Why Self-Taught Developers SHOULD Get Certified

There seems to be a lot of backlash out there about the validity of IT certifications and whether they help you all. Many say they are a waste of time and don't really prove anything.
In this video, I want to talk about it given my experience with getting a few certifications as well as being in the industry 7 years.
I'll give 3 reasons why I think self-taught developers and DevOps engineers SHOULD get certified, offer my suggestions for courses and paths, and end with a few warnings.
What certifications did I miss? Which do you think are valuable? Let's discuss in the comments.
Course recommendations
AWS Cloud Practitioner - geni.us/X08kfh
AWS Solutions Architect - geni.us/eZnE
Azure AZ-900 - geni.us/ZHsiQq
Azure AZ-104 - geni.us/BHx4wLW
Google - geni.us/RgVuS6r
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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:39 Reason 1
03:03 Reason 2
03:56 Reason 3
05:16 What certifications?
07:02 What and where to learn?
10:34 Warning 1
11:04 Warning 2
11:38 Warning 3 (important)
12:49 Outro
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[@d-papa-dragon]

Certification is giving confidence, and that is very important and efficient. Without it, self-taught developer could learn too much, and still not feeling good enough.

[@YuckFou0x0FFFF]

Certifications = 🚫📚

[@copperstate-it-llc]

I have a BSCS with a minor in Software Engineering, graduated in 1994. I went the certification route instead of a MSCS. I have about 18 different certs, 5 of them AWS. What you said about not puffing up is very true. I went the cert route because it kept me up to date with technology, the cloud wasn't even a thing in 1994! I treated all my certs like the final semester exam in college. Learned a lot of knowledge and can demonstrate what I know with a certification but I know the only way to gain expertise is hands-on. I recommend others working on certs, once they pass they should put together a video showing them implementing solving some problem - like design & implement Spotify, etc. Use screen capture software showing how you are doing this implementation and build up a portfolio of solutions. Use both the web UI and TerraForm to build out these environments. Good luck!

[@TravisMedia]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Roundabout-Cams]

Thanks for the advice friend

[@orangemoonglows2692]

your videos are always so good. to the point, no ego, no weird selling, no b.s., but very knowledgeable. there are some people i just don't believe. thank you.

[@aipujols]

Hi Travis. You story is very true, I just got out of a AI bootcamp and I got my AZ-900 cert, and it helped me find job quicker than my counterparts.

[@electrictrojan6719]

Build projects using the things you learnt in the tutorial/certification and that really helps...

[@TravisMedia]

It does!

[@princeewen8151]

Hi Travis, I wish to say thank you for your inspirational story on your coding and programming journey. I have downloaded it and each time I am down, I listen to it for courage to go on dispite life's challenges.

[@Zale370]

TLDR: 1. Certifications can add to a self-taught developer's credibility and show potential employers that they are serious about their pursuit. 2. Certifications can accelerate learning and fill gaps in knowledge, making it easier to become a well-rounded developer. 3. Certifications demonstrate drive and passion for the industry, which is appreciated by employers. 4. It is important to choose the right certification, such as the official associate-level exam for a major cloud. 5. Udemy courses are a great resource for studying for certifications, and discounts can often be found. 6. Don't let certifications go to your head or distract from other important aspects of career growth. 7. It is crucial to actually learn the material in certifications by doing hands-on work and understanding concepts beyond just memorizing answers.

[@kozavr]

Thanks, man

[@VileAlberto]

very WELL SAID

[@gustavemuhoza4212]

Spot on. 15 years of experience and a computer science degree but I have found certifications to be useful if you're really interested in learning. Also, sometimes, there is no other way to get recruiters to notice you. Even if you know your stuff but have had no actual job experience, recruiters who don't believe in hands-on challenges would have no other way to prove that you really know what you claim to know or that at least you're get up to speed fast once on the job. Sometimes certs show show the discipline to go out and learn as well as interest in the field. And as you mentioned in the case of security plus, you really get to know stuff you're have not thought about which helps you communicate better with other teams and even might lead you to find other areas that might interest you more. One more thing, certifications like the AWS ones that require you to take them again every 3 years keep you updated on what's going on in the industry even if you're not working in that specific area for example. Yes, as long as you're not just a certification chaser, ignore the haters.

[@TravisMedia]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lucyk7292]

thanks for another valuable, insightful, practical and to the point video. highly appreciated.

