High School

In high school, take as many computer science classes as possible—especially those that focus on software programming and development. Accounting, finance, and business classes will be useful because many blockchain technology platforms are created for banks, other financial firms, and corporations. Other recommended classes include mathematics, English, and speech.

Postsecondary Education

Many blockchain developers have degrees in computer science, software development, information security, web development, computer engineering, database management, and related fields. It’s a good idea to also take classes in the areas in which you plan to specialize. For example, aspiring developers who want to work in finance or financial services should take accounting and finance classes so they can understand the lingo and needs of financial firms. Some people enter this career after earning degrees in business, accounting, finance, business intelligence, and other majors, and then augment their training by taking classes and/or earning certificates in software development, cryptography, and blockchain development.  

No colleges or universities offer degrees in blockchain technology, but experts believe that they will begin doing so in the next five to 10 years. Some of the nation’s leading universities—such as the University of California at Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and Stanford University—have introduced courses in blockchain technology. Topics covered include object-oriented programming, cryptography, data structures (such as binary search trees, graphs, hash maps, and linked lists), networking, and distributed systems.

Training programs are also offered by blockchain industry groups and vendors such as the Blockchain Training Alliance, Blockchain University, Consensys, Ethereum Foundation, Blockapps, and Hyperledger.

Certification

A growing number of colleges and universities offer certificate programs in blockchain technology. For example, Portland State University offers a Business Blockchain Graduate Certificate. Classes include:

• Blockchain Fundamentals
• Blockchain Fundamentals Lab
• Blockchain in Business
• Blockchain in Business Lab
• Blockchain Uses and Applications
• Emerging Topics in Blockchain

The University of California-Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgetown University, and Cornell University also offer blockchain certificate programs.  

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers a Blockchain Fundamentals for Accounting and Finance Professionals Certificate. Visit https://certificates.aicpastore.com/certificate-programs/blockchain to learn more.

Other Education or Training

Blockchain technology is a cutting-edge field, so it’s extremely important to keep your skills and knowledge up to date in order to be effective on the job. Some IT associations offer continuing education classes and webinars. For example, the Government Blockchain Association offers classes such as Blockchain Foundations, Blockchain Development Decisions, and Blockchain & Bitcoin Intensive. The Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE Computer Society, and other general IT associations offer training in programming, networking, web development, database development, and computer security.

Certification or Licensing

There is no certification or licensing available for blockchain developers.

Several years of software development experience, plus a college internship or other on-the-job experience and knowledge of cryptography and blockchain technology, are recommended for aspiring blockchain developers.  

Since blockchain is a cutting-edge field that’s still developing, you will need to commit to learning as much as possible about the technology. Those who are enthusiastic about blockchain technology and willing to do the hard work to expand their knowledge and skill set will prosper. Other important traits for blockchain developers include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, good communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work under deadline pressure, and creativity.  

You’ll also need strong technical and programming knowledge. Here are the 10 most in-demand blockchain-related skills/areas/programming languages, according to Upwork:

1. Ethereum
2. Bitcoin
3. JavaScript
4. cryptography
5. PHP
6. Node.js
7. cryptocurrency
8. content writing
9. web site development
10. Python

Other important technical skills for blockchain developers include computer networking, database design, and user experience design.