Why you need certified developers for your website project

The developers on your team might be well-versed in a range of programming languages, but it is unlikely that they are quite so confident when it comes to navigating your CMS.

Unless they are the proud owners of a CMS certification, that is. But does it really matter? And what could a CMS certified developer add to your team?

Not every CMS is alike

Alas, there is no one-size-fits-all training when it comes to mastering the world of content management systems. While each system shares similar features, there are plenty of quirks that can trip up even the most experienced developers.

Differences in templating, the configuration of content types, and UI navigation are only the tip of the iceberg. To get to grips with everything, training is a must. Documentation can get developers far, but as a trusted partner or agency for clients, nothing spells ”confidence” as good as a certification.

Best practice

CMS certification is not just a pretty bauble—it is a worthy investment in the quality, security, and performance of your CMS. A certified developer will have the tools to follow best practice when building and maintaining your system, ensuring you never have to sacrifice security or efficiency.

And it does not only have to be a matter of trust. Certification is solid evidence that a developer knows the solution, making them an invaluable resource when it comes to providing advisory and helping out other developers and co-workers.

Kickstart your project

When your team is eager to get started with a new CMS, the last thing they need is to be slowed down by developers still learning the ropes. When you bring CMS certified developers onboard, you can guarantee that they will sprint in the right direction from the start.

That is because dedicated training teaches a developer the solution as well as the route. Knowing all the essential ins and outs of a system, the developers can then help speed things up by applying smart solutions and shortcuts for your team to take advantage of.

Do you love smooth projects? Well, we do too »

Gain skills for your developers

CMS certification is not just a boon for project managers—it can also give developers a massive boost to their résumés. With a solid certification under their belt, developers are able to demonstrate dedication to their profession, prove their credibility, and get access to a whole load of new opportunities.

In a crowded market, it is essential that developers stay one step ahead of the rest, and getting a CMS certification is a guaranteed way to do just that. The more competency your developers can showcase, the greater probability it is for them to be chosen for a given digital project.

See also: How Enonic's community can help your projects »

How to certify developers

Not all certification programmes are created equal. Before jumping into the deep end, developers should read through official resources from vendors or partners.

Once they have picked the right certification programme, they’ll need to enrol. Training might be a mixture of online courses, self study, and in-person workshops, usually culminating in a multiple choice test.

The best programmes really challenge developers, equipping them with the toolkit they need to tackle any problem a CMS might throw at them. Make sure that the final test is no walk in the park. It should be the tool that really separates the wheat from the chaff.

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Having certified developers on your digital project is the best way to evoke confidence, utilize best practices, get an early boost, and gain real skills for your developers to showcase. In a world overflowing with different actors vying for your project's attention, proven certification can be the tipping point.

First published 16 July 2019, updated 23 June 2021.