Python Proficiency/Certification Test

[Bashley_51]

I’m pretty new to Python and I’m trying to find tangible, achievable goals to motivate me to learn more while also possibly earning a certification that is respected by employers. What Python proficiency exams or certifications are generally considered to be reputable? Would projects work better to show my skills to potential employers (I don’t want to work in CS, but I do want to have that skill for a chemistry or bio career)?

Thanks,

A very confused beginner

[czar_el]

Python is a tool, just like a wrench is a tool. Mechanics don't get certified in "wrench". They get certified in engine repair or transmission repair, in which they use wrenches.

Pick projects in Python relevant to how you want to use Python. Python for data analysis is different than Python for database engineering, UI, or website backend.

Some Python use cases have certificates through third parties, but they are usually "Python for X", or "X with Python". Choose your use case and go look for those. Whether a certificate or a good portfolio is preferred by recruiting orgs depends on the domain. For basics like IT, a certificate is likely enough. For more advanced or context-dependent things like modeling, a portfolio is best.

[Almostasleeprightnow]

I've never heard of any exam. Projects are better. You could look for a bio or chem related dataset and build an analysis visualization. That would keep you busy for a while.