Best Python Certification Courses for Beginners in 2024 [Free and Paid]
With so many good Python certification courses available from various platforms, it can be difficult to pick one.
Best Python Certification Courses for Beginners in 2024 [Free and Paid]
So, which one should you go with?
If you are a beginner looking to get certified in Python, here are our picks for the best Python certification courses — based on your learning needs and what they offer.
Note: Though certifications are nice to have, they are not detrimental to your chances of landing a Python-related job. Today, employers care more about whether you can work with Python than if you have certifications.
Having said that, gaining certifications can help in two ways:
- If you benefit from having an external motivator, taking certification courses or preparing for a certification test can be helpful.
- A reputable certification can be a great addition to your resume, especially if you're trying for your first job or internship.
PCEP - Certified Entry-level Python Certification
Best for: those looking for a standardized Python certification
If you are a Python beginner looking for certifications, Python Institute's certifications will be one of the first options you find.
Python Institute's PCEP—Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer is the perfect certification for beginners just getting their hands dirty with Python. This lifetime certification unlocks after a fairly standardized test and lets you call yourself an entry-level Python programmer.
And, if you feel like getting another certification down the line, Python Institute has an entire roadmap of certifications — in areas like data science, security, network programming, and web development, and for associate and professional levels.
Standout features:
- Partnerships with reputed organizations like Pearson VUE and Cisco Networking Academy for study materials and tests
- Standardized tests
Details
- Focuses on Python basics
- Test duration: 40-45 minutes
- 30 questions
Pricing
- Exams start at $59
- Practice test costs $29
Master Python Certification
Best for: those looking to build a solid foundation in Python programming with hands-on learning
Python certifications are valuable because they show you have put in the reps and know what you claim to know.
So, if you want a certification course that lets you learn, practice, and struggle with problems, our Master Python learning path will be the best for you.
Our learning path consists of 6 curated courses — Learn Python Basics, Python Basics Challenges, Python Beyond Basics, Beyond Basics Challenges, DSA with Python, and Python Interview Questions — all of which teach you Python from scratch and unlock a professional certificate at the end.
Within the learning path are dedicated challenge courses — Python Basics Challenges and Beyond Basics Challenges. You have to complete these to unlock the certification, which means you will be as good at Python as after any standardized tests.
Standout features:
- Integrated quizzes, challenges, and projects to give you a well-rounded understanding of Python
- Designed to force you to code and solve problems — you cannot unlock the certification unless you pass all the challenges
Details
- Basic and Advanced Python concepts
- Duration: 2 months
- Course type: Interactive
Pricing
- $30/month (with a 14-day money-back guarantee)
- $10/month (Annual Plan)
CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python
Best for: those looking for a reputable, free certification course with video lectures
Looking for a reputable certification in Python programming but on the fence about spending money? Harvard University has you covered.
CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python from Harvard University is a great beginners' course on Python programming. Besides being a well-recommended course for Python (with problem sets and a final project), it also lets you choose between two kinds of certifications.
The first is a free CS50 certification, which you unlock if you score at least 70% on each of its problems and the final project.
The second kind is an edX-verified certification, for which you must enroll in the course through edX.
The only drawback would be that the course doesn't force you to code. You are encouraged to code, but you can binge on the lectures without typing any code if you wish.
Standout features:
- Taught by David J. Malan, a renowned programming instructor
- Options for both free and paid certifications
Details
- Covers Python basics
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Course type: Video lectures
- Problem sets, final project
Pricing
- Free through Harvard OpenCourseWare (CS50 Certificate)
- $299 through edX (Verified Certificate)
Python for Everybody
Best for: those interested in data science and looking for a university-issued career certification
Python for Everybody Specialization is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to Python for anyone interested. And it comes with a certificate from the University of Michigan, which is great if you are looking for a career certification from a reputable organization.
But this specialization offers you more than just certification.
First, it is especially focused on working with data using Python. So, it is great if you are thinking of getting into data science.
Second, Python for Everybody is designed to be a preview of sorts to their Master of Applied Data Science program. If you are considering pursuing higher education in data science, doing this course should tell you if you are made for it.
Its one drawback is that it doesn't offer much interactivity — the course itself does not force you to write code.
Standout features:
- Focused on data science with Python rather than general programming in Python
- Helps people make decisions about further education and prepare for a degree
Details
- Basic and advanced Python concepts
- Duration: 2 months
- Course type: Video lectures
Pricing
- $49/month after a 7-day Free Trial
Final Thoughts
Python certifications, even though not essential, can help in improving self-confidence and keeping you motivated when learning.
The certification courses mentioned above are all great options. The only thing you should pay attention to is what you want out of your resource. These include:
- Do you prefer videos or text?
- How much interactivity and hands-on experience do you want?
- Do you want a course that focuses on a specific domain with Python?