What is CIW Certification?
This section provides a foundational understanding of the Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW) program. It explains its core mission, its vendor-neutral approach, and why it has become a globally recognized standard for professionals working in web technology and digital literacy.

A Vendor-Neutral Standard
CIW (Certified Internet Web Professional) is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral certification program for professionals involved with web technologies. Unlike vendor-specific certifications that focus on a single company's products (like Microsoft or Adobe), CIW certifications validate foundational knowledge across various areas of web development, design, security, and administration. This approach ensures that certified individuals possess transferable skills that are applicable across different platforms and technologies.
The Global Standard for Web Professionals
From fundamentals to mastery.
Explore Certification Tracks
CIW structures its certifications into specialized series, creating clear pathways from foundational knowledge to expert-level mastery. In this section, you can interactively explore these tracks. Click on any card below to see the specific certifications offered within that series and understand the skills each one validates.
Career & Salary Impact
A professional certification is an investment in your career. This section visualizes the potential return on that investment. The chart below illustrates the typical salary difference between CIW-certified professionals and their non-certified peers in various web-related roles, demonstrating the tangible benefits of validating your skills.
Illustrative Salary Comparison: Certified vs. Non-Certified
*Data is illustrative and based on aggregated industry estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and role.
Requirements & Typical Costs
Understanding the practical steps is crucial for planning your certification journey. This final section breaks down the core requirements for earning a CIW certification and provides a visual overview of the typical cost distribution between exam fees and preparatory materials.
General Requirements
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Choose a Certification: Select the specific CIW certification exam that aligns with your career goals.
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Prepare for the Exam: Utilize official CIW courseware, self-study guides, or attend training courses to master the exam objectives.
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Pass the Exam: Each CIW certification requires passing one or more proctored exams. You must achieve the minimum passing score to become certified.
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Maintain Certification: Some advanced certifications may have continuing education requirements to remain active, ensuring your skills stay current.
Typical Cost Breakdown
*Costs are estimates. Exam vouchers are typically around $150 USD per exam. Training costs can vary significantly.