12 Best Web Development Certifications (Free & Paid)

There are many web development certifications available on the market today but choosing which one to follow can be tricky.

To make the process easier, we’ve reviewed and rated the most popular web development certifications to help you decide which one is right for you. Each certification has its own unique benefits, and we will discuss them all in detail.

So whether you are just starting out in web development or you are looking to take your career to the next level, we have the perfect certification for you!

Top 12 Web Development Certifications 

1. Web Design for Everybody

Created in collaboration with the University of Michigan, the “Web Design for Everybody” course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to design and create websites.

The course covers everything from building responsive and interactive websites with HTML5 and CSS3, to how you can make your websites more accessible, and shareable.

Who is this for?

If you’re interested in the website-building side of web development, this could be the perfect course for you. The instructors, Colleen van Lent Ph. D, and Charles Russell Severance transform various complex topics, like how to use JavaScript and advanced styling tools into easy-to-follow language.

What you’ll learn?

The web developer training from Coursera and the University of Michigan covers all the hands-on learning you need to build your own website. You’ll learn how to:

• Use HTML5 to create websites
• Leverage CSS for complex layouts and color schemes
• Explore JavaScript and implement interactivity into your site
• Access advanced styling and create responsive designs

By the time you’re done learning, you’ll have a comprehensive website to add to your web development portfolio.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

You’ll need a subscription with Coursera at $39 per month to join this course. The training is split into 5 courses you can take at your own pace. Coursera suggests it will take around 6 months at 3 hours a week to complete the lessons.

Take this certification if you want to learn all about building websites with some of the most valuable coding languages on the market.

2. Become a Certified Web Developer

The “Become a Certified Web Developer” course from Udemy, does exactly what you’d expect, providing the training you need to become a great web developer.

Who is this for?

This is one of the best web developer courses for people who want to not only expand their skill set but prove their capabilities with a genuine certification. This course is specially designed to prepare you for the Web Development Professional Certification from LearnToProgram, Inc.

What you’ll learn?

One of the more comprehensive courses for web development, this training experience comes with hours of video instruction, over 25 lab exercises, and instructor guidance built-in. Through a variety of different hands-on training methods, you’ll build a complete development toolbox, with certification in CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and HTML5. You’ll learn how to:

• Build a comprehensive knowledge of HTML and CSS languages
• Develop server-side with PHP
• Access client-side programming with JavaScript
• Develop databases with MySQL

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

There are around 45 hours and 44 minutes of video and content to cover, but you can take the learning at your own pace. The course costs $89 at the time of writing this review.

Take this course if you want to prove yourself with certifications in your field. You’ll be able to show potential clients you understand all the languages they need you to use, from JavaScript to CSS.

3. Web Design and Development Certification

One of the more reputable institutions for online learning, eCornell offers access to a wide range of learning opportunities, including a fully certified web development and design course. This particular training experience focuses on front-end web development and the art of building websites that focus on the user experience and needs of your customers.

Who is this for?

Ideal for those interested in the basics of web development and design, the eCornell course explores a range of ideas for balancing form and function in the digital world. The educational experience takes a design-first, code-second approach, where you’ll learn to structure content and make informed decisions based on the needs of website visitors.

What you’ll learn?

With eCornell and your lecturer, Kyle Harms, you’ll learn all the basics of web development and design, from writing valid CSS and HTML, to ensuring accessibility in your web development practices. The course covers everything from adding interactive forms to websites to understanding and meeting the needs of your target audience with design. You’ll learn how to:

• Frame and build websites with a focus on front-end development
• Structure content with HTML
• Style web-based content using CSS
• Experiment with composition and responsive design
• Implement interactivity to improve user experience

The course includes a web design and development certificate upon completion, from the Cornell Bowers College of Computing.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

The course takes around 2 weeks to complete at around 7-10 hours per week, but the program lasts for 3 months, so you can take as long as you need to finish.

Take this certification if you want a fantastic way to experiment with all aspects of site building with a professional tutor.

4. Front-End Web Developer Professional Certificate

EdX is another popular choice among students in the digital world. With the Front-End web development course from EdX, you’ll learn how to develop websites using the latest standards, from CSS to HTML5. The program includes a number of interactive examples and hands-on opportunities to build your own sites.

Who is this for?

The self-paced course is ideal for beginners trying to start a new business in the world of freelance web development. Not only do you earn a Developer Professional certificate to demonstrate your knowledge of front-end design, but you’ll learn how to build everything from websites to apps and games, so you can expand your earning potential.

What you’ll learn?

The selection of instructors for this course from the World Wide Web Consortium will guide you through a number of essential concepts in web development. You’ll start with an introduction to CSS basics, followed up by HTML5 coding essentials and best practices. During the course of the various lessons, you’ll learn how to:

• Use various client-side web development techniques to innovate on the web
• Leverage languages like HTML5 and CSS for fundamental building
• Experiment with JavaScript for interactive experiences
• Build HTML5 games and apps

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

The course costs $999 in total and takes around 7 months to complete if you’re willing to dedicate between 5-7 hours per week to learning.

Take this certification if you want to learn how to use the components of web development to create everything from innovative apps and games to, unlike online web experiences. You’ll even get a professional certificate at the end.

5. UX Design Professional Certificate

What better way to learn about web development than to earn a Google certification? The UX Design Professional Certificate from Google, offered by Google and Coursera, allows users from all over the world to learn the foundations of UX design.

Who is this for?

Created for web development professionals with an interest in UX (User Experience) design, the Google course shows experts how to design an online experience custom-made for your users’ needs. You’ll learn how to empathize with your customers, build prototypes, and even conduct the research required to understand user demands.

What you’ll learn?

Google’s training experience will teach you how to become a web developer with a focus on UI and user experience. Through a partnership with Coursera, Google covers everything you need to know about qualifying for UX jobs. While earning your certificate, you’ll learn how to:

• Develop web personas and user journey maps
• Conduct usability studies
• Create prototypes and wireframes
• Test and iterate on designs
• Build a full professional portfolio

How much does it cost, and how long does it take to complete?

This certification costs $234 provided that you can finish it in 6 months. For each additional month, you’ll pay $39.

6. Web Developer Certification

Designed to help beginners jumpstart their careers in web development, the Web Developer Certification from Openclassrooms is ideal for learning to build responsive websites. The associate-level diploma course teaches students through the use of flexible online learning, access to professional tutors, and real-world projects.

Who is this for?

Great for building a portfolio and developing your knowledge at the same time, the Web Developer course from Openclassrooms allows you to earn your diploma at your own pace. Access to support from the University of Massachusetts, and mentors from the Openclassrooms website means you can get extra assistance whenever you have trouble with your lessons.

What you’ll learn?

The Web Developer Certification covers everything you need to know to create a career in web development. You’ll discover how to use various crucial languages such as CSS3 and HTML5. You’ll also learn about some extra topics not covered in most web development courses, like how to store user data and make sure web pages are SEO-friendly. You’ll learn how to:

• Change elements of a website dynamically using JavaScript
• Apply HTML5, CSS3, and other languages to your development practices
• Research, analyze, and implement SEO strategies
• Ensure web pages are compliant with accessibility and responsivity standards
• Develop and interact with services like Express, Node.js, and MongoDB
• Store and process user data securely

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

Working full time, you can complete the course in 6 months. However, you’re free to work at your own pace, with a monthly subscription to the course at $300 per month.

Take this certification if you want to learn as much as possible about building websites that deliver excellent results in a competitive digital environment. This course is one of the most comprehensive on the market for professionals and business owners.

7. Front End Web Developer NanoDegree

Nanodegree courses from Udacity are designed to deliver extensive knowledge about a subject (like web development) in a short time. For intensive web developer training the Udacity front-end, web development nanodegree is an excellent pick. This training experience will teach you how to build high-quality sites and applications for the web.

Who is this for?

Intended for people who already have a basic knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, the Front End Web developer course is perfect for professionals looking to expand their skills. Graduates will learn how to create more advanced responsive websites and applications using the coding languages they’ve already begun to discover.

What you’ll learn?

