Get Matched With Computer Science Colleges
Computer science is a field full of independent learners who don't necessarily rely on university degrees for their success. Thus, certifications are a huge part of the computer science field. There are multiple sorts of certifications available for those with degrees as well as for those who are learning outside of colleges and universities.
There are many certifications that are vendor specific. With these, workers can learn about databases, servers, or other technologies from specific companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, etc. With these certifications, workers can excel wherever their chosen tech is implemented. Meanwhile, there are other, vendor-neutral certifications that teach broad skills such as computer programming languages, database technology, or networking.
Many of these certifications are available for those who don't hold a college degree at all. In fact, many certification courses are available to anyone at all who can pay the tuition. There are also certifications available that require only that people pass a test. Though it’s recommended that they take a course, it’s also possible to simply read a book or otherwise learn the material and then pass the exam.
Compare Popular Online Computer Science Programs
What are Computer Science Certifications?
Computer science certifications can help professionals land jobs, secure promotions, and earn raises. While they are not university degrees, they offer an advantage because many require renewal through continuing education, appealing to employers. Each certification varies in focus.
Vendor-specific certifications teach technologies from companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco, covering their servers, networking tools, and databases. Certifications may also focus on topics like cybersecurity within a specific vendor's framework. For instance, students interested in cloud computing might pursue certifications for Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, or Google Cloud, learning about architecture and software development.
General certifications offer more flexibility. Programming languages are a popular area for beginners, with many free or affordable online courses available, alongside intensive bootcamps. Some students opt for a broader approach, gaining general knowledge that allows them to work across various platforms—like databases—providing a wide range of services.
Who Needs a Certification?
Computer science certification is open to anyone interested. Some students with a computer science degree seek additional credentials, while others in non-technical roles pursue certifications to meet job demands. These credentials can be valuable for job hunting and career advancement.
With the vast number of programming languages, certifications help students refine their skills. A typical computer science degree may cover a few languages, leaving room for specialization after graduation. A CS graduate interested in data science might earn a Python or R certification, while another focusing on web technologies could study JavaScript or PHP. Database specialists often seek certifications in SQL and its variants.
Non-technical workers also benefit from certifications. In smaller offices without dedicated IT staff, employees may need to handle IT tasks. An office manager, for example, might learn database or cloud computing basics and earn certifications in SQL or AWS. This makes computer science education more accessible to anyone needing tech skills.
Find Your Online Computer Science Certificate Program
Why a Business Might Require Someone with a Specific Certification
Over the years, technologies have become more and more specialized. There used to only be a handful of programming languages, for instance, and now there are many, with more in development every day. Thus, a computer science degree is unlikely to provide a student with all of the skills they need to thrive. Businesses seek out computer science experts with specific certifications to address their specific needs. For instance, they may have a database that requires knowledge of a certain flavor of SQL, and so new hires are thus required to hold current credentials in the appropriate language. Since a certification often requires renewal in order to maintain the credential, businesses may especially like to see someone with a certification that is a few years old.
Where to Find Computer Science Certifications
Training for computer science certifications is available from many vendors, schools, and professional associations, each offering unique benefits. It's essential to review course details closely. For vendor-specific certifications like Microsoft's MCSE, look for programs officially recognized by the vendor, as these are likely to be well-aligned with certification exams. When considering professional associations, check the size of their membership and the reach of their certifications.
Some pre-certification courses are hosted at community colleges or universities but may not be part of official academic programs. These are often run by third parties renting space, and the courses usually don't count toward a degree. If you're unsure, it's best to confirm with the course provider or school.
Online platforms are a common way to access certification training, sometimes for free or at a low cost. Professional associations also offer online courses. Some platforms like EdX or Coursera provide free coursework, but the official certification might require payment. Always check terms and conditions to know what’s included and avoid unexpected costs if you decide to seek formal certification later.
Find Online Computer Science Schools
Top Computer Science Certifications
To advance a career, computer science certifications can lead the way. They offer students a way to focus their credentials on specific technologies or practices since computer science degree is often rather general and can't address every type of technology or software solution. For instance, it would be impossible for a bachelor's computer science degree to teach every programming language. Thus, many tech workers seek out a certification that can teach them the skills they need with the added benefit of a verifiable credential to prove their worth.
These certifications are becoming more and more important in today's working world. When students browse job listings, they will probably see multiple certifications listed as either non-negotiable requirements or as items the employer prefers to see. Employers like certifications because they very often require continuing education. Thus, a cyber security professional with a certification will be continually updated on new advancements in the field, which is vital when trying to secure a network from sophisticated hackers.
