Main image of article iOS Developer Certifications: Are They Worth Pursuing?

While certifications aren’t necessary for every tech job, possessing at least a few certifications can help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants. If you’re an iOS developer, will certifications help you land a job? And if so, which ones?

Before we begin, it’s also helpful to note that the path to certification involves quite a bit of training, which can help your larger career aspirations. Even if you don’t necessarily need an iOS developer certification to land a job, pursuing certifications can help you learn the foundations of iOS development, which will only pay off in the years to come.

What does an iOS developer do?

Depending on the needs of an employer and the apps or services a developer is working on, an iOS developer may do radically different things on a day-to-day basis. No matter what their company or project, though, here are some core iOS developer responsibilities:

  • Designing and developing iOS apps: iOS developers work with designers and other stakeholders to create the layout and functionality of iOS apps. They then use programming languages like Swift or Objective-C to develop the code that powers the apps.
  • Testing and debugging apps: Once an app is developed, iOS developers test it to ensure it works as expected. They also debug the app to fix any errors.
  • Updating and maintaining apps: Once an app is released, iOS developers may need to update it to fix bugs or add new features. They may also need to maintain the app to ensure it continues working properly on new iOS versions.
  • Working with other developers: iOS developers often work with other developers, such as back-end and web developers, to create complete applications. They may also need to work with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements and feedback.
  • Staying up-to-date on the latest technologies: The iOS development landscape is constantly evolving, so iOS developers need to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies. This includes learning about new programming languages, frameworks, and tools.
  • Giving presentations: iOS developers may be asked to give presentations about their work to other developers or potential clients.
  • Participating in open-source projects: iOS developers may contribute to open source projects, which can help them to learn new skills and to network with other developers.

Which certifications are best for iOS developers to have?

Apple has paired with third-party developers to offer two certifications in the Swift programming language, which is fundamental for building apps and services in the Apple ecosystem:

  • App Development with Swift (Associate)
  • App Development with Swift (Certified User)

You can access these certifications via Certiport.

Apple also offers lengthy courses in app development, including the fundamentals of iOS, Xcode, SwiftUI, UIKit, and more. Combined, these courses take about 14 hours; successful completion will result in a “verified digital badge” you can mention in job applications and display on networking sites.

“Apple’s certified developer certification is designed to assess an individual's knowledge of Apple's development tools, programming languages (such as Swift and Objective-C), and best practices for developing iOS apps,” notes Dmitrii Ivashchenko, lead developer at my.games. “Achieving this certification demonstrates a solid foundation in iOS development and familiarity with Apple's ecosystem. Other industry-recognized organizations also provide valuable iOS certifications besides Apple's certification.”

“Coding bootcamp certifications can also help,” Maksim Kalik, senior iOS engineer at Triumph Labs, tells Dice. “Certifications from reputable boot camps like App Academy, Flatiron School, or General Assembly can show your in-depth dedication to learning iOS development.”

If you enjoy learning via online courses, you can obtain certifications that shown you’ve satisfactorily completed their coursework. “E-learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX offer courses created by reputable organizations or universities in iOS development,” Kalik adds. “These often come with certificates upon completion.”

What soft skills will an iOS developer certification not teach you?

You’ll learn quite a bit during the iOS developer certification process. However, much of this knowledge is centered around technical skills. Some of the most important soft skills for iOS developers include:

  • Communication: iOS developers need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of people, including other developers, clients, and users. They need to be able to explain their ideas clearly and to listen to feedback.
  • Problem-solving: iOS developers need to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
  • Critical thinking: iOS developers need to be able to think critically about their work. They need to be able to evaluate and analyze information and make sound decisions.
  • Teamwork: iOS developers need to work effectively as part of a team. They need to be able to collaborate with others, share ideas, and give and receive feedback.
  • Time management: iOS developers need to manage their time effectively. They need to be able to set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Attention to detail: iOS developers need to be able to pay attention to detail. They need to spot errors in code and ensure that their work is of high quality.
  • Adaptability: iOS developers need to be able to adapt to change. The technology industry is constantly evolving, and iOS developers need to be able to learn new things quickly and adapt to new technologies.

Learning soft skills is a lifelong process. Active listening and self-reflection are two core techniques for boosting your communication and critical thinking skills; asking for feedback can also improve your ability to work with your team. 

Do certifications help you get a job as an iOS developer?

“Certifications are not the most important part of an iOS developer background but can make a software engineer's resume stand out from others,” notes Kalik. “They provide evidence of your skills and commitment to learning. While a certification might not replace hands-on experience or a strong portfolio, it can make you more competitive in the job market, especially when combined with a degree or other relevant experience.”

For recruiters and hiring managers who don’t have a solid grasp of the technical skills involved in iOS development, the presence of certifications on an applicant’s resume can be reassuring. “Employers often value certifications as they indicate a commitment to professional growth and a higher level of competence in iOS development, adds Manish Jain, CEO of VR Digital. “Additionally, non-iOS certifications like Agile and Scrum Master can stand out on a resume, emphasizing an applicant's project management and collaborative abilities, highly valued in tech organizations.”