Why Choose a Certification in CS?
Information technology (IT) professionals may select from a wide variety of nondegree computer science certifications to demonstrate their competence in a specialty, learn valuable skills, and advance their careers. A computer science certification online validates a professional’s technical knowledge and experience with specific products, methods, or practices. Roles within the computer science industry that may require certification include systems engineer, security manager, network administrator, software developer, and project manager. Because these high-paying roles involve using technical expertise to manage and protect essential operations and sensitive data, employers value — and often require — proven credentials.
Computer science certifications ask candidates to pass one or more tests. In preparing to pass these credentialing exams, professionals gain and practice certain skills. Many professionals value the process of preparing for these tests since they gain knowledge they can apply in their jobs and use to advance their careers.
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Types of Certifications
Certification candidates should know the difference between certifications and select the right one for them. Professionals who work with a particular product, platform, or practice may need a vendor-specific certification to validate their expertise. Vendor-neutral certification serves those who want to change jobs, or who seek the flexibility to work in their area of expertise regardless of the specific tools their employer uses.
Vendor-Specific Certifications
Computer technology companies offer professional certifications to train and encourage people to use their software, products, platforms, and processes. For example, Microsoft offers certifications for software developers and database managers who use Microsoft products. Similarly, Cisco provides certifications for network engineers and architects who create and manage networks using Cisco infrastructure products.
Companies using the products of a vendor like Microsoft or Cisco may demand their employees hold vendor-specific credentials. Vendor-specific certification works to validate your skills or qualify you for a more advanced position or higher salary. In contrast, vendor-neutral certifications remain a valuable asset, regardless of which software your employer uses, or where you work.
Vendor-Neutral Certifications
Professional and nonprofit organizations serving the computer technology industry also offer certifications. However, these organizations do not sell or promote specific vendors and their products. Professionals earning these vendor-neutral certifications can use them in their roles, regardless of who employs them or what specific technology products or platforms their companies use.
For example, CompTIA offers a variety of vendor-neutral certifications for systems administrators, security managers, support specialists, and network administrators. Similarly, nonprofit (ISC)² offers cybersecurity professionals a variety of credentials to use in industry or government roles. Employers value these credentials, regardless of the specific technologies they use for their businesses. Vendor-neutral certifications enable IT professionals to advance in their careers and change jobs as desired, rather than remain locked into a specific product or employer.
How to Evaluate Certifications
Before investing in a computer science certification, make sure it meets your professional goals. First, conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Add up the cost of the required training materials and exams, and ask yourself if you can earn more or qualify for a better job by spending this money and putting in the time needed to obtain the credential.
Consider whether the certification will help you gain skills you need for a promotion. Examine the topics you will master during exam preparation: Will learning more about these topics help you on the job? Think about how the certification process relates to your current role, and whether it would help you move into another position.
Also consider whether you need a vendor-specific or vendor-neutral credential. If demonstrating your skills using a specific vendor’s products would benefit you, investigate the certifications offered by that company to train you. Otherwise, seek vendor-neutral certification, which verifies your ability to perform in your role regardless of your employer’s chosen software.
Applying and Paying for Certifications
Entry-level computer science certifications typically do not require prerequisites, though credentialing agencies may recommend candidates possess some applicable work experience. Certifications intended for experienced professionals may require several years of relevant work experience, specific coursework, or prior certifications.
Most computer science certifications require candidates to pass one or more exams, allow them to prepare for these exams on their own terms. Credentialing organizations offer training materials such as textbooks, labs, and study guides, and provide training courses in a variety of formats, including online self-study courses and instructor-led online and in-person courses. Flexible offerings enable candidates to select the course of study that fits their experience level, schedule, location, budget, and learning preferences. The duration of a certification course may vary, but typically spans 3-12 months.
Certification costs also vary, depending on the training options selected, location, and membership status with the credentialing organization. Most exams cost $200-$500, and training costs $500-$3,500.
Certifications
Computer companies, professional associations, and nonprofit organizations offer a variety of professional computer science certifications. Companies selling hardware or software offer vendor-specific credentials, while professional organizations and nonprofits typically provide vendor-neutral certifications. Candidates earn these credentials after passing an exam or series of exams. Training and preparation for certification exams can vary significantly by available options and cost. Candidates may select from a menu of self-study training materials, self-paced online courses, and instructor-led trainings to suit their needs and experience level.
Cisco
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Cisco Certified Network Associate
Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification covers the installation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Cisco network infrastructure products. It prepares network professionals to manage the current shift from traditional networks to software-driven network architecture and stay current on the latest changes in technology, including quality of service elements.
- Designed for:
- Ideal for network administrators and engineers, this associate-level certification prepares professionals for the transition to controller-based architectures, and demonstrates their mastery of the latest changes in networking technology.
- Cost:
- Learners can purchase Cisco training and exam preparation videos separately or in a complete package for $500 plus $300 in exam fees. Alternatively, participants may select five-day, instructor-led courses, which typically cost more.
- Duration:
- This self-paced program requires approximately 3-9 months to complete.
