Top 5 Blockchain Certifications To Have in 2021
Blockchain is one of if not the fastest growing interest in the digital space. First used to move Bitcoin from one address to another , the underlying technology has proven useful in numerous real world applications due to its core values of immutability , trust and transparency.
“ The next Apple or Amazon will be a company built on blockchain — and it’ll be based in Asia, not the US. “
Ben Weiss , COO of CoinFlip.
With massive institutional adoption such as PayPal’s integration of cryptocurrency or IBM developing their own blockchain as a service Hyperledger Fabric , the industry is going to need expertise to help with development , utilization and securing blockchain infrastructure.
Principles of supply and demand have sent blockchain developers , security engineers , legal consultants and related careers skyrocketing. According to Google Glassdoor , blockchain developers are compensated an average of $96 450 a year in 2020.
To up skill yourself and set you apart from the crowd , here’s some certifications worth considering to give you that edge in your resumes.
1. Certified Blockchain Professional ( EC Council )
Administered by the prestigious EC Council , who by the way also issue industry standard certifications such as CEH and CHFI , the Certified Blockchain Professional ( CBP ) course aims to get you certified and attain practical skills to apply real world blockchain applications.
The 4 phases covered in this course are as follows.
- Blockchain Fundamentals
- Applications of Blockchain Technology
- Blockchain Project Implementation
- Advanced Blockchain Development
CBP is offered in three learning modes namely , iWeek ( an online instructor led class ) , Master Class ( company wide training ) or a Training Partner ( in person classes ). All content you receive however will remain the same.
Estimated Completion Time : 3 Months , 10 hours per week.
Cost : $1515
2. Certified Blockchain Developer ( Blockchain Council )
Focused on the development side of things , Certified Blockchain Developer is an exam based training program aiming to impart in-depth practical knowledge in Blockchain technology.
This course covers some fundamental concepts of blockchain and then delves deeper into some popular development platforms. The course content overview is as such :
- Blockchain
- Multichain
- Ethereum
- Hyperledger
- Stellar
- Corda
To attain this certification , you must score 60+ marks in an online exam , with three retakes available.
Estimated Completion Time : 8 Hours
Cost : $129
3. Certified Bitcoin Professional ( Cryptocurrency Certification Consortium )
This certification is more focused on the Bitcoin technology specifically on the Bitcoin blockchain , transactions and how the network operates.
However unlike other courses , you only apply to take the exam and conduct independent research based on a study guide provided. Topics covered in the study guide include :
- History of Money and Ledger based Economics
- Basic Cryptography
- Bitcoin Basics
- Mining
- Wallets, Clients and Key Management
- Bitcoin Commerce
The online examination consists of 75 multiple-choice and true/false questions covering topics in the study guide provided. You must score a minimum of 70% within 20 minutes , and only one attempt is allowed.
Estimated Completion Time : Self paced , you study independently and take the exam when you’re ready.
Cost : Exam ( $99.99 CAD ) , Application Fees ( $39.99 CAD ) , all in all $140 CAD or $107 USD. You can only pay for this in Bitcoin.
4. IBM Blockchain Foundation Developer V2
Tailored specifically towards the IBM Blockchain ecosystem , you will receive full hands on training on the key concepts , components and capabilities of IBM’s own Hyperledger Fabric platform.
A sample of topics from the syllabus mentioned include :
- Creating , Deploying and Invoking a Smart Contract
- Upgrading and Debugging Smart Contracts
- Testing Smart Contracts
- Publishing events
Upon completing the final exam , you will receive a certificate of completion and IBM’s Digital Badge which you can display on your LinkedIn profile.
Estimated Completion Time : 6 hours
Cost : FREE !
5. Certified Blockchain Security Professional ( Blockchain Training Alliance )
Security is another top priority in blockchain that companies want to get right since millions of dollars are potentially on the line. Being recognized as a Certified Blockchain Security Professional demonstrates your knowledge of security threats and attacks ( to date ) on a blockchain network and best practices to mitigate such issues.
A look at some notable subtopics covered in their exam are :
- Consensus in blockchain
- Smart Contract Security
- Blockchain Risk Assessment
- Advanced Blockchain Security Mechanisms
To attain this certification , you are required to sit for an exam consisting of 70 multiple choice questions to be completed within 90 minutes. The minimum passing score to obtain is 70%.
Estimated Completion Time : Self paced , you prepare beforehand and take the exam when you are ready. No study guides are provided.
Cost : $300
What Works Best For You
Not all certifications are created equally. I personally believe in choosing certifications that will give you both recognition and implementable knowledge in your career , not simply to fill your trophy case.
That said , happy studying and be proud of taking part in this revolution that will potentially influence the world in the same way email changed the internet , forever.
