freeCodeCamp · on freeCodeCamp

Back End Development and APIs Certification

4.7(7,200) on freeCodeCamp·1.1M enrolled
Intermediate 300 hours English Course CertificateFREE
Our recommendation
freeCodeCamp's back-end certification, covering Node.js, Express, MongoDB and building REST APIs through projects. It is the natural free step after the front-end and JavaScript certifications, focused on server-side development. You build real APIs and earn a free certificate.

Good for: Learners who know JavaScript and want to learn back-end development.

Less suitable if: You are new to JavaScript, or you only want front-end.

Skills you'll gain

Node.jsExpressMongoDBREST APIsBack-end developmentAuthentication

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You know JavaScript
You want server-side skills
You learn by building

Consider something else if you…

You are new to JavaScript
You only want front-end
You prefer lectures

Requirements: JavaScript basics; intermediate.

Realistic time: freeCodeCamp lists about 300 hours; pace varies. A couple of months part-time.

About this course

This certification teaches the server side of full-stack development through Node.js and Express: building REST APIs, managing data with MongoDB and Mongoose, implementing authentication with Passport.js, and using npm to manage packages. Five certification projects — including a URL shortener, exercise tracker, and file metadata service — mirror the kind of backend work junior full-stack developers do in real roles.

What you'll learn

Build REST APIs with Node.js and Express
Store and query data with MongoDB and Mongoose
Implement authentication using Passport.js
Manage npm packages and Node.js project structure
Complete five backend certification projects

This course includes

300h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

Free, including the certificate. freeCodeCamp is donation-funded.

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Is the certificate recognised?

A free freeCodeCamp certificate; your projects matter most to employers.

Instructor

FT
freeCodeCamp Team
freeCodeCamp instructor
1.1M+ learners12 courses4.7 instructor rating

Produced by freeCodeCamp, a nonprofit providing free, project-based coding certifications used by millions worldwide.

About this provider

FR
freeCodeCamp
Free, open-source coding curriculum. 9M+ learners, project-based certifications.
Visit freeCodeCamp

Frequently asked questions

Yes. It builds on JavaScript, so do the JavaScript and front-end certifications first.
Node.js, Express, MongoDB and building REST APIs — the core of server-side JavaScript development.
Completely, certificate included. freeCodeCamp is donation-funded.
Yes as free, hands-on back-end practice. Show the APIs and projects you build.
freeCodeCamp estimates about 300 hours; pace varies. A couple of months part-time is common.
Free
to audit
Enroll now