study, students extend their knowledge to more advanced aspects of Python programming, including the essentials of object oriented programming (OOP) and the organisation of larger software projects into modules and packages. Find out more about this course here.
This course can optionally be extended with further material covering Python’s most popular analytics and visualisation libraries - pandas, numpy, matplotlib and seaborn. The PCAP & Analytics course extends to six days and can be spread over e.g. two three-day weeks or a schedule that suits you. Find out more about this course here.
Finally, we offer a course structured around the PCPP1 certification. This certification is aimed at developers, IT specialists, and professionals looking to obtain an industry credential that documents their expertise in advanced and more specialised aspects of Python programming, including advanced OOP, GUI Programming and Network Programming. Find out more about this course here.
Would you like to know more?
Have a look at our Python Certification Courses