High School

Cryptocurrency specialists have extensive backgrounds in computer science, so you should take as many programming, software development, and other computer science classes as possible. Some schools even offer classes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, computer security, and data analytics. Other important courses include mathematics, business, English, and speech.

Postsecondary Education

Many cryptocurrency specialists have bachelor’s degrees in software development, computer engineering, computer science, information security, web development, artificial intelligence, and related fields. Others enter the field after earning degrees in business, finance, mathematics, business intelligence, and other majors, and then augment their training by taking classes and/or earning certificates in software development, cryptocurrencies, cryptography, or blockchain development.

Colleges and universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of California at Berkeley have introduced courses in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Industry experts predict that traditional colleges will begin offering degrees in these fields in the next five to 10 years.

Blockchain industry groups and vendors such as the Blockchain Training Alliance, ConsenSys, Ethereum Foundation, BlockApps, and Hyperledger also provide training programs.

Certification

A growing number of colleges, universities, and professional associations offer certificate programs in cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields, as well as in long-popular fields such as software development and computer security. For example, Portland State University offers a business blockchain graduate certificate, and the University of California-Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgetown University, and Cornell University offer blockchain certificate programs. ACAMS, an international membership organization for anti-financial crime professionals, offers a virtual currency and blockchain certificate to students who complete two interactive, virtual classes; pass a multiple-choice exam; and meet other requirements.

Other Education or Training

Postsecondary institutions, professional associations, and for-profit, online learning providers offer webinars, in-person and online classes, and other educational opportunities that help aspiring or current cryptocurrency specialists learn about new technologies and industry trends, build or expand their skills, and meet other goals. For example, online learning provider Coursera has partnered with Princeton University to offer Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies, a free class that provides a good introduction to these technologies. Coursera has partnered with other universities to provide additional cryptocurrency-related classes. Visit https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=cryptocurrency for more information. Professional associations such as the American Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Association, IEEE Computer Society, Association for Computing Machinery, and other IT associations also provide professional development opportunities.

Certification or Licensing

Several associations offer voluntary certification programs. For example, the Blockchain Council offers the certified cryptocurrency expert (CCE) credential. Those who earn the CCE credential will learn about the technological infrastructure that powers blockchains and receive instruction on how to trade cryptocurrencies. To learn more, visit https://www.blockchain-council.org/certifications/certified-cryptocurrency-trader. The CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium (https://cryptoconsortium.org) offers the following credentials: certified Bitcoin professional, certified Ethereum professional, and cryptocurrency security standard auditor. And the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (https://niccs.cisa.gov/training/search/mcafee-institute/certified-cryptocurrency-forensic-investigator-ccfi) offers the certified cryptocurrency forensic investigator credential. Cryptocurrency specialists do not need to be licensed.

Entry-level candidates for cryptocurrency positions should have obtained experience via internships, co-ops, or in part- or full-time positions. A minimum of one year of software development experience and knowledge of cryptography and blockchain technology are required for higher-level positions, although some companies require applicants to have three to five years of experience.

Cryptocurrency specialists should have a deep understanding of the blockchain/digital/cryptocurrency ecosystem and strong technical and programming knowledge. Here are the 10 most in-demand blockchain-related skills/areas/programming languages, according to Upwork:

1. Ethereum
2. Bitcoin
3. JavaScript
4. Cryptography
5. PHP
6. Node.js
7. Cryptocurrency
8. Content writing
9. Website development
10. Python

Cryptocurrency specialists also need a variety of soft skills to be successful. These include excellent written and verbal communications abilities in order to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, strong analytical and quantitative skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, curiosity, creativity, an enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies and a willingness to continue to learn about them throughout one’s career, and top-notch time-management and organizational skills.