[@expeditionbasset]

Great video Travis! Makes me feel motivated to get certified (FINALLY)

[@ildar5184]

The reason I'm taking cloud certs is because they give me motivation to learn stuff I wouldn't be leaning otherwise, including knowledge that you don't obtain by just practicing with the tools. When I started preparing for aws saa, I discovered how much I hadn't known, and hadn't even expected that. Would definitely recommend passing at least one cloud cert, even for those who work with e.g. aws for like 10 years.

[@nofuture9971]

thank you man i just started grinding back programming this motivated me thanks allot

[@WillyRahmannanoff]

My gut feeling is that people like Travis because he’s just not an asshole. He comes across as a genuinely helpful person. Props to you bro!

[@TheWiseRabbit]

This is a very good video. I love the coupons page!

[@mukyt]

Thanks for the video Travis. I was very confused for about 2 weeks which certification i should start first . Thank you once again

[@cryptocsguy9282]

I studied software engineering at 2 universities but I failed one course and dropped out of the other so I don't have a degree but I do have experience in software development. I'm working on getting my tech certifications and as someone who has done a bit of both the university and self taught route I see the merits of both. There's even some courses on sites like coursera that are run by universities so you get some kind of university online qualification that's different from a traditional degree. I understand the point you're making about not getting too many certifications simply for the sake of it but personally I'm curious and passionate about working in different areas of the tech industry over the course of my career including the software side and integrated circuit design so I don' t mind racking up a few certificates because I plan to use that knowledge

[@maxfrischdev]

Thanks for the great video Travis

[@smspelomundo]

Your voice is really nice to hear.

[@Triple_A-679]

Just my opinion, for programming since Oracle owns Java, I think getting the Java cert - OCP etc, will be very beneficial.

[@donstamps]

Great advise! Thank you!

[@KRICHAN_Technologies]

Nice video and thank you very much for your information

[@leoespejo7437]

very wise advise, thanks for that

[@ArnabJhaYT]

Thank you, this was very informative.

[@user-ij9wu7jk5w]

Nice video. Thanks. Can you make video about Oracle Cloud?

[@alien6874]

Great timing. I was just searching for this.

[@itsybitsy8385]

hey wanna network?

[@alien6874]

@@itsybitsy8385 Sure

[@uriahgardner5977]

Volunteer work, internships, and a portfolio of projects to go along with the certification.

[@michaelolukaka]

Awesome content. The last advice where u need to understand the course should be number one. haha

[@ardaghion]

At 60 I’m not sure I’m going to change careers to a software developer. As a broadcast engineer the additional training and certification in cloud engineering will keep me relevant. I’m glad I heard of udemy through your channel, I’ll be looking for those discounts though.

[@codedevrob9853]

Good luck on your journey sir. I'm just a few years younger than you and still learning as well to stay relevant.

[@m.ehtizan]

Hey Travis, I just watched your video and I must say that it was really informative and well-made. I loved your videos. I was wondering if I could help you edit your videos and also make highly engaging shorts for you?

[@sber3911]

Don't let it puff you up!.....Gotta love this line. So true and thanks for the good overview. Reminds of the Fedex commercial, I got a MBA. The smug new employee states I have an MBA and the boss tells him I better show you how to do the shipping. LOL!

[@TravisMedia]

😂

[@Xtc_Studio]

Woot first comment hahaha but was looking into aszu cert Microsoft so wondering what way to go

[@smjdrums]

Thanks for tgese video's, they're extremely helpfull! And also, thanks for the discounted links for the udemy course! Legend 🙏

[@codedaddy1646]

Thank you for this video. I appreciate the insight. Would you say that the value translates the same for self-taught Front-End devs?

[@mukyt]

Hey Travis can you make the Oracel certifications like Java, SQL etc....

[@msconando]

I almost got puffed up, but that was for about one week...when I had a mock interview I knew there's much more to be learned. I deflated REAL quick!! Hahahaha thanks for being real.

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

I used to get certified in the late 90's early 2000's and it was really helpful but later no one cared after that...

[@franko8572]

Wym? That once you got the first job, that’s all that mattered after that? Or did you mean that it was no longer considered good a couple years later?

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

@@franko8572 the industry stopped caring if you had them

[@franko8572]

@@flogginga_dead_horse4022 Dang, so all the care about is can the mf do the job, eh?

