Hi everyone,
I’m currently considering getting into OutSystems and wanted to ask for some honest feedback based on my background.
I’ve been learning programming on my own, mainly focusing on Python and backend fundamentals (including OOP and some exposure to databases and APIs). I’m still in the early stages of becoming job-ready and haven’t had professional experience yet.
My main questions are:
I’m trying to figure out if this is a smart path to pursue for getting into the industry faster, especially for remote opportunities.
Appreciate any insights or advice.
Hello @Mohh X
You’re approaching this in a very sensible way, which already puts you ahead of many beginners.
Based on your background (Python, OOP, APIs), you actually have a solid foundation for OutSystems. A lot of people start low-code without understanding programming concepts, so that’s a real advantage for you.
Answrwing your questions:
1. Job chances
It’s definitely possible to land a job after learning OutSystems Most companies using it are consultancies or enterprises, and they often prefer candidates with either some experience or those entering through junior/trainee programs. That said, your programming background makes you more competitive than a typical beginner.
2. Certification value
The Associate Developer certification helps, especially for getting past initial screening. Many companies expect it. However, on its own it’s not enough to secure a job. it shows you know the platform basics, not that you can build real applications.
3. Certification vs portfolio
From what I’ve seen, practical experience matters more. A candidate with 2–3 solid projects will usually stand out more than someone with just certification. Ideally, you should aim for both.
4. Is this a good path for faster entry / remote work?
OutSystems can be a faster entry path if you target consulting companies that hire junior profiles.
Fully remote opportunities are possible, but they depend on the company and the specific project.
My suggestion:
If you decide to go for OutSystems, don’t rely only on the certification. Build a small portfolio and at the same time, consider continuing your Python/backend journey so you keep your options open.
That combination gives you both a focused path and a safety net.
Hope that help
Thanks for taking the time giving that precious answer, i started my journey learning the foundations and concepts using C++ before i decided going the backend Python Django path and i'm aware the chances are low for juniors, the competition is high and the demand is low + AI making it also harder for juniors.Been studying Outsystems and i actually like it also with the hopes it would be a faster entry to the industry rather than the normal paths which would definitely take maybe years.
hallo @Mohh X
Based on experience, some companies prefer candidates who hold an OutSystems certification, as it demonstrates a solid understanding of the platform and the ability to use it professionally.
However, when comparing a candidate with only a certification to one who has both certification and hands-on experience, it’s clear that the advantage goes to the one with practical experience. Therefore, both paths are important: earning the certification and building real-world experience.
My advice is to focus first on studying well and developing a strong understanding of the fundamentals. Then, work on gaining hands-on experience through practical applications and projects, as real success comes from combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Hey @Kerollos Adel
Thank you for the honest advice, i really appreciate it.
What you said about combining certification with hands-on experience makes a lot of sense, the only challenge i’m facing right now is that i don’t feel like i’m at the stage yet where i can confidently build projects or gain meaningful practical experience.
Do you have any recommendations on how to close that gap? for ex, specific learning paths, types of beginner-friendly projects, or ways to gain guided hands-on experience while still learning?
I’d really appreciate any direction you can share.
First of all, best of luck in your next steps, my friend.
When it comes to choosing a path, it really depends on a few things, like:
1.The region you’re aiming to work in,
2.Which one is more in demand there: ODC or O11,
3,And whether companies in that market focus more on experience or certifications when hiring.
If I were in your place, I’d honestly focus on both.
Studying for certifications makes a big difference because it pushes you to really dive into the details, stay focused, and keep up with what’s new. A lot of this knowledge also tends to come up in interviews, so it definitely pays off.
One important tip: try to focus on the differences in how things are used, not just knowing how to use them. That deeper understanding is what really makes the difference.
I think i'll walk both paths for depth as you recommended.Do you recommend getting certificates for both as well? or be more focused on ODC on this specific part?Thanks a lot you been really helpful and your insights are top notch :)
Hello @Mohh X,
Speaking from my experience, this is what I actually went through. Honestly, when I first started searching for a job as an OutSystems developer, I did not have any certifications, and landing a job was a bit difficult, especially as someone at the beginning of their career.
