WordPress definitely is the most popular among all the content management services on the internet, and what’s more, it is also free to use. According to some surveys, over 40% of the websites on the entire internet are WordPress websites. Therefore, it is not very difficult to imagine that there must be a great demand for WordPress developers as well. After all these websites have to be managed by someone. So, for those of you who wish to see if you can find success pursuing a career in this profession, and want to find out how long does it take to become a WordPress developer, this article has it all for you.
What is a WordPress developer?
Given that the WordPress platform is so ubiquitous, the level of proficiency of those who use it also naturally varies. So, in general understanding, there are three different levels of WordPress users. How long it takes to become a word press developer depends on what degree of proficiency you are looking to achieve. The three basic levels have been described below:
WordPress basic level user: 10 hours to 2 weeks
WordPress is fairly easy to use for an online CMS. Therefore, even for complete new comers, who have a rudimentary understanding of the internet, can learn to use and develop basic websites using WordPress in one of two weeks. For those with some experience in online content creation, it might just take a few hours to get used to the interface and start developing basic websites.
WordPress entry level developer: 6 to 12 months
This is what we call the semi-professional level. Entry-level developers are adept in the use of WordPress plugins and can even apply a few lines of code to the website as and when need. Applying themes and plugins to the website, managing domain hosting, rudimentary SEO practices, back-end handling, etc. are some of the basic tasks that they can perform regularly.
WordPress developer: 24 months or more
Becoming an expert-level developer takes more than two years of continuous learning and practice. An expert WordPress developer will be able to handle both the front end and the back end effortlessly. Site optimisations and editing would also be under the purview of their work. Additionally, they would also have to be familiar with PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and some other basic programming languages which can help them create or edit new themes, sub-themes, and features and even develop site-specific plug-ins if needed.
So, how long does it take to become a WordPress developer?
To become an expert WordPress developer, you would need at least 2 years’ time to learn all the basics. But from there on, you would have to have a continuous learning program ingrained into your routine to keep abreast of the changes and updates.
A professional intermediate WordPress developer has to have an experience of at least 1-2 years. A senior WordPress developer would have to have an experience of at least 5 years.
How to become a WordPress developer?
You can become an adept WordPress developer by following a number of paths, both formal and informal. If you are looking to get into the business for yourself, that it really doesn’t matter which path you take, as long as you can gain all the relevant information. If, however, you are looking for a job in the industry you might have to take a more formal approach.
Steps to become a professional website developer
- The first requirement would be getting a formal bachelor’s degree, preferably in Computer Science. This will help you gain the necessary fundamental knowledge regarding programming languages and coding logic. Employers also mostly prefer to hire employees that have at least completed their bachelor’s degree.
- From there you can take online coding boot camps to improve your skills in website development. These can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 30 weeks depending on the type of the program. Remember to check if Bootcamp provides training on all the essential programming languages like CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and PHP.
- Then you can also opt-in for WordPress developer courses through massive open online courses that teach you all the best practices and development tools for web development, especially on WordPress. Some of them are freely available while some others are behind paywalls.
- Now, that you have all the knowledge and know-how regarding website development, you will need to gain valuable experience in the field to be considered by employers for jobs. So try to find internships or part-time jobs in the field to gain valuable experience in the field.