[@FrontWaveMaverick]

Hi Travis! What do you think about Meta Front-End certificate from coursera? Will it be having the same weight as the ones listed by you in the video?

[@a.drummond8745]

I am glad I found this page

[@muwagamicheal8317]

Thanks Travis

[@ruirodrigues2938]

Has a self taught software engineer with no academic background on IT, certs serve to prove my dedication to my new path. Also, it motivates me to study more

[@sebastianochoa7780]

If I'm trying to get into fullstack, would it be good to get a cloud cert like GCP ACE?

[@albirtarsha5370]

If I were to get the certifications that I was interested in, then I would probably have about 15 certs. That seems like a lot, but compare that to the 100 Udemy courses Travis owns. Over the time of a career and considering the rate of new technologies, 15 certs doesn't seem unreasonable. Now multiply 15 by $300 and you get $4500. That stings.

[@geek49203]

Job interview last month... "Do you have your A+ certification?". I might've lost the job when I said, "Well, it didn't start until I'd been in the the profession for 10 years, already had my Novell certs. By the time it became popular, I was domain admin for a state gov'ts AD domain...." Back in the day, we talked about "paper CNE" or "paper MCSE" where the folks could tell you that the third word in the fourth paragraph of the 115th page of the second appendix, but they couldn't function on the job.

[@ChessGrandmaster]

I think the reason your comment doesn't have the 1000 likes it Deserves is because guys may not be fully understand it.

[@sheenismhaellim2215]

Hey @TravisMedia, What did you do before you started your programming carrer during your 30s?

[@anasouardini]

Certificates are not mandatory, except if you have 0 nodes in your social network. I might be wrong, but from my experience, networking beats ANYTHING: the bigger network you have the better you'll be at bypassing useless filters.

[@seetsamolapo5600]

Suggestions how to do that?

[@anasouardini]

​@@seetsamolapo5600 I personally use LinkedIn and write automation scripts to connect with lots of people, especially the decision makers in a target city. I've learned the essence of this from a book called "Super_Secrets_of_the_Successful_First_Time_Jobseeker_Everything_You_Need_to_Know". You must have heard this one: "It's not what you know; it's who you know", which is, in my opinion, very very true; people hire people because they like them, as simple as that, you might not get this at the first glance, but over time, this will sink in and you'll be like: what the....?? Unless you're socially genius, in which case you won't be reading this comment anyways, at least without laughing at my understanding of this complicated over-socialized world. Although, smarter people (socially) would go far beyond LinkedIn scraping :), there is no limit, you just have to be creative and brave enough to apply those creative moves. Some people even stalk CEOs and influencers at gyms and the likes, My brain went slfjas???!! when I first heard this one. I would never see myself advancing to that level, I'm not meant for this :). Those are just examples, and as you might guessed, there is no trick, you just do it or not. I mean you can do it miserably as a starting point, but you get my point ;).

[@mahmutalkhuiski9026]

Yes, U r correct. Even If u got PhD and endless certificates networking is very essential to get a Job.

[@LagrangePoint0]

@@mahmutalkhuiski9026 aaaand how do you do that?

[@nathanliew2103]

@@LagrangePoint0 Go meet solution architects that are in the sales side. They literally know everyone. They architect cloud solutions but also deal with different cloud vendors and technologies. They do a lot of the talking so it's pretty easy to have conversations with them. You'd be surprised.

[@mamun001]

Thanks!

[@souvikkundu]

Thank you

[@samrasoli]

useful, thanks

[@david121212v]

What do you think about databricks certifications ?

[@kapitan5888]

At this point, i longer care if i have cool looking software engineering job, i just enjoy learning C++ and express. Later i plan to dive into react and going into game for after c++ . I am fine with a job as long as it does not disturb my learning.

[@FreeThink1984]

Tysm

[@contort69]

But what about software DEVELOPER certifications like OCA and OCP Java certs from Oracle do you think they are worth doing?

[@mitreshdabhi9630]

What about people going in the ai/ml field?

[@paulosilva-tz8el]

hey,im 35 yo and im planning to switch carreer to developer i rly like backend,do you think a degree would be need or helpa lot?or certifications would be best thing?or is there a better route ?

[@korg47237]

The problem with all these certs is the upkeep, generally renew every 3 years. I just see all these people on linked in "9x AWS 9x Azure certified!" thinking how often they need to recertify. Years go by real quick to just be studying for certs all the time.

