Cybersecurity Certificates
Cybersecurity certificates are a popular option if you want to develop specialized cybersecurity skills and qualifications. Cybersecurity certificates are a great addition to degrees like data science or information technology (IT). Cybersecurity certificate programs are typically offered through colleges and universities with computer science degrees. Learn more about cybersecurity certificates here.
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What is a cybersecurity certificate?
A cybersecurity certificate is an official document that tells someone you trained in cybersecurity. A cybersecurity certificate is usually awarded as part of a broader undergraduate or graduate degree program. Undergraduate cybersecurity certificates show you generally understand cybersecurity. Graduate cybersecurity certificates show skills in specialized cybersecurity areas like cybersecurity law or cybersecurity financial technology.
Cybersecurity certificates typically give college credits. Cybersecurity certificates programs have different lengths. Some cybersecurity certificate programs only take a few sessions to complete. Other cybersecurity certificate programs may take up to a whole academic year to complete. Once you have earned a cybersecurity certificate, this qualification is yours for life.
What is cybersecurity certification?
Cybersecurity certification shows that you have completed training for specific cybersecurity skills. CompTIA, (ISC)2, and Cisco all give cybersecurity certification. To get certified, you need to pass one or more exams. You do not have to take any courses to get certified. But courses can help you brush up for difficult exams for CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+). Most cybersecurity certifications must be re-earned with continuing education.
Most cybersecurity certification programs can be completed online.
What is the difference between a cybersecurity certificate and a cybersecurity certification?
Colleges and universities give students cybersecurity certificates. Professional organizations, like CompTIA or (ISC)2, give out cybersecurity certifications. Cybersecurity certificates are awarded once, but cybersecurity certification must be re-earned every now and then.
Back to TopCan you get a cybersecurity certificate online?
Cybersecurity certificates can be earned online. The best online cybersecurity certificate programs are provided through fully accredited online degree programs in areas like IT, computer science, and cybersecurity.A growing number of degree programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels prepare students for work in cybersecurity.
Back to TopWhat jobs can you get with a cybersecurity certificate?
Cybersecurity certificates help you get jobs like Computer and Information Systems Managers, Computer Network Architects, Database Administrators and Architects, and more.
A cybersecurity certificate is not needed for a cybersecurity job. If you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, a cybersecurity certificate can improve your chance at getting a top job or advancing in the cybersecurity field.
Here is some more information on cybersecurity jobs:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: 2020 Median Pay—$151,150
- Computer Network Architects: 2020 Median Pay—$116,780
- Database Administrators and Architects: 2020 Median Pay—$98,860
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators: 2020 Median Pay—$84,810
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that Information Security Analysts earned an average pay of $103,590 in 2020. According to the BLS, the cybersecurity field should grow by 33% over the next ten years. This will create over 47,000 jobs.
If you are pursuing your cybersecurity certificate online, then this is a good time to learn about the cybersecurity risks that come with online education. Check out our tips for how you can protect yourself.