This front-end developer training course covers everything you need to know to build a range of applications and websites. You’ll be able to build responsive sites using Flexbox, CSS Grid, and CSS, as well as JavaScript and HTML. During the course of the training sessions, you’ll learn how to:

• Built CSS and website layouts
• Leverage JavaScript to control web pages
• Use APIs and asynchronous applications
• Build web packs, tools, and service worker tasks for controlled stylesheets

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

The course takes around 4 months to complete if you’re willing to dedicate between 5 and 10 hours of work per week to your education.

Take this certification if you want to build on your existing knowledge of crucial coding languages to develop a range of online experiences. This is one of the most advanced tools available for web development.

8. Become a Web Developer

LinkedIn Learning is an increasingly popular environment for expanding your online education. You can kickstart your web developer career with the “Become a Web Development” course in less than 23 hours of educational content. The course includes everything from introductions to CSS and HTML, to guidance on using JavaScript.

Who is this for?

Designed for beginners, the LinkedIn learning course is intended for people with an interest in web development as a career option. You can kick-start a future in web development with guidance on not just how to build websites, but also how to improve your chances of getting your first job as a web developer, from LinkedIn experts.

What you’ll learn?

LinkedIn’s web developer course is a foundational approach to all-things web development, where you’ll discover how to create sites, pages, and applications, with interfaces your users will enjoy. The course begins with a simple introduction to HTML, followed by overviews of CSS and the various coding elements you’ll need to use. You’ll learn how to:

• Manage and use a combination of HTML and CSS in web development
• Search for and use reliable sources on the web
• Access JavaScript essentials and use them to transform your website
• Create a full-stack and front-end web development portfolio
• Apply for a job as a web developer

You’ll also get a certificate from LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge of web development basics.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

This course includes 22 hours and 9 minutes of content, and 9 learning resources to download and use. It’s up to you how fast you want to learn. If you complete the content in less than a month, you can use your first free month with LinkedIn learning to do it for free.

Take this certification if you want to learn how to develop a career as a web developer and find clients to bring your business to life.

9. Front End Development Libraries

FreeCodeCamp is an excellent resource for development and design professionals in the digital world. You’ll need a basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to leverage this Front End Development Libraries course, but once you have that knowledge, the FreeCodeCamp training will help you to style websites in no time.

Who is this for?

If you already have a background in CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, and you’re looking to level up your skills, you can learn how to use some of the most popular front-end libraries with FreeCodeCamp. The certification covers everything from how to design and style sites perfectly with Bootstrap, to how you can add logic to CSS styles with Sass.

What you’ll learn?

FreeCodeCamp provides easy-to-follow training for professionals who need to leverage a wider range of skills for the new era of web development. You can learn how to create everything from Single Page Applications with Redux, to shopping carts from scratch. During the courses, you’ll learn how to:

• Use Bootstrap to build responsive websites in no time
• Experiment with jQuery for JavaScript
• Leverage the power of SASS to extend your CSS capabilities
• Use React to build website components
• Explore Redux for one-page applications

By the time you’re done learning, you’ll also have a portfolio of applications to share, like your own drum machine, markdown previewer, and JavaScript calculator.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

There are about 300 hours of training included in this course in total, which you can explore at your own pace. It’s free to sign in and save your progress as you go.

Take this certification if you want to expand your existing knowledge of development basics and learn how to create more advanced tools online.

10. Introduction to Web Development

Delivered by the UCDavis University of California, the Introduction to Web Development hosted by Daniel Randall makes it easier for would-be developers to begin their path toward a new career. You don’t need any technical knowledge to get started, and the course offers flexible deadlines, so you can adjust your schedule to suit your needs.

Who is this for?

Daniel Randall offers an easy-to-follow insight into web development, perfect for anyone with a focus on building a future in the web development landscape. The 100% online course is excellent for beginners, as you don’t need any prior knowledge of coding.

What you’ll learn?

This web development course covers all of the basics of designing your own website, with HTML basics, website structure guidance, and even tips on finding the right hosting. You’ll get an easy introduction to what it means to develop websites professionally, and learn how to:

• Program websites with JavaScript
• Design your own website using HTML basics
• Leverage websites with CSS properties, colors, and fonts
• Create web applications

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

The web development training from Coursera and UCDavis takes around 22 hours to complete, and you can start learning for free.

