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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Microsoft offers a variety of MCSA certifications for IT professionals and software developers to validate their skills with Microsoft solutions including Azure, SQL 2016, and Universal Windows Platform. For example, MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development demonstrates the expertise needed to work as a database developer with both on-site and cloud-based databases.
Microsoft offers an MCSD: App Builder specialization, which demonstrates a professional software developer’s skills in mobile or web application development and quality assurance. Candidates must first earn the MCSA certification, and then pass required development and programming exams.
This certification verifies competency in software requirements, design, construction, and testing. Applicants must pass the IEEE CS Exam and complete two applied Proxor exam modules.
This certification validates that candidates retain core cybersecurity skills and techniques including risk management and mitigation, threat management, and intrusion detection. Performance-based exam questions evaluate IT security problem-solving competency.
This certification qualifies IT professionals to work in technical support and operations. It includes validation of core knowledge in the following areas: hardware and software troubleshooting, Windows, networking, security, mobile devices, and operational best practices.
With this certification, systems administrators can validate their skills with Linux system troubleshooting. Two exams test mastery of system configuration, scripting basics, network settings, command line interface, and system security. Exam preparation includes training in system architecture, user interfaces, and networking fundamentals.
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.
This cybersecurity certification validates candidates’ ability to design, implement, and manage high-quality cybersecurity systems.
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.
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.
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