OpenEDG Python Institute Certifications

The Python Institute is dedicated to building an objective and future-ready framework for skills assessment and competency validation – one that accurately measures knowledge while addressing the needs of modern-day programming. Our mission is to establish an independent, global standard in Python programming certification that reflects emerging technologies, evolving industry practices, and real-world applications. We aim to empower programming specialists, software developers, and IT professionals worldwide to assess, document, and showcase their skills with confidence in today’s dynamic digital landscape.

To achieve this, we work in close collaboration with industry, publishing, and education leaders – including Cisco Networking Academy, Pearson VUE, and The Open University – ensuring that all Python programming education, testing, and certification programs meet the highest standards of quality, accessibility, and global relevance.

Through these partnerships, the OpenEDG Python Institute delivers comprehensive curricula and internationally recognized certification exams that enable learners, educators, and professionals to develop, validate, and demonstrate their Python programming expertise in alignment with current and future workforce demands.

We continue to advance excellence in programming education by building strong global partnerships that connect learning, certification, and innovation – preparing individuals and organizations to thrive in the data-driven, AI-powered world of tomorrow.

Andrew Smith

Senior Lecturer, The Open University, UK

At the OU, we have seen how the employability of OpenEDG's Python certification has underpinned the popularity of our linked Microcredential, it is the value that PCAP and PCEP offer that makes the difference.

Exam and Certification Development Standards

The OpenEDG Python Institute certification program was designed following a rigorous process of industry and market research to accurately determine the demand for specialized professionals in the given sectors: through Job Task Analyses (JTAs), Training Needs Analyses (TNAs), and Skills Gap Analyses (SGAs) aiming to identify the work requirements and skills sought by employers looking to hire Python programmers; and an intensive examination of the education system that lays out the foundation for the training and development of IT specialists, web developers, managers, and aspiring programmers.

Open Education and Development Group (OpenEDG), in its certification development process, adopts a meticulous, consultation-driven, and competency-oriented approach to test design, utilizing qualitative development frameworks, subject-centered design patterns, and psychometric modelling conducted in alignment with the prescriptive guidance for educational and psychological assessment practices put forth in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, NCME), European Test User Standards (EFPA, EAWOP), and the European Test Review Model (EFPA, EAWOP).

The OpenEDG Python Institute works closely with Subject Matter Experts from the education sector (school districts, colleges, universities), government sector (CTE Resource Centers, Departments of Education), and business sector (industry representatives, IT professionals, programmers, hiring managers) to bridge the gaps between them, understand their needs, and address the most important workforce challenges of the 21st century.

Python Institute certifications are recognized and endorsed by leading organizations across industry and education – including Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), LinkedIn, Pearson, The Open University, Western Governors' University (WGU), and Stanford University, among many others. This global recognition demonstrates the credibility and relevance of Python Institute credentials as trusted indicators of programming proficiency, helping learners and professionals validate their skills and advance their careers in today’s technology-driven world.

The exam development process follows rigorous international standards and is ISO 9001 certified, ensuring consistent quality, reliability, and fairness at every stage. Each certification exam undergoes a comprehensive design, review, and validation process to meet the highest levels of psychometric integrity and industry compliance.

Learn more about our certification development standards:

Python Institute Certification Roadmap

The OpenEDG Python Institute certification programs are independent and vendor-neutral, and are delivered in cooperation with schools, school districts, colleges, and universities, as well as training companies and IT industry leaders, and are available through the OpenEDG Testing Service (TestNow™), OnVUE Online Proctoring, and a network of 5,000 accredited Pearson VUE testing centers.

The OpenEDG Python Institute has defined an independent global certification path for the Python programming language. The path consists of six certification tracks: