4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Leo’s Answer
You don't exactly need a license for coding or programming. Most of the time, in this field, if you know what you're doing -- and you can prove it -- you can just go ahead and code.
However, most people find it easier to gain credibility and experience by securing a college degree in Computer Science, which takes about 4-5 years. There are others who take shorter courses and can start working in this field in about 1 year or so. I've also met excellent programmers that have a degree on a different area, like Math, or Physics; but they decided they liked coding better and they had enough experience to prove that they could get the job done.
Bear in mind that the more time you spend studying Computer Science, the better prepared you'll be and you'll probably have more options when looking for a job too.
However, most people find it easier to gain credibility and experience by securing a college degree in Computer Science, which takes about 4-5 years. There are others who take shorter courses and can start working in this field in about 1 year or so. I've also met excellent programmers that have a degree on a different area, like Math, or Physics; but they decided they liked coding better and they had enough experience to prove that they could get the job done.
Bear in mind that the more time you spend studying Computer Science, the better prepared you'll be and you'll probably have more options when looking for a job too.
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Richard,
Most employers in software development will require, at least, a bachelor degree in computer science or related field as they put it. As Leo put it, this is some guarantee for them that you know the basics of the field so they do not have to teach you everything from scratch.
Many interviews include coding exercise so one could think that if you know coding, you could pass but before getting there, you need to pass resume analysis and that is where you will likely fail if you did not attend any training in the field.
Another way is to gain experience and then prove that this experience replaces academic training, but it takes longer. Usually for a bachelor degree (3 years) the companies require 4-5 years of practical experience to justify the same level.
So if coding is what you want, but do not want to go through long studies in the field, I suggest you seek for a Bachelor degree in Computer Science. And also code projects by yourself so that you gain experience while learning.
I hope it helps
Most employers in software development will require, at least, a bachelor degree in computer science or related field as they put it. As Leo put it, this is some guarantee for them that you know the basics of the field so they do not have to teach you everything from scratch.
Many interviews include coding exercise so one could think that if you know coding, you could pass but before getting there, you need to pass resume analysis and that is where you will likely fail if you did not attend any training in the field.
Another way is to gain experience and then prove that this experience replaces academic training, but it takes longer. Usually for a bachelor degree (3 years) the companies require 4-5 years of practical experience to justify the same level.
So if coding is what you want, but do not want to go through long studies in the field, I suggest you seek for a Bachelor degree in Computer Science. And also code projects by yourself so that you gain experience while learning.
I hope it helps
Updated
Shane’s Answer
I don't know of any licensing requirements either. If you're considering a career in coding/programming, you can certainly have a long wonderful career there with no degree. I know of multiple people earning well over $100k/year with no degree, but it does make it more difficult to do. As Leo said, if you know what you are doing and prove it, you'll do fine. The issue comes in with the proof. With super rare exceptions, you're not "discovered" or "found" because of the high quality of your code. You'll need to earn experience by coding for a company. Sadly, a majority of corporate America still require a college degree to get a job. While degrees are awesome, they're not for everyone. I don't know you, so I can't say if college is for you or not. What I can tell you is that you're able to follow your dream of coding even if college isn't for you, it is just going to be more difficult. You may be able to get that experience in the Military or some volunteer/non-profit organization, but again, it will be more work, take longer and have more bumps. Hope this helps!
Updated
Dan’s Answer
I agree with all the answers to this question. my only addition is that you can start with simple online classes to see what this is all about. search for many of the beginners Python classes, it will help you get started. once you master the basics, it will help you decide if you want to take a computer science degree, but keep in mind there are many IT level options out there you can take advantage of with even basic programming skills. best of luck!