Computer programmers use a variety of programming languages to build their software. Some common languages IT professionals use include C, C++, and C#, which they can develop by completing certification programs. Learning about the different types of programming language certifications available can help you increase your earning potential and demonstrate your knowledge to future employers. In this article, we discuss what C, C++ and C# are and provide a C certification list to guide your research.
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What is C?
C is a popular general-purpose computer programming language. In 1972, Dennis Ritchie developed this language after combining features from already existing languages. Programmers often use C to script system applications, such as Linux and Windows.
List of C certifications
The following are some C certifications you can complete to advance your career:
1. C Certified Entry-Level Programmer certification
The C Certified Entry-Level (CLE) Programmer certification prepares students for the Certified Associate Programmer certification. Students looking to start a career in software development or related technologies can benefit from this program since it helps teach them the fundamental knowledge of the C programming language. Those who earn the CLE show employers they are familiar with universal computer programming concepts, such as data types and operators.
Qualifications: Since this is a prerequisite course for the Certified Associate Programmer certification, students don’t need any prior knowledge of C. To complete this program, pay the $59 exam fee and pass with a 70% score.
How to prepare: Review the universal concepts discussed in the CLE program before taking the exam.
2. C Programming Language Certified Associate
The C++ Institute offers the C Programming Language Certified Associate (CLA) for those looking to measure their ability to complete coding tasks related to the C programming language. This program also tests individuals on their fundamental programming techniques, vocabulary, and customs. After completing this program, students can write programs using standard language infrastructures.
Qualifications: To earn the CLA title, pay the $295 exam price. Participants also complete the CLA course and earn a passing score of at least 70%.
How to prepare: In order to prepare for the CLA exam, review universal concepts of computer programming and developer tools.
3. C Certified Professional Programmer
Offered through the C++ Institute, professionals can earn the C Certified Professional Programmer (CLP) professional title highlights someone’s ability to code and design with the C programming language. During this program, students learn how to handle variable numbers of parameters. Other concepts they discuss include memory and strings, network sockets, low-level IO, and processes.
Qualifications: In order to earn the CLP title, pay the $295 exam fee and earn a passing score of 70% or higher.
How to prepare: Use the C++ Institute study resources and e-learning platform to help you prepare for your CLP exam.
What is C++?
C++ is a general-purpose programming language that IT professionals use to create high-performance applications. Bjarne Stroustrup created this language in 1985 as an extension of the C programming language. This language is effective for programmers to use since it’s object-oriented and portable on multiple hardware.
3 types of C++ certifications
Here are some C++ certifications to consider earning:
1. C++ Certified Associate Programmer
The C++ Institute offers the C++ Certified Associate Programmer (CPA) to demonstrate your knowledge of coding assignments in C++. During this program, students learn about the basics of programming in C++ and techniques for creating object-oriented programming. It also teaches participants how to resolve typical implementation problems using C++.
Qualifications: Participants can receive the CPA title after completing the CPA exam, which costs $295. Passing scores are 80% or above.
How to prepare: Study the current chapter for the designated week to help you prepare for the CPA exam. You can take weekly assessments to test your knowledge.
2. C++ Certified Professional Programmer
Another C++ certification to consider pursuing is the C++ Certified Professional Programmer (CPP), presented through the C++ Institute. This is a more advanced certification and discusses more complex topics, such as the Standard Template Library and templates. Upon completion of this program, students take a 100-question exam to showcase their understanding of C++.
Qualifications: To earn the CPP title, pay the $295 exam fee and complete the CPP course. Upon completion of the course, pass the CPP exam with a score of 80% or higher.
How to prepare: Students can prepare for the CPP exam by studying definitions of C++ functions and classes and practicing solving common programming problems.
3. Star C++ Programming certification
The Star C++ Programming certification is for beginner to intermediate programmers looking to learn tips for creating C++ programs. This certification teaches students how to describe and use constructors and destructors. They also learn how to show control errors with exceptional handling.
Qualifications: Since the C++ program teaches beginner concepts, participants don’t need previous knowledge of C++. In order to complete the Star C++ Programming certification, students complete 17 modules and pass the certification exam with a 70% or higher.
How to prepare: Before taking the Star C++ Programming exam, review your course material to refresh on concepts and terms.
What is C#?
C#, or C-Sharp, is a general-purpose, multi-paradigm programming language. Microsoft architect Anders Hejlsberg developed this popular server-side and object-oriented language in 2000, which has grown in recent years as Microsoft continues to support it. C# shares similar characteristics with Java, such as being designed with runtime just-in-time compilation. You can use C# when building desktop applications, web applications, and web services.
3 C# certifications to consider
The following are some types of C# certifications to consider pursuing:
1. KnowledgeHut C# certification
The KnowledgeHut C# certification provides students with a foundational knowledge of the C# language to help them learn other programming languages. Students learn how to create, compile, and operate object-oriented C# programs. Upon completion of the program, students understand object-oriented concepts, graphical user interface design, and data encryption. The C# certification program consists of 13 modules with classes held virtually or in person.
Qualifications: KnowledgeHut recommends that students have some prior knowledge of programming language constructs before taking its course.
How to prepare: Before taking the Knowlege Hut C# exam, study your course material so you are confident and can answer your questions on the day of your exam.
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2. C Sharp Training: Learning Path
Pluralsight offers the C Sharp Training: Learning Path certification for those interested in learning more about this programming language. It’s divided into three levels, with coursework for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students. During this certification program, students complete practical assignments and attempt challenges to improve their coding. The instructors also offer tips on best practices when coding with C#.
Qualifications: Since this is a beginner certification, participants don’t need any prior experience in C# to complete this program.
How to prepare: To prepare for the C Sharp Training certification, review the videos on Plurasight’s website to practice concepts you want to understand more.
3. Microsoft Power Platform certification
The Microsoft Power Platform certification has participants create, secure, and troubleshoot power platform solutions, such as C# and JavaScript. Those pursuing this program gain an understanding of how to implement parts of a solution. Upon completion of this program, students demonstrate their competency in developing integrations, extending a platform, extending the user experience, configuring business process automation, creating and configuring power apps, configuring Microsoft Dataverse, and creating a technical design.
Qualifications: Those interested in earning this certification may benefit from having experience using power platform services. There also is a $165 exam fee.
How to prepare: Participants can choose to either take a power platform free online course or pay for an instructor-led course. To prepare for the Microsoft Power Platform certification exam, read guidebooks that discuss previous examination questions. It’s also helpful to watch video tutorials on languages and topics you have trouble understanding.
I hope you find this article helpful.
