For those starting out in web design, the W3Schools is offering certifications in HTML (inc. xHTML and CSS), XML, JavaScript, ASP and PHP. Sit this alongside Opera's curriculum, then you've got a cheap way of learning how to build a websites the right way. These combined courses/learning methods feel to me like a great alternative to attending a college course. The big upside that I can see is that they're a damn site more up-to-date than most college courses, who think the web is still in it's infancy.

 

Anyway, just thought I'd share.

Will there be any costs to take the exams? if not, i may get a couple of them.

Not free, but you get a pretty certificate and logo :-)

But the problem with that: the certificate is likely to be worth more as a blank bit of paper for me to use for my next invoice......

But the problem with that: the certificate is likely to be worth more as a blank bit of paper for me to use for my next invoice......

absolutely true.

I would like to see these exams, though, out of curiousity.

But the problem with that: the certificate is likely to be worth more as a blank bit of paper for me to use for my next invoice......

 

I agree, especially considering your supervisor (the person who ensures you don't cheat) could be your mother!

 

Saying that, the logo might inspire confidence from your clients if displayed on on your site.

The certificate would make you appear more trusted and qualified to potential clients though, and look good on your cv.

I have a XHTML / css deploma from w3school . It cost less than college and u have proof of your nolage . Was worth it to me what better people to get a value certificate from that make the web ! :-)

There is the other side of it though.... "Anyone want to get a certificate? ill let you cheat as long as you give me £20, but im a business owner, so nobody would question it" (very possible)

 

Would have been better if they had done like CompTIA, learn from home, then go to a test centre (somewhere like Prometric) and take the test under their conditions on a computer.

 

 

Reaper

Really useful! the more certificates you have the better I reckon! (Genuine ones that is not ones done in photoshop)

Has anyone got one of these certificates?

 

what do they look like? Do they look professional or can you makea better looking one in photoshop (could add that to your portfolio)

Clients should be impressed enough by your portfolio, the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. These certificates seem a little superfluous to me.

 

Also, if there is no way of validating these certificates, they also instantly lack credibility. Would be good if someone could clarify.

The reason for posting this wasn't about showing some credibility to clients, it was as a direct response to the regular questions we get of "where can I study web design"? Colleges don't generally fulfil the brief and this is a good alternative. If you then wish to use it on your website for clients then so be it, but at the very least it should help with prospective employers if you decide to go to an agency.

If you have the free cash why not but it's not that worth it. Build a perfectly validating project or a few and you have your certification right there, design and print your own certificate!

Someone Please let me the importance of w3schools certification