- Prerequisites:
- This certification requires no prerequisites, though Cisco recommends participants possess 1-3 years of networking experience.
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Cisco Certified Network Professional
Cisco offers three levels of networking credentials: associate, professional, and expert. Professional certifications offer training to those with advanced knowledge. The CCNP routing and switching certification demonstrates mastery of network planning, implementation, and troubleshooting, and prepares network engineers to collaborate with specialists on advanced solutions.
- Designed for:
- Ideal for those with at least one year of networking experience, this professional-level certification qualifies network professionals to create complex solutions independently.
- Cost:
- Learners may purchase learning labs, videos, and practice exams for each of the three required exams (ROUTE, SWITCH, and TSHOOT). They may also select comprehensive, on-demand packages for $750 each, or register for five-day virtual classes for about $3600 per exam topic. Each exam costs $300.
- Duration:
- Candidates work at their own pace. Many finish in 3-9 months.
- Prerequisites:
- Valid associate-level routing and switching certification, or any Cisco expert-level certification, may serve as a prerequisite.
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Cisco Certified Design Professional
This professional-level certification offers training in the advanced network design principles and techniques needed to build multi-layer enterprise architectures, including advanced routing protocols, integration strategies, and services virtualization. With this certification, senior IT professionals show they can design and deliver future-proof network solutions that meet both business and technical needs.
- Designed for:
- This certification best serves senior network design engineers, network architects, and system engineers who wish to demonstrate mastery of advanced network design expertise.
- Cost:
- The ROUTE, SWITCH, and ARCH exams Cisco requires for this certification each cost $300. Training materials and courses range from $750 (on-demand) to $3,600 (virtual classroom) per exam topic.
- Duration:
- Candidates may select five-day live sessions for each exam topic, or work at their own pace with on-demand course materials.
- Prerequisites:
- Any valid Cisco CCDA, CCNA, or expert-level certifications may serve as a prerequisite.
Microsoft
Professional Associations
Nonprofits
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Project Management Professional
This global certification verifies that candidates possess the project management skills and expertise needed to complete projects and lead project teams successfully. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to lead projects under general supervision, direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects on schedule, and apply a consistent methodology to well-defined projects.
- Offered By:
- The professional organization Project Management Institute promotes project management through standards, professional development, networking, research, and certifications.
- Designed for:
- Experienced project managers should apply.
- Cost:
- This certification costs $405 for PMI members and $555 for nonmembers.
- Duration:
- Applicants must pass the certification exam within one year of admission.
- Prerequisites:
- College graduates must submit 4,500 hours leading projects (high school graduates or associate degree holders must submit 7,500 hours), plus 35 hours of project management education.
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional
This cybersecurity certification validates candidates’ ability to design, implement, and manage high-quality cybersecurity systems.
- Offered By:
- (ISC)2 is a nonprofit organization for IT security professionals. It establishes industry standards and offers professional certifications, resources, and networking opportunities to those who pass credentialing exams and become members.
- Designed for:
- Intended for highly experienced cybersecurity professionals, this credential can lead to a higher earning potential and better career opportunities.
- Cost:
- Costs vary depending on the training options you select (classroom-based, on-site, online instructor-led, online self-paced, or self-study with textbooks and other resources). Access to an official self-paced training course costs about $2,800.
- Duration:
- The time required to study for the exam varies according to experience level and the training methods. The official training seminar comprises 29 hours of recordings, and remains accessible for 120 days.
- Prerequisites:
- Candidates must possess at least five years of full-time work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP common body of knowledge domains.
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Certified ScrumMaster
This certification process teaches the Scrum framework, verifying that candidates possess the skills to help a Scrum team perform at a high level, protecting it from distractions. IT professionals working with Agile practices may use this credential to gain core Scrum knowledge and qualify to perform the role of Scrum master.
- Offered By:
- Scrum Alliance, a professional IT organization, provides resources, education, and certification opportunities to users of Agile and Scrum practices.
- Designed for:
- This certification provides an opportunity for anyone wishing to learn more about Agile practices and Scrum.
- Cost:
- A CSM course costs about $1,000 and enrolled students receive two free attempts to pass the CSM test.
- Duration:
- Candidates must attend an in-person, 16-hour course and pass the CSM test.
- Prerequisites:
- CSM courses do not require significant Agile experience, though participants can benefit from some project management experience.
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Certified Information Security Manager
This management-focused IT certification emphasizes the relationship between information security and business needs and goals. Credentialed professionals must demonstrate an ability to design and oversee information security systems.
- Offered By:
- A nonprofit professional association, ISACA remains dedicated to sharing best practices in information systems.
- Designed for:
- Ideal for experienced information security professionals, CISM certification can qualify security technologists for management positions.
- Cost:
- The certification exam costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for nonmembers. Training and preparation costs may vary depending on the options candidates select. The online, self-paced review course costs $795 for members and $895 for nonmembers.
- Duration:
- The time learners spend preparing for the exam varies. The 17-hour online self-study course remains available for one year from purchase.
- Prerequisites:
- Candidates must possess five years of experience in information security management.