I got my first certification as an Associate Developer, then I earned the Associate Reactive Developer for ODC. After that, I set a goal for 2025 to focus on certifications in OutSystems and reach the Expert level in both O11 and ODC. Honestly, as soon as I started earning certifications, getting interview opportunities became easier.
However, there was one downside.
When I earned many certifications in a short period of time, it gave the impression that I was more of an academic person rather than a practical one. Some might assume that I focus on certifications but may struggle in real projects.
But here is how I approached it. While preparing for each certification, I tried to fully understand the topic as if I were already in that role. For example, when I was studying for the Architecture Specialist certification, I imagined myself designing the architecture of a real project and making actual decisions. For the Security Specialist, I learned concepts like CSP and different types of attacks, and I tried to relate them to real scenarios.
As a result, these certifications helped me land a job that might have been above my level at the time. But the interesting part is that the knowledge behind those certifications actually helped me handle real-world tasks effectively.
So you can look at it this way: even if you gain certifications with limited hands-on experience, they still provide valuable knowledge that can support you in real situations.
The main takeaway is this: go for certifications, but keep one thing in mind, you are doing them for the sake of learning, not just to collect certificates or land a job. If you focus on learning, the opportunities will come to you.
Also, when you go through each certification, you will find links to documentation. Take the time to explore them in detail and stay as curious as possible.
It’s honestly really helpful to hear how you approached it from the beginning, thank you i really appreciate it
I’m currently focusing on ODC rather than O11, and i’m still at an early stage where i’m mainly studying and trying to build a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
From your experience, what path would you recommend someone like me to follow at this stage? For example, how would you structure the learning process between certifications, documentation, and trying to get some practical experience? And is there anything i could specifically do to improve my ability of creating projects? i'm at the stage where i feel like 0 at this specific part.
Also, since you’ve worked with both O11 and ODC, do you think focusing on ODC is a good choice right now for someone starting out?
Appreciate any advice you can share.
Here is my opinion. I would say start by finishing the O11 path. Why? Because it builds a strong foundation. Personally, I even started directly with Reactive and did not go through Traditional Web, and that is completely fine. It really depends on market needs.
So, O11 is a good starting point. Begin with the Associate Reactive Developer (O11). After that, you can take the ODC course and earn the Associate Reactive (ODC) for free. At this stage, you will have two certifications and a solid understanding of the basics in both.
Next, move to the Web Specialist (O11). Here, you will go deeper into everything you learned in the Associate. Most of the concepts will feel familiar, but with much more depth and best practices.
After earning it, you can again take the ODC course and get the Web Specialist (ODC) for free. Now you have knowledge in both tracks and a total of four certifications.
Keep in mind, we are not collecting trophies, we are building knowledge.
At this point, you will naturally start wanting to explore more of the platform’s capabilities. This is where you can move to the Mobile Specialist, which applies to both. You will gain a good understanding of mobile development in OutSystems.
After that, you can complete the development track with the Front-End Specialist.
Once you reach this stage, things will start to become much clearer, and you will have a strong sense of direction on what to do next.
The names aren't matching so i supposed you mean1-Becoming web developer O112-Becoming web developer ODC3-Becoming mobile developer O114-Becoming mobile developer ODCAm i right?But also i'm not really clear about the free certificates part, like what exactly grants it? the path itself?And thanks a lot i really appreciate it, your replies are actually very helpful.
For certain certifications, like Web Developer Specialist and Associate Reactive, once you earn them in O11, you can acquire their ODC versions for free after completing the guided path.
Think of it as extra knowledge rather than a completely new journey. At first, it might seem like a long path, but in reality, it is mostly the same concepts applied to the newer version of the platform.
For example, in O11, you handle asynchronous operations using processes, while in ODC, you use events. This kind of difference is why the ODC certification is granted after completing the path, it builds on what you already know.
So the idea is simple: finish O11 first, then explore what the newer version (ODC) offers. Along the way, you also earn the certification as a bonus.
You can think of it like this: “I finished O11, now let me see what the new platform offers,” and during that journey, you gain both knowledge and the certification.