How to become an e-learning developer

Is becoming an e-learning 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 e-learning developers do?

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

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become an E-Learning Developer

Becoming an E-Learning developer involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience. Here's a general guide:

  • Education: Start by obtaining a relevant degree or certification. While not always required, a bachelor's degree in fields such as instructional design, educational technology, computer science, multimedia design, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. Additionally, there are specialized programs and certifications available specifically for e-learning development, which can enhance your skills and credentials.
  • Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your e-learning development projects. Include examples of your work such as e-learning modules, interactive simulations, multimedia presentations, or other relevant projects. A strong portfolio can demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers or clients.
  • Gain Experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in e-learning development. This could include internships, freelance projects, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in instructional design, multimedia production, or related fields. Seek out opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with experienced professionals in the field.
  • Stay Updated: Stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in e-learning development. Attend workshops, conferences, webinars, and online courses to continue learning and expanding your skillset. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
  • Apply for Jobs: Once you have acquired the necessary education, skills, and experience, start applying for e-learning developer positions. Look for job openings at educational institutions, corporate training departments, e-learning companies, government agencies, or freelance platforms. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in e-learning development.

Certifications
There are several certifications and credentials available for E-Learning developers that can enhance their skills and credentials. Here are some popular options:

  • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Adobe offers certification programs for various software products, including Adobe Captivate, which is widely used for e-learning development. Becoming an Adobe Certified Expert demonstrates proficiency in using Captivate to create engaging and interactive e-learning content.
  • Articulate Certified Training: Articulate, the company behind popular e-learning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise, offers a certification program for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in using their software. The program includes training courses and exams to validate proficiency in designing and developing e-learning content.
  • Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP): Offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the CPLP certification is designed for professionals in talent development, including instructional designers and e-learning developers. It covers a broad range of competencies related to designing, developing, and delivering effective learning solutions.
  • Certified E-Learning Specialist (CeLS): Offered by the E-Learning Guild, the CeLS certification program is designed for professionals who specialize in e-learning development. It covers topics such as instructional design, multimedia production, authoring tools, and learning management systems.
  • Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) Certifications: The Learning and Performance Institute offers several certifications for professionals in learning and development, including the Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF) and the Certified Online Learning Designer (COLD). These certifications validate skills in designing and delivering online learning experiences.
  • Certified Moodle Course Creator: Moodle, an open-source learning management system, offers a certification program for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in creating courses using Moodle. The program covers topics such as course design, activities and resources, assessments, and administration.
  • Coursera Specializations: Platforms like Coursera offer specialized online courses and certifications in e-learning development topics such as instructional design, e-learning authoring tools, and learning analytics. Completing these courses and earning certificates can help demonstrate your skills and knowledge in specific areas of e-learning development.