Here are some of the most common certifications in this field:
- Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer:
This certification is terrific for those computer science professionals who love working with data. It proves that holders can create systems for data processing, put AI models into operation, build and implement data processing systems, and ensure top quality work. Given Google's strong presence in the cloud computing space, this certification is sure to open many doors to success. The credential is good for two years, at the end of which it must be renewed. Meanwhile, there is no prerequisite for the certification. However, Google does recommend at least three years of experience, including about a year working with Google Cloud. - Cloud Google Certified Professional Architect:
This hot credential trains candidates to enable their employers or clients to leverage google cloud systems to great corporate benefit. Google does not have any strict prerequisites for cloud architecture candidates. Rather, Google recommends that candidates have at least three years of computer science experience with one year working on Google Cloud products. Architects will be qualified to design cloud solution architecture, assess technical and business processes, and manage the cloud solution architecture, among other skills. Google offers training through its cloud.google website. The courses are free, but students will need to pay for the qualifying examination. - AWS Certified Solutions Architect:
Amazon's web services (AWS) is increasingly important in today's tech landscape. This E-commerce and computing powerhouse has no prerequisites for this certification, but students should consider exploring the free AWS courses to ensure that they are indeed up to speed. After all, the exam costs $150, so candidates should ensure that they are prepared to pass. AWS also offers paid training via a classroom environment. This course, entitled "Architecting on AWS", focuses on practical learning to prepare students for success on the examination. There are no prerequisites for this certification examination, but candidates should have at least one year of practical experience using AWS technology. - AWS Certified Developer – Associate:
This is a good certification for new computer science degree graduates. AWS has no prerequisites for this credential, but they do recommend strong skills with one top-level programming language, and strong familiarity with AWS core services including basic AWS architecture practices. The training for this particular AWS certification is all free. However, students may want to find outside training that will bolster the free exam guides, digital training, and webinars AWS offers for free on its website. There are even free resources, such as white papers and FAQs, that may be relevant to the exam which could prove invaluable. - VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-Dcv):
VMware is a cloud computing company that is increasingly important in the information technology sector. The VCP-Dcv certification is a credential that affirms the holder can implement, manage, and troubleshoot a foundation that will facilitate the transformation to cloud computing. Candidates should note that VCP-Dcv is updated on an annual basis, so previous certification may not be valid for work on the 2022 version. It’s important to consult the VMware website to ensure that all the requirements are met. This is a certification that requires very specific preparation prior to taking the examination. - Certified Data Professional (CDP):
This credential is an upgrade from the former certification, CDMP. To earn this credential, candidates should pass examinations, perhaps attend workshops on Data Management and Data Governance, and submit written assignments, depending on the certification level. Then there are three 90-minute examinations that cover information system core, data management, and a third exam particular to one's specialization. Note that this certification has a variety of levels, each of which coming with its own prerequisites. The foundation certification level has few, if any, prerequisites and will prepare holders for a junior analyst position. The executive level certification requires at least a bachelor's computer science degree, a four-day workshop including a written assignment, and a passing score over 70%. - Certified Access Management Specialist (CAMS):
The Identity Management Institute (IMI) provides this credential to ensure that IT workers are able to properly identify users and thus ensure security. Proper identity is also part of the KYC (know your customer) protocols that are increasingly used as part of cyber security. Cryptocurrencies and other technological systems, such as social media, are increasingly verifying identity so that they aren't overtaken by "bots" or other illegitimate users. To that end, CAMS certified individuals are versed in security objectives, assessing threats, access controls, identification, and authentication, among many other critical risk domains. Membership to the IMI is a requirement as are continuing education efforts, including recertification. - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE):
To qualify for this certification, candidates need to pass two qualifying examinations: the CCIE Security qualifying examination and the CCIE Security laboratory examination. The qualifying examination is a test of knowledge regarding data center infrastructure. Passing this examination does qualify the candidate for specialist certification. However, for the full certification, candidates must complete the 8-hour, practical laboratory examination. This test covers the lifecycle of security tech, from initial designs, through deployment, and finally to operations and optimization efforts. Cisco has no prerequisites for the CCIE certification, but candidates should be thoroughly familiar with all examination topics. In fact, there are many third-party vendors that offer strong training courses both online and in a classroom environment. - Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP):
Networking is a vital part of any contemporary organization and Cisco networks are a leader in the field. Where many certifications have very strict and regimented certification protocols, the CCNP designation can be earned in the way that suits the candidate. While every student must take and pass a core examination, individuals can select their own concentration examination, which covers specific industry and emerging topics. Concentrations include, but are not limited to, designing Cisco data center infrastructure (DCID), troubleshooting Cisco data center infrastructure (DCIT), implementing Cisco data center infrastructure (DCACI), configuring Cisco MDS 9000 series switches (DCMDS), and implementing automation for Cisco Data Center Solutions (DCAUI). - Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate/Expert (MCSA/MCSE):
