Offering a series of credible PHP packages, Zend is widely recognized among professionals who develop web applications. This renowned organization drives web and mobile performances through its relevant enterprise PHP tools and training programs that meet the demands of businesses and the tech industry as a whole.

Overview of Zend Certification Program

With somewhere about two decades supporting the development of the PHP language, Zend has dived into accrediting professionals and shaping them into global leaders. Besides, their training program involves a collection of resources, from entry-level to advanced classes, which will help you acquire the needed knowledge to earn your preferred Zend certification. Also, having a profound command of Zend solutions and services allows you to deliver excellent user experiences and augmented deployment cycles. And at present, this vendor offers two technical paths ― the PHP and the Zend Framework designations.

Closer Look into Validations on Offer

Earning the PHP certification transforms you into a Zend Certified PHP Engineer, which is an industry-recognized standard. This demonstrates your expertise in PHP and key development techniques. On the other hand, the Zend Framework 2 qualification provides you with an in-depth understanding of the Zend Framework and its facets. The successful completion of its exam makes you an in-demand Zend Framework 2 Certified Architect. Note that each validation has its own set of training materials to make your preparation more efficient. Just navigate around the official website and check out the main references they offer. Overall, there are a lot of test prep resources to furnish you with the needed knowledge about the certification exams. Some of these are instructor-led courses and study guides that are very valuable to your certification journey.

Target Audience of Zend Certifications

As a whole, this vendor's endorsements are directed at individuals who have basic familiarity and confidence in using Zend solutions. Mostly, these are system administrators and operators who have a critical role in delivering a secure and stable server environment across all relevant users. On top of that professional background, it is also important that you are already knowledgeable of the PHP language as well as the object-oriented programming applications. Candidates are also assumed to be adept in having a solid understanding of basic to intermediate-level codes and coding exercises.

Extensive Elaboration of Zend Tests

Zend exams are created by credible board members who are highly revered in the PHP and Zend Framework communities. Their main goal is to equip you with comprehensive knowledge of both PHP and Zend Framework in relation to the curriculum specified by the Zend PHP Education Advisory Board as well as the Zend Framework Education Advisory Board. Henceforth, you are guaranteed that the end-products are not prejudiced by Zend's business intentions. Instead, the vendor offers technical designation exams that follow the highest standard of professionalism. Usually, these tests can either be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online via OnVUE. If you choose the former, you have to contact your local testing center first and arrange your preferred schedule. The latter, on the other hand, allows you to take the actual test in the comfort of your home. However, this is still a proctored evaluation with the supervision of an offsite proctor. To add more, the exam questions are formulated in three different ways ― multiple-choice with one correct answer, multiple-choice with multiple correct answers, and lastly a free-form with a definite answer that should be typed in. Aside from these core details, it’s important that you know about the technicalities of the exams which are looked at below:

• PHP 200-710

  In brief, the PHP exam is based on the PHP 200-710 version. Therefore, this should be your main reference when preparing for the main test that runs for 90 minutes, with a total number of 75 questions. The key objective of such an exam is to evaluate your comprehension of PHP from a practical viewpoint. Though there are a few theoretical topics included, the majority of the items focus on your ability to handle and analyze codes. Then, it’s also important to have a solid command of PHP basics like syntax, variables, namespaces, operators, etc. Soon after, you’ll have to learn more about functions, data types as well as format, the features of the web, OOP, security, I/O, patterns together with strings, and finally, SQL & databases.

• Zend Framework 2

  Based on version 2.2, the Zend Framework 2 test consists of 70 questions. The test primarily revolves around 13 major areas, and these are service manager, module manager, event manager, Model-View-Controller, performance, database, forms, filtering, internalization, authentication & authorization, security, utility, and web services. On top of the core topics, it’s a must to be adept at the ZF concepts and functions so you can effectively create web applications and solve typical issues within the framework. It’s also pertinent that you make use of Zend Framework in honing your skills in creating multi-layer view architectures, building object-oriented form classes, protecting websites from attacks, controlling applications’ workflows, and such.

Remarkable Career Benefits of Certified Professionals

Zend certifications are generally used as a tool to measure your technical capability, which serves as a distinction that helps employers filter applicants. And of course, most hiring managers prioritize certified professionals over those who don’t have them. Additionally, these professionals are highly compensated because of the value they impart to the company. PayScale, in particular, illustrates that Zend Certified Engineers get around $82,038 annually. Besides, Zend certified professionals have a wide stretch of job roles to choose from. Thus, these include senior developers, software developers, web app developers, full-stack web developers, technical leads, and a lot more. With all these amazing benefits, don’t think twice and join the thousands of individuals who have been officially endorsed by Zend and be acknowledged for your exceptional skillset.

Strategic Certification Path for Interested Individuals

If you want to be part of the global community of Zend specialists, you should be ready and plot your goals strategically. Ideally, you may start with the PHP certification and then continue with Zend Framework 2. Either way, you have the freedom to choose what designation fits your profile. Henceforth, assess all key details beforehand and prepare for the necessary exam thoroughly.