Blockchain Professional Certification: How to Become Proficient in Blockchain Skills
Blockchain skills is one of the top in-demand skills in the industry, according to the LinkedIn jobs 2020 report. The number of blockchain jobs is significantly high and is expected to be more in the future. Naturally, this is an opportunity for developers, working professionals, and other job seekers to carve a career in the emerging blockchain technology sector. However, the supply of blockchain talent is low.
High demand and low supply of talent skilled in blockchain technology also mean competitive compensation for job seekers. The average salary of a blockchain developer in the U.S. is $157,893, according to Zip Recruiter, making blockchain jobs one of the highest paying jobs in the technology sector.
One incredible way for job seekers to equip themselves with the requisite blockchain skills is taking blockchain certification. Globally-recognized certifications are highly valuable and add credibility to the experience. Further, a certification covers all the necessary skills required to excel as a developer.
Demand for blockchain professionals
Today blockchain technology is a strategic priority for enterprises. Companies worldwide are expected to spend as much as $15.7 billion by 2023 on blockchain-based solutions, according to Statista. So blockchain skills are not only important from an operational point of view but from the business perspective too. Understanding how blockchain technology will increase the value of existing business processes and the risk associated with it are equally important. Blockchain professional certifications can equip aspirants with this knowledge.
Blockchain skills
A blockchain engineer and/or developer needs a gamut of skills. The following are prominent skills to excel in a blockchain development role.
Cryptography – Blockchain’s most formidable feature is the immutability of data records, meaning once a transaction occurs the record is temper –proof. The technology inherits this feature from cryptography. A few standard protocols enable this feature. To build custom blockchain networks, understanding of these protocols is important.
Data structures – Blockchain’s robust security is a result of the complex use of data structures like Merkle trees and Patricia trees. Thus, a solid understanding of data structures is essential to excel as a blockchain engineer or developer.
Smart contract development – Smart contracts are a novel use-case of blockchain technology. They facilitate an easier and transparent transaction, making business processes more efficient. The use of smart contracts is picking up traction across the industry. Several platforms like Ethereum, Corda, EOS, Stellar, and more are used for smart contract development. Thus, understanding of a few of these platforms is essential to thriving in a blockchain career.
Web development – Building Dapps (decentralized) requires extensive knowledge of web development. Understanding of both server-side (backend) development (backend) and client-side (front-end development) is essential. As Dapps are used on mobile or website, this knowledge helps to build applications.
Blockchain certifications
The following are prominent blockchain certification bodies.
Blockchain Training Alliance
BTA offers a range of blockchain professional certification. The body, however, is known for the following specialty certifications. You can specialize in one blockchain platform and/or take comprehensive training that equips you with the knowledge of building a custom blockchain network.
1. Certified Blockchain Solution Architect (BTA CBSA)
2. Certified Blockchain Business Foundations (CBBF)
3. Certified Blockchain Developer Ethereum (CBDE)
4. Certified Blockchain Developer Hyperledger Fabric (CBDH)
5. Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP)
Central Blockchain Council of America
Central Blockchain Council of America (CBCA) is the world’s leading blockchain professional certification body. It offers the following certifications, which stand as the gold standard of blockchain skills in their respective areas. You can develop high proficiency in the application of blockchain for business by taking BBP (Business Blockchain Professional) and/or equip yourself with technical skills required to build blockchain applications and network by taking CBE (Certified Blockchain Engineer)
- Business Blockchain Professional (BBP)
- Certified Blockchain Engineer (CBE)
- Global Blockchain Leader (GBL)
Blockchain Council
Similar to the Blockchain Training Alliance, Blockchain Council offers a range of specialty certifications. You can specialize in one blockchain development platform, cryptocurrency, and/or equip yourself with the comprehensive knowledge blockchain development and its ecosystem.
- Certified Blockchain ExpertTM (CBE)
- Certified Blockchain DeveloperTM (CBD)
- Certified Cryptocurrency ExpertTM (CCE)
- Certified Blockchain ArchitectTM (CBA)
