How to become a CMS developer

Is becoming a CMS developer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do CMS developers do?

Still unsure if becoming a CMS developer is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a CMS developer or another similar career!

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How to become a CMS Developer

Becoming a CMS developer requires a combination of education, technical skills, practical experience, and continuous learning. Here is a guide to help you become a CMS developer:

  • Develop a Strong Educational Foundation: Start by obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. While a formal degree is valuable, self-taught developers can also succeed through online courses, tutorials, and practical experience.
  • Learn Necessary Programming Languages and Technologies: Master programming languages such as PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, which are commonly used in CMS development. Familiarize yourself with databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL), server-side scripting, and web technologies like RESTful APIs and JSON.
  • Choose a CMS Platform: Select one or more CMS platforms to specialize in, such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Magento, or others based on market demand and your interests. Each CMS has its unique features and programming languages, so choose the one aligning with your career goals.
  • Take Online Courses and Tutorials: Enroll in online courses and tutorials focused on your chosen CMS platform(s). Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer comprehensive courses taught by experienced professionals. These courses cover various aspects, from basic to advanced CMS development.
  • Practice and Build Projects: Apply your knowledge by building projects using your chosen CMS. Start with simple websites and progress to more complex projects. Creating a portfolio showcasing your projects is crucial for demonstrating your skills to potential employers or clients.
  • Contribute to Open-Source Projects: Contribute to open-source CMS projects on platforms like GitHub. Engaging with open-source communities not only enhances your skills but also showcases your expertise to the wider developer community.
  • Attend CMS-Specific Events and Workshops: Participate in CMS-related events, workshops, and conferences. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts, network with professionals, and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in CMS development.
  • Obtain Certifications (Optional): Consider earning certifications specific to your chosen CMS platform. CMS platforms like WordPress and Drupal offer official certifications, validating your expertise and enhancing your credibility as a developer.
  • Gain Practical Experience: Secure internships, part-time jobs, or freelance opportunities to gain practical experience in CMS development. Real-world projects provide valuable insights and help you develop problem-solving skills.
  • Build a Professional Network: Join developer communities, attend meetups, and engage with professionals in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship, helping you advance your CMS development career.
  • Stay Updated and Adapt: CMS technologies evolve rapidly. Stay updated with the latest features, plugins, and best practices. Adapt to new trends, security standards, and user experience guidelines to remain competitive in the field.

Certifications
CMS developers can enhance their skills and marketability by obtaining certifications specific to popular CMS platforms. These certifications validate your expertise and demonstrate your proficiency in developing, customizing, and managing CMS-driven websites.

  • Joomla Certification: The Joomla Certification Program offers certifications for Joomla administrators and developers, validating their expertise in Joomla website development and management.
  • Magento Certified Professional Developer: Magento, an e-commerce CMS, offers certifications for developers, including the Magento Certified Professional Developer exam, validating their skills in Magento 2 development.
  • Kentico Certified Developer: Kentico offers certifications for developers working with its CMS platform, including Kentico Certified Developer and Kentico Certified Marketer exams.
  • Sitecore Certification: Sitecore provides certifications for developers and marketers, including the Sitecore Professional Developer Certification, focusing on developing solutions using Sitecore CMS.
  • Contentful Certified Professional: Contentful, a headless CMS provider, offers certifications validating professionals' skills in implementing and managing solutions using the Contentful platform.

WordPress Certifications:

  • WordPress Certification by WP Elevation: WP Elevation offers a comprehensive certification program covering WordPress development, design, and business skills.
  • Automattic Certified WordPress Developer: Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, offers a certification program for WordPress developers, assessing their knowledge and skills in WordPress development.

Drupal Certifications:

  • Acquia Certified Developer: Acquia, a Drupal platform provider, offers certifications for Drupal developers, including Acquia Certified Developer and Acquia Certified Front End Specialist exams.
  • Acquia Certified Back End Specialist: This certification focuses specifically on back-end Drupal development skills.