What Is an Online IT Certificate?
Online IT certificate programs provide training in specialized computing fields, such as cybersecurity, database administration, and cloud computing. The training may attract new students looking for entry-level careers or experienced professionals looking to learn new skills.
IT certificate programs can offer undergraduate-level or graduate-level study, and some require previous computer-related training for admission. These programs cover both foundational and highly advanced knowledge in software, hardware, web design, and computer programming.
Certificates can also lead to further education and more specialized skills. Some graduates continue on to associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, while others pursue industry and vendor certifications.
What's the Difference Between an IT Certificate and an Associate Degree in IT?
Online IT certificate programs typically focus on specific aspects of the field and are condensed into 3-18 month sessions. Online associate degrees in information technology, on the other hand, take two years to complete and require basic humanities and science courses in addition to classes in computing fundamentals.
Associate degrees are suitable students who are unsure about their goals in IT and wish to continue on to a bachelor's program. Associate degree graduates can also explore entry-level careers in web development or computer programming. To accommodate different learners, many schools offer both IT certificate programs and associate degrees.
What Can You Do With an IT Certificate?
With so many online IT certificate programs available, graduates can pursue diverse careers and industries. Prospective students may need to take prerequisite courses or complete a computer-related degree beforehand, depending on the level of training.
The following sections outline the major career paths for IT certificate program graduates. In addition to those listed below, IT certificate-holders can pursue careers as network administrators, computer support specialists, and computer systems analysts.
Web developers create and manage websites based on the needs of their clients and organizations. Professionals with web development skills can help organizations match their websites to marketing and public relations campaigns.
IT certificate programs may cover the web development basics for entry-level positions or provide advanced training in front-end, back-end, and interface development. Depending on their interests and goals, students can take classes in responsive web design, typical programming languages, and database website design.
These professionals oversee organizations' IT security needs by setting up protections, running vulnerability tests and analyses, and investigating potential threats and attacks. Online IT certificate programs with this specialization provide introductory training for entry-level positions or specialized training for experienced computer professionals.
Advanced training may include courses in ethical hacking and incident response, while industry-specific programs explore industrial control systems security or cloud infrastructure security.
Database managers oversee organizations' data storage and protection. They create backups, merge systems, and monitor user access and activity. The best online IT certificate programs in this field prepare graduates to handle these tasks in addition to more advanced duties.
For example, prospective database administrators can gain a competitive advantage if they possess training in data analytics and modeling, database architecture, and database security.
Choosing an Online Program
Before choosing an online IT certificate program, prospective students should consider multiple factors to make the best decision. They should consider their educational interests and career goals to ensure the program meets those demands. Check out the following links for more information on selecting the right online school and program.
Accreditation for IT Programs
Students should ensure that the schools they're considering are regionally accredited. Without this, learners may not be able to access financial aid, schools may not provide transfer credits, and employers may not take the degree or certificate seriously.
Though not mandatory for employment, the best online IT certificate programs may also hold programmatic accreditation from industry organizations. For example, certificate programs that lead to vendor-specific certifications often require accreditation or recognition from that organization.
What to Expect From an IT Certificate
Coursework varies considerably among the different levels and specializations of IT certificate programs. However, even though studies may cover advanced, niche subjects, many programs still share common courses. The following list highlights some popular classes enrollees may encounter.
IT Certificate Curriculum
- Network Design and Management: This course teaches students how to design, implement, and maintain organizational networks. Learners also explore methods for securing, monitoring, and upgrading existing networks.
- Software Security: Enrollees explore the design and development of secure software, along with methods for protecting software after development. Coursework covers how to identify the most common security flaws, assess and reduce risk, and establish some of the most effective security measures.
- Software Design and Development Concepts: Students learn major development concepts in software design, such as object-oriented programming languages, design patterns, and numerical computation.
- Markup and Scripting Languages: This course teaches learners about scripting and markup languages, such as Python. The training may cover specific aspects of scripting, including how to code automated administrative functions within different environments.
- Cloud Fundamentals: A cloud fundamentals course teaches students to develop and use various cloud applications. Learners look at the primary concepts of cloud computing and the major cloud service platforms.
How Long Does It Take To Get an IT Certificate?
Online IT certificate programs can take 3-18 months, depending on the level and scope of the training. Most programs last for one year, though accelerated and part-time options can affect the estimated completion time.
Some certificates require an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science for admission, which can add 2-4 years to the overall time commitment.
IT Certifications
IT certificates recognize the completion of a training program, whereas certifications recognize professionals who meet specific industry standards. In general, students take IT certificate programs at colleges and universities, while IT professionals can acquire certifications from industry organizations.
Requirements for IT certifications vary by provider, but most organizations require the candidate to pay a fee, pass an examination, and apply for the credential. Once certified, professionals may need to maintain their certification through continuing education.
Organizations typically require credentialed professionals to complete a set number of continuing education credits for renewal every 2-5 years.
This certification recognizes IT professionals with experience creating systems on Amazon Web Services. AWS offers associate and professional levels of certification for candidates with one and two years of experience, respectively. This credential demonstrates proficiency in working with and managing AWS systems.
The CEH exam covers hacker techniques and technologies, along with how to detect and prevent attacks. Professionals with this credential demonstrate their knowledge of modern hacking methods and how to stop them.
Professionals with the CSM certification manage product development within cross-functional teams. The required course and exam for this credential teaches and tests leadership, coaching, and facilitation skills. This credential can help professionals take on management responsibilities and lead their teams to greater success.
IT professionals with CCT certifications learn to manage and work with Cisco systems and networking devices. The examination tests candidates' abilities to diagnose, fix, and replace these systems and their components. There are additional CCT certifications focused on collaboration, data centers, and routing and switching.
IT Organizations
IT organizations can help students and experienced professionals navigate the field with greater ease and success. They may offer students financial aid resources and academic and career support services, as well as access to continuing education and professional development opportunities for more experienced members.
Some organizations offer memberships nationally, while others focus on geographical location or IT specializations. Popular professional IT organizations include Blacks In Technology, the Information Technology Association, the Information Technology Industry Council, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology.
IT Careers
IT certificate programs can lead to some of the best information technology jobs available. With such versatile training and skill sets, IT graduates can work in various industries. New graduates can enter the field for the first time, and IT professionals can move between roles or add specializations.
The following table highlights a few career options for graduates, along with the median salary expectation for each position.
Career |
Median Salary (2020) |
Web Developers and Digital Designers |
$77,200 |
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
$84,810 |
Computer Support Specialists |
$55,510 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics