Home/freeCodeCamp/Back End Development and APIs Certification
freeCodeCamp · on freeCodeCamp

Back End Development and APIs Certification

4.7(7,200)·1.1M enrolled
Intermediate 300 hours English Completion CertificateFREE

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.

Paired with the Front End Development Libraries certification, it forms freeCodeCamp's full-stack JavaScript path — capable of building, connecting, and deploying a complete web application. The stack (Node, Express, MongoDB) is the same MERN foundation used in many bootcamp curricula, making this a free equivalent to paid bootcamp back-end modules.

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
Comparison · LBS

Compare alternatives for Back End Development and APIs Certification

Same topic, different options. We surface the trade-offs others hide so you can pick the course that actually fits your time, budget, and goals.
freeCodeCamp4.7(7,200)
Back End Development and APIs Certification
Price
Free
Completely free, forever
Duration
300 hrs
Level
Intermediate
Certificate
Completion
Coursera4.9(22,000)
Algorithms Specialization
Price
Paid
Subscription-based, free to audit
Duration
200 hrs
Level
Intermediate
Certificate
Specialization Certificate
edX4.9(18,000)
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science
Price
Free
Audit free · $199 cert
Duration
100 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Verified
freeCodeCamp4.8(18,000)
Responsive Web Design Certification
Price
Free
Completely free, forever
Duration
300 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Completion
Prices & availability can change — confirm on the provider's site. We're not affiliated with any single provider.

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.

Requirements

  • JavaScript fundamentals; prior freeCodeCamp certifications or equivalent recommended

Who this course is for

  • Front-end developers adding server-side skills to go full-stack
  • Self-taught developers learning Node.js through projects rather than tutorials
  • Anyone pursuing freeCodeCamp's MERN stack path

About this provider

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

Frequently asked questions

freeCodeCamp is free, project-based, and self-paced; Schwarzmüller's Udemy course is more comprehensive (40 hours, covers GraphQL, SQL, Deno). Use freeCodeCamp for free credentials; use the Udemy course for comprehensive reference.
Yes, as a signal of skill — particularly when paired with the GitHub portfolio of completed projects.
Free
to audit
Enroll now