Computer Programmer: Education and Job Training Requirements for Becoming a Computer Programmer

Published Sep 03, 2009

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Every computer requires specialized programs in order to perform the duties and functions desired by the computer user. Computer programmers create, test and troubleshoot these programs through the use of complex coding languages. Become a computer programmer and develop helpful programs by obtaining the necessary education and job training.

Computer Programmer Career Summary

Computer programmers use a complex coding language to develop and create programs that store, find and acquire data. Programmers develop specific project goals and then plan out how the programming team will create the finished product. These programs are thoroughly tested by the programmers to make sure that everything works correctly. Career InfoNet, (www.acinet.org), notes that computer programmers need to keep up on the most relevant information concerning new developments in computer technology. Computer Programmers analyze new information and evaluate the usefulness of it in their work.

Education Required to Become a Computer Programmer

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is the degree most employers look for, although some companies will accept 2-year associate degrees depending on the position level. More than 68% of computer programmers hold a bachelor's degree or better due to high employer expectations, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Many people who obtain a bachelor's degree go on to further their education at a college or university or return to a technical school to obtain training in a specialized computer area.

Job Training and Certifications Required to Become a Computer Programmer

Entry-level programmers work under close supervision of experienced programmers to ensure that work is performed correctly. Job training varies from company to company due to different business policies, but most training consists of new workers becoming familiarized with the company's operating systems. Certifications are highly valued among Computer Programmers, especially those that demonstrate skill in programming and coding languages like C++ and Java. Computer programmers can obtain certification by fulfilling the necessary educational requirements and through completion of a certification exam from an accredited organization, such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals, (www.iccp.org.)

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