[@itsybitsy8385]

are you a programmer or smth ? I really am looking to network with like-minded people yk .

[@cryptochatter7279]

Certifications are useful to get foot in the door first job then the experience from the jobs and your skills will be looked at not that you kept recertifying

[@cryptocsguy9282]

@Korg there's loads of certificates that don't require rectification but maybe not AWS

[@the_mathildablythe1158]

Hey travis. ı wanna learn english but ı dont know where the start. do you have any suggestions for me

[@drakata27]

Is it worth it getting aws solutions architect associate for a university student in computer science? Will that help me get a software development internship? Thanks

[@nileshjain1090]

Can Travis or Someone else help me carve out a devops certification roadmap? Like should i do the Comptia linux + or some other certification as am completing my degree by the end of this year (its a correspondence degree so am simply as freaked out as a self taught IT person) Always welcoming feedback!🙌

[@thierrykas1528]

Hey Folks, I don't know what's wrong with me but I got my Java-certified Associate 1Z0-808, Azure AZ-900, but still struggling to find a job. I'm looking for a software developer and DevOps position but since nothing, give me a chance to not puffed up!

[@nicolasg.b.1728]

I'm entering MLOps world. I have experience doing ML Research, but I want to expand my view. What certifications are a good choice? Snowflake, AWS Solution Architect, Kubernetes, Google ML Engineer?

[@riclerico]

hi, for aws why not the developer associate???

[@NatashaT329]

Strange I was just thinking about a certification since I am transitioning into Tech.

[@speakwellguru]

Hi Travis, I am a Fraud Care Analyst in Fraud Investigation• Which course should I go for cyber security? Thanks

[@docsterdoc1764]

I clicked the link for 12.99 courses for the month of June but udemy still wants to charge me 19.99 ??? What am I missing

[@user-vp1rl8sk2w]

Ill say this not all certs are made equal, as an interviewer if someone has AWS SSA i couldnt give less of a crap. It's a $300 gimmie. Maybe some higher level AWS cert but those generally require actual experience to get. Now CKA/CKS or CCNA I take more seriously, it means a lot more than any aws cert that's for sure

[@andytheindividual3862]

Hey Travis. I am working hard to pursue my dreams of becoming a Software developer. In today's market, do you really think I could make it as self taught? 🥺

[@mahmutalkhuiski9026]

It takes very long time to be a good software developer. U should be a nerd working for 12 to 14 hrs per day.

[@andytheindividual3862]

@@mahmutalkhuiski9026 are you a developer sir ?

[@mahmutalkhuiski9026]

@@andytheindividual3862 I'm a Marine Geophysicist and learned software engineering and Data science to aid me in my mathematical models and geophysical modules. From my experience It needs a lot of time and dedication to master software engineering. I'm currently applying python, Matlab, SQL, SPSS, R, etc... In my career.

[@andytheindividual3862]

@@mahmutalkhuiski9026 woah, that is amazing. Good for you !!

[@whatsappvideosandgifs4315]

​@@andytheindividual3862mastering software development takes a lot of time and skill. You can get into the industry with intermediate knowledge and learn by working there on real time projects.

[@cesarlabastida1392]

Even us with degrees should get certified

[@traezeeofor]

I feel title is misleading or click bait. Should be "Why Self-Taught Developers SHOULD Get CLOUD Certified".

[@lacroixboi]

Stephane Maarek is great for aws certs

[@arnoldpatopaten2156]

Experience alone is a slow process of earning skills.

[@93kumite]

Hey guys can someone suggest me one of the best resources for learning wordpress ? Cuz I cannot find a kind of roadmap, I was used to see and study roadmaps for front end etc but I'm noticing that with wordpress is a bit different. I'd like to know some resource that helps you step by step from the beginning ( although I am already looking for it ) Travis do you have some advice ? Thanks

[@TravisMedia]

I started with WordPress and learned from the Udemy course by Zac Gordon. It was really good but it's been years and I'm not sure without looking if it's been updated over the years. Now I would probably recommend Brad Schiff's course as he's a great teacher and I've heard great thighs about it. Also know some basic PHP first. Anyone else have a recommendation?

[@AvatarEarthling]

Are there any certifications for Full Stack Developer?

