IBM Corp. today debuted what it describes as the industry’s first developer certification program focused on quantum computing, a move that represents a milestone for the nascent technology.

Current quantum computers are only capable of performing relatively simple processing tasks. However, it’s believed that the technology will eventually become advanced enough to tackle calculations too complex for even the most sophisticated supercomputers in existence today. The technology is evolving rapidly: IBM, which is among the companies developing quantum hardware, is aiming to bring a 1,000-qubit system online by the end of 2023.

But though a central requirement, scaling the hardware is only one of the prerequisites to operationalizing quantum computing. The industry will also need new algorithms that can take advantage of the hardware to tackle complex scientific problems. To build those algorithms, the developer community will first have to learn how to program quantum computers, which is the requirement IBM hopes to start addressing with its developer certification.

The IBM Quantum Developer Certification is a 60-question test that requires a thorough understanding of core quantum computing concepts to complete. Engineers have to demonstrate that they can write programs for quantum computers, real as well as simulated, without consulting technical guides or peers.

Successfully completing the test also requires familiarity with IBM’s Qiskit development kit. Qiskit provides software building blocks that enable developers to write quantum programs with less effort. It includes a collection of pre-packaged algorithms spanning fields such as finance and chemistry, as well as more general-purpose code components that can be used to manipulate quantum circuits. 

IBM sees the certification program boosting the quantum computing ecosystem in multiple ways. It will give developers looking to enter the field a way of demonstrating their skills, the company said. For enterprises seeking to recruit quantum software engineers, in turn, IBM’s certification track could make it easier to find candidates with the necessary know-how.

Lastly, the technology giant says that the certification could be a useful educational resource for executives looking to drive the adoption of quantum computing in their firms. “Those in technical leadership roles are a prime audience for the exam, as it will help equip them to set quantum computing related direction in their organizations,” explained IBM’s Abe Asfaw, Kallie Ferguson and James Weaver.

In the future, IBM plans to introduce more advanced certificates aimed at developers working on practical applications of quantum computing. Securing those certificates will require developers to demonstrate that they can write quantum programs to solve specialized problems in fields such as chemistry. 

Photo: IBM