With the release of Qiskit SDK v2.X earlier this year, it’s time to update our developer certification to match today’s quantum software stack. That’s why we’re introducing the new Qiskit v2.X developer certification.
The updated v2.X certification is a valuable tool both for novice Qiskit users looking to start their career in quantum computing, as well as more experienced users looking to boost their quantum credentials and demonstrate their proficiency in Qiskit. The certification consists of a single exam that tests your understanding of quantum computation and your ability to use the latest version of Qiskit. Those who pass it will gain the IBM Certified Quantum Computation using Qiskit v2.X Developer – Associate certification as well as a digital badge issued by Credly—validating their skills, knowledge, and competency in using Qiskit for quantum computational science.
Since 2021, the Qiskit developer certification program has enabled over 1,300 Qiskit users around the world to become certified quantum computational scientists. The updated Qiskit v2.X certification will extend that title to even more of our community. Learn more about the new certification by watching our new video on the Qiskit YouTube channel, or by visiting IBM Training.
Please note: IBM Training will retire the old Qiskit v0.2X developer certification on 30 September 2025. If you’re one of the 1,300+ Qiskitters who have already earned the previous version of the badge, don’t worry. Qiskit developer certifications never expire, and you’ll still have your certification even after that exam is fully retired. However, we do encourage you to consider working towards attaining the v2.X badge as well, to demonstrate that your Qiskit skills are up to date.
The value of certification
Anyone who passes the new Qiskit developer certification is considered an IBM-certified quantum computational scientist. Earning this distinction means you have demonstrated your knowledge of fundamental quantum computing concepts, and proven your ability to apply those concepts using the Qiskit SDK and Qiskit Runtime. It also means you have experience using the Qiskit SDK from the Python programming language to generate and execute quantum workloads on IBM quantum computers.
This is a significant achievement that can make a real impact for anyone looking to advance their career in quantum computation. Our certifications are widely recognized and highly respected across the global IT industry, and our own hiring managers note that Qiskit certification is a desirable credential that helps applicants stand out from the pack. The Qiskit developer badge can also be a strong addition to your resume and LinkedIn profile, helping you catch the attention of recruiters even when you aren’t actively applying.
The Qiskit v2.X developer certification can also help you get special benefits and rewards within the Qiskit community. For example, the new certification is a hard requirement for Qiskit advocates interested in reaching higher tiers of the recently refreshed Qiskit Advocate Program. Read our recent blog here to learn more about how Qiskit developer certification plays a role in helping advocates advance through the new tiered structure.
Preparing for the exam
The Qiskit developer certification v2.X exam is highly rigorous and will likely require some preparation, even if you are already a daily Qiskit user. It consists of 68 questions administered live with a time limit of 90 minutes. Test takers must correctly answer at least 47 of the 68 questions to pass the exam and earn the certification.
The exam is available worldwide and is administered by Pearson VUE®. You may take the exam either in person at one of the many Pearson VUE® Authorized Test Centers, or you can use the OnVUE testing platform to take the test from home.
Keep in mind that at-home testing comes with several technical and testing environment requirements. For example, you cannot take the exam on a Linux machine, and use of a proxy or VPN can cause a variety of problems for test takers. Be sure to review all testing requirements closely and conduct a full system test through the OnVUE platform before exam registration.
Registration may cost up to $200 per exam depending on the test taker’s location. You may also choose to take an optional assessment exam through Pearson VUE for a fee of $30. This optional assessment exam is written to be the same difficulty and length as the real certification exam.
Exam questions fall into eight major areas of focus, including:
- Performing quantum operations
- Visualizing quantum circuits, measurements, and states
- Creating quantum circuits
- Running quantum circuits
- Using the sampler primitive
- Using the estimator primitive
- Retrieving and analyzing the results of quantum circuits
- Operating with OpenQASM 3
That list may look daunting, but you’ll find all the resources you need to master each of these topics on IBM Quantum Learning. Watch the new video from global lead for quantum education and learning Olivia Lanes to learn more about which specific IBM Quantum Learning courses will help you prepare for each subject.
You can also visit the Qiskit v2.X developer certification page on IBM Training for a detailed breakdown of these topics, as well as links to a downloadable study guide and a short sample test.
Building the quantum workforce of tomorrow…and today
In the years since the launch of the original Qiskit developer certification in 2021, more than 1,300 Qiskitters across 71 countries have successfully passed the exam to become certified quantum computational scientists. We hope that even more of you will choose to pursue the new Qiskit v2.X developer certification.
As quantum computing technology continues to advance, and the quantum industry continues to mature, it is essential that we create resources that enable the burgeoning quantum workforce to validate and certify their skills.
Visit IBM Training to learn more about the new Qiskit developer certification and register for your exam today.