[@mansouralshamri1387]

I want to know this too

[@Bill0102]

I'm completely absorbed in this. I had the privilege of reading something similar, and I was completely absorbed. "Mastering AWS: A Software Engineers Guide" by Nathan Vale

[@aldorodriguez7310]

I have not seen content about certifications aimed towards entrepreneurs. Every video is about gettin a job.

[@uriahgardner5977]

Why not the Developer certs for Azure, and AWS as the recommendation for Developers?

[@TravisMedia]

The Developer cert is fine as well for an Associate level cert. I usually mention the solutions architect as a well-rounded, "fits-all" cert but the developer cert for developers or even the sysop for ops people is good.

[@yesyes9698]

Is it me or the sound was low? Couldn’t hear much.

[@galleon8129]

Let’s hear from the seniors

[@onyeka14]

Hi sir, AWS Certified Solutions Architect and AWS Certified developer which should i get first as a self taught Developer

[@TravisMedia]

Either one is helpful, but I would suggest the Solutions Architect as it's more well rounded. And if you pass that you could essentially pass the developer shortly after.

[@Ricocase]

What if one studies machine learning first, then cloud, solution associate? Out of order😮

[@bucketflow]

Is DSA imp to get high paying job ?

[@void-9]

yes

[@marcospicciani61]

No Oracle Java certification?

[@TravisMedia]

I've never been too involved with Java. Probably a good option. Any specific recommendations (which cert or learning materials for those who.may be interested)?

[@ovo9350]

But I has no money.

[@hamids4550]

almost every job requires those certifications

[@seetsamolapo5600]

Happy and sad at the same time that I'm doing the SAA CO3 cert. Happy because it's recommended, sad because I've been studying it flr so long

[@ramisultana3325]

u r abeast. thanks man

[@itsybitsy8385]

hey wanna network?

[@Vorenus875]

My DreamWeaver certificate is still proudly hanging on my wall 😂

[@t0khyo]

We want a video about why good developers are bald 😳?

[@TravisMedia]

Stress 😂

[@allybiggs5423]

Majority of people who slate certs are too lazy and not disciplined enough to put the work in to get them.... They has this ego and stubborness not to embrace different methods and don't adapt well to change and emerging technology

[@InfoTechno150]

promosm

[@brewedscript1014]

Certifications are overpriced just like academic study

[@MrPotScraperz]

lol im doing the same thing

[@galaxy792]

I've left college in only first sem because in college, I didn't found myself comfortable and now I'm warried as to get job in faang. Can I get job in faang without CS degree ? From India

[@cryptocsguy9282]

@galaxy stop worrying about FAANG there's 100s of large tech companies (admittedly not as large or mainstream as FAANG) that you could work and i'm sure many accept certifications

[@imimran924]

what about codeacademy and coursera?

[@filipniklas]

I also would like to know this

[@trappedcat3615]

Not all certifications are created equal

[@gavinkalaher7314]

Just depends. There's "certification of completion" (nobody cares about these) and "Associate Certifications" (highly regarded). I'd recommend a cloud Associate Certification (Azure/AWS), MongoDB (free certs) and Kubernetes. These are worthwhile and essential skills. Everything else is down to prime-quality portfolio projects.

[@imimran924]

@@gavinkalaher7314 thank you!

[@gavinkalaher7314]

@@imimran924 by the way, learn Docker first before learning Kubernetes ;)

[@gersimuca]

I always feel Certification are a waste of time,

[@TravisMedia]

Perhaps for those already deep in the industry but for self taught devs new or trying to land a job, I think they are beneficial in numerous ways.

[@richardsandford3439]

After 48 year in the industry.. I couldn't disagree more.. Certifications Sure - Great to have.... but DON'T PAY A DIME for them at least out of your own pocket. The truth of the matter is, Your learning and paying for other peoples Ideas and experience to USE other peoples ideas..... Try having one for yourself.

[@ArtyomGalstyan]

certifications are meaningless. If you want to get certified, you have to recertify on a constant basis. One you get certified, and if you don't use the platform or knowledge you've been certified on a daily basis, you'll just forget everything in half a year, Not even talking about how fast everything changes. The only thing you must be certified for is a problem solving skill. The rest you will learn as you go.

[@Decimo10X]

Tell that to the employers genius.

[@Apopjak]

Her Trevys, is it worth it to take oracle. 1z0-818 certification exam for java? thanks

[@laliankeesb9799]

i disagree for coding