You can now get certified as an IBM Watson Application Developer

IBM has announced the Watson Application Developer Certification, a program that for the first time enables developers to test and validate their expertise in cognitive computing. Simultaneously, the program also better enables businesses around the globe to identify qualified talent that can help them build enterprise and consumer-ready solutions.

The field of cognitive computing is growing rapidly – IDC predicts that by 2018, 50% of developer teams will embed cognitive capabilities in their applications. As a result, the need for verifiable certification is becoming increasingly important – both for developers and businesses looking to extend their lead in this new era.

Available through computer-based testing leader Pearson VUE, the exam enables developers who are highly proficient in cognitive computing to quantify their knowledge and verify their ability to build with Watson.

The program tests developers knowledge and understanding across four core areas:

- Fundamentals of Cognitive Computing

- Use Cases of Cognitive Services

- Fundamentals of the IBM Watson Developer Cloud

- Developing Cognitive Applications Using the IBM Watson Developer Cloud.

Developers are the driving force behind the innovation on the Watson platform and they are the reason why such a wide variety of businesses are bringing cognitive solutions to market. IBM Watson Application Developer Certification is just part of IBM’s ongoing commitment to foster continuing education and help developers gain the skills they need. In addition to offering an ongoing variety of hackathons and academic partnerships, IBM is introducing additional learning and badging programs this year to help developers expand and strengthen their cognitive computing knowledge.

The exam can currently be taken in person at any of Pearson VUE’s secure test centers in 175 countries and will also be offered at IBM conferences, including the upcoming Watson Developer Conference (November 9-10, 2016) in San Francisco.