This is one of the more popular and long-lived certifications for computer science professionals. However, these certification examinations were retired in 2020. In their place, Microsoft has provided role-based certification options. Among these, candidates can pick certification in technologies such as Azure administrator, Azure solutions architect expert, Azure security engineer associate, Messaging administrator associate, security administrator associate, or business applications with a Dynamics 365 credential. Presumably, those who hold an MCSE or MCSA credential will find the transition to their new role-based certification easy and fun. Microsoft makes much of the training materials available for free to encourage that more professionals are adept at using the technologies. - Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL):
The ITIL is a repository of best practices for managing IT support and services. Created by IBM, the ITIL was originally a 30-volume series of books designed to help any IT professional quickly solve any problem. Now ITIL certification has five levels: Foundation, Practitioner, Intermediate, Expert, and Master. Though there are no degree requirements, ITIL master certification does require coursework and experience. The Foundation exam is touted as the most popular as it ensures that the certification holder has a firm grasp on the key concepts and will help develop an ITIL compliant organization. - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):
This is perhaps the very best cyber security certification a computer science professional can earn. This credential attests that the holder has what it takes to design and implement a world-class security system for any employer or client. The certification also qualifies the holder for membership to the International Information System Security Certificate Consortium (ISC)2. The (ISC)2 has a full menu of other certifications, as well, so entry-level cyber security experts can begin building towards this ultimate certification. In fact, the CISSP designation is held by top-level professionals such as Chief Information Security Officers, Chief Information Officers, and IT Directors or managers. - Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH):
Ethical hacking may sound like a contradiction in terms. However, ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, are vital to creating and maintaining a cyber security infrastructure. They try to emulate the activities of unethical hackers and thus try to crack a cyber security system. They can then report issues to the rest of the cyber security team. The EC-Council offers this certification to those who would become vulnerability assessment analysts, solutions architects, network engineers, or information security managers. The EC-Council also provides a swath of cyber security certifications that cover areas including, applications security, cyber technician, network security, and cloud security. - CompTIA+ Security:
CompTIA is the Computing Technology Industry Association, which is dedicated to cyber security. They offer a wide range of cyber security credentials for computer science experts. The Security+ certification is considered an entry level certification that instills a baseline of cyber security skills from which to launch a security career in the IT space. CompTIA offers a wealth of training materials to help people pass the certification examination, but there are also independent vendors that offer training options as well. While this is a valuable certification, it’s designed as a fundamental credential on which successful cyber security professionals build a career. - Certified ScrumMaster:
Contrary to what many athletes may think, this certification is not related to Rugby. Rather, this certification establishes the holder as a master of Scrum, which is a project management platform. Thus, a certified ScrumMaster is one who has completed a course dedicated to teaching how to implement the framework in the most effective ways possible. The certification is designed for professionals such as software engineers, business analysts, project managers, and others who seek to solve intractable problems in an efficient manner. To earn certification, professionals should seek out course on the Scrum Alliance website. There is even a free introductory course. - Certified Information Security Manager (CISM):
This certification is a credential designed for cyber security team members who desire a move up into management. The credential will impress present and future employers who want to have a team with impeccable credibility, and skills. To become certified as a CISM, one must join the ISACA, study, and then pass the examination. There are print and digital review manuals, review questions, and an online review course available through the ISACA website. In fact, ISACA offers eight total certifications for cyber security experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one certification better than another?
No certification is necessarily any better than any other. However, you'll need the right certification for the right job. For those unsure what certification to pursue, determine the industry / sector you desire and then earn the certifications that match your goals.
Are certs better than MBAs with specializations?
Computer science certifications are a great compliment to an MBA with a computer science concentration, and vice versa. An MBA is terrific training for a computer science professional who wants to rise in management. They may then need a certification to prove skills in specific technological areas. On the other hand, those with many certifications may need to earn an MBA in order to rise through the ranks of management.
Will earning a certification help me find a new job?
While there are no guarantees but, so long as you choose an appropriate certification, you can use it on your resume. Even if you aren't applying for an IT or computer science position, knowledge of technology looks great on a resume. You might use a computer science certification to sell high-tech equipment or software packages, for instance. Your technological knowledge will help lend more authority to your sales pitches.
Search All Programs