Take this certification if you want an easy introduction to web development, provided by an easy-to-understand instructor.

11. Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate

The Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate will help you build the skills needed to start a career as a back-end web developer. Delivered by Meta employees, this is one of the most prestigious web development certifications you can pursue this year.

Who is this for?

This certification is for anyone wishing to enter the web development industry with no prior experience or a related web development degree. It’s a detailed course that takes around 8 months to complete. By the end of the course, you can start looking for web development jobs as a certified Meta web developer.

What you’ll learn?

This web developer certification includes 10 courses covering the following topics:

• Introduction to Back-End Development
• Programming in Python
• Version Control
• Databases
• Django Web Framework
• APIs
• The Full Stack
• Cloud Computing
• Back-End Developer Capstone
• Coding Interview Preparation

Throughout the 10 courses, you’ll gain the necessary technical skills to work as a back-end developer. You’ll learn how to use various programming languages such as Python and tools like Git, Version control, and much more.

As part of the certification coursework, you’ll build a portfolio of applications you can use to apply for entry-level jobs.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

The cost to complete the Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate is $392 and the time needed is around 8 months. The monthly cost is $49 through a Coursera subscription. Coursera offers a 7-day trial to review the course lessons before committing to a paid plan.

12. Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate

The Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate will help you build the skills needed to work as a front-end web developer. In a period of 7 months, you’ll learn how to create websites and applications using HTML and CSS, Javascript, React, and other web technologies.

Who is this for?

Anyone can apply for this course. It does not require any prior experience (or degree) with front-end web development. The lessons are designed and presented by Meta employees and are suitable for beginners.

What you’ll learn?

This certification includes 9 standalone courses covering the following topics.

• Introduction to Front-End Development
• Programming with JavaScript
• Version Control
• HTML and CSS in depth
• React Basics
• Advanced React
• Principles of UI/UX Design
• Front-End Developer Capstone
• Coding Interview Preparation

Upon completion of the course, you’ll be able to create interactive and responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and javascript. As part of the coursework, you’ll also learn how to use React, GitHub, and other popular front-end web development tools.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?

The cost to complete the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate is $343 and the time needed is around 7 months. The monthly cost is $49 through a Coursera subscription. Coursera offers a 7-day trial to review the course lessons before committing to a paid plan.

Does a Web Development Certificate Worth It?

When it comes to web development, a certification can be extremely valuable. It can show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job, and it can also help you stand out from the competition.

Another advantage of a web development certification, especially for beginners, is that it can help you build a portfolio. Many of the courses listed above include practical projects for creating websites that you can use to showcase your development skills.

Tips for Choosing a Web Development Certification Program

Choosing the best web development certification program for your needs means thinking about what you want to accomplish with your new career. Some points to look at include:

Matching career requirements: Many web development courses, including a handful of the options mentioned above, focus on specialist aspects of the developer landscape. If you want to focus on something specific, like front-end development, full-stack development, or UX web development, you’ll need to keep this in mind when looking for a course.

Updated information: The landscape for web development is always changing, with new versions of CSS, HTML, and other coding languages appearing all the time. You’ll need to ensure any course you take has access to the latest information about the languages and tools you’ll be realistically using.

Hands-on experience: Often, the best web development courses will include a hands-on project which allows you to build applications, websites, and pages. This is important not just for improving your skills, but also for building a portfolio you can use to attract potential clients and earn developer jobs in the future.

Coverage of specific applications: Many developer courses will also show you how to use development tools like MongoDB and jQuery in your projects. If you have specific knowledge of a certain set of tools already, you may want to build on this with your web development course.

Certification: A certificate from a reliable and well-known institution can help you to sell yourself to potential web development candidates.

It’s also worth looking at things like how much support you can get from mentors and tutors if you have problems with your course, and how many resources are available to download during your training experience.

Related Courses and Certifications

If a web development career is not the right option for you, you can consider alternatives likes:

• Digital marketing certification – suitable for people who don’t like coding but want to learn how online marketing works.
• Graphic design courses – similar to web development but without having to learn how to code.
• Web design courses – similar to web development but focus more on creating websites with HTML, CSS, and Javascript.