Articles > Cybersecurity >听What is a cybersecurity certificate?
What is a cybersecurity certificate?
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT
Cybersecurity means defending networks, servers and data against听unauthorized hacking attempts. Information security comprises strategies for identifying potential cyberattacks, protecting against attacks and responding to threats. It also entails certain requirements for maintaining compliance with consumer data and privacy regulations.听Anyone who works in this field needs specialized skills. But do they need to get a certificate or a degree?
Why is a certificate in cybersecurity important?
There are many reasons to get a certificate in cybersecurity. As companies more heavily rely on digital data, they need information security strategies in place to protect that data. This creates听opportunities for professionals with certificates听who want to help companies keep their networks, files and employees safe from cyber threats. To learn these skills, many aspiring information technology (IT) professionals prefer the affordability and speed of an听IT or cybersecurity certificate program. Others opt for a听higher degree.
Certificate programs vs. associate degree programs
Both certificate and associate degree programs can connect students with education or skills they are looking for. However, the two learning models have significant differences.
Certificate programs are typically听shorter and less expensive听than associate programs. They teach fundamental skills that today鈥檚 employers want. This may allow students to听quickly join the workforce听without accruing significant debt.
Unlike a full degree program, certificate programs focus only on specific knowledge听areas. They are often tailored to prepare students for specific roles and don鈥檛 provide the same lesson depth as a full degree program.
Associate degree programs are known to last longer than certificate programs and typically take听two years to complete. These programs provide more comprehensive knowledge of a particular subject and come with a higher price tag. Many are also designed to lead to full bachelor鈥檚 degree programs.
How do you get a certificate in cybersecurity?
Students can obtain a certificate in cybersecurity from several sources. Some students听get a certificate directly from a college or university,听like the 七色视频. Others complete听online courses,听boot camps听or听apprenticeship programs听to obtain a cybersecurity certificate.
Some听technical and trade schools听also offer certificates. These programs typically provide certificates alongside听hands-on training, where students can practice what they鈥檝e learned. This combination of virtual and hands-on learning can help make students attractive to hiring managers and potential employers.
What does getting a certificate in cybersecurity entail?
Getting a certificate requires several steps. First, students need to choose a certificate program that suits their needs. It should meet their preferences听in cost, length and curriculum. Students should also make sure they meet all program prerequisites before enrolling.
After enrolling, students are responsible for completing coursework. A certificate typically requires听, though the exact number will depend on the program.
Many similar certificate programs offer similar courses. Lessons typically include courses in听cybersecurity and network defense. Depending on the program鈥檚 depth, some curricula offer lessons in听advanced cybersecurity.
What can getting a certificate in cybersecurity do for you?
A cybersecurity certificate may help graduates enhance their IT careers in several ways. It has the potential to expand earning opportunities, depending on the roles they are looking for and had previously. It also provides additional knowledge immediately applicable to a cybersecurity professional's daily routine. Certificates can help improve confidence听in the subject while providing introductions to professionals with similar career interests.
Obtaining a certificate also improves graduates鈥 professional reputation. It signifies they鈥檝e听earned valuable skills听from a reputable educator. A certificate can be added to a resum茅, LinkedIn庐听profile or online portfolio to further improve its visibility.
Here are some of the things a cybersecurity certificate has the potential to do.
Help shift between industries
No matter an individual鈥檚 current career, a cybersecurity certificate can aid in听shifting industries. Certificates teach foundational knowledge that can help someone get started in IT or a related field. Many certificates specifically teach entry-level skills. They familiarize students with听basic requirements, regulations and standards.
These programs help build on transferable skills. For example, a certificate program might build on knowledge in computers or project management. It can teach how to use existing skills and newly developed ones to create effective听cybersecurity strategies.
Give depth to a resum茅听
Obtaining a certificate can give a resum茅 depth during a job search. Even if a candidate already has an IT degree, adding one of these certificates to 听a resum茅 can indicate they are serious about their career. It shows potential employers that a candidate has invested in听continuous education听to stay on top of听cybersecurity trends.
Cybersecurity is a multifaceted field. Some cybersecurity听strategists focus only on听network defense. Others might specialize in penetration testing, incident response or application security. A certificate can give a resum茅 depth in a specific cybersecurity field as it can display skills 听learned. It helps demonstrate a candidate has polished their skills in a particular specialization,听
Keep skills sharp
Like most tech fields, cybersecurity changes over time. Cybersecurity specialists need to keep their skills sharp as hackers find new ways to compromise networks. One of the best ways to continually develop them is through a cybersecurity certificate program.
The education to earn these certificates familiarizes students with听new technologies, tools and strategies听for keeping networks safe. They can also connect students with resources 鈥 including webinars, research papers and communities 鈥 only available to enrolled students. Completing or renewing a certificate program is a way to keep up with industry trends.
Potentially enhance earning opportunities
Like many certificate programs, those for cybersecurity may help improve earning power. They enhance qualifications for cyber roles, demonstrating to employers a dedication to the field. This can make 听a candidate attractive to employers hiring for higher-level roles.
Employment of information security analysts is , much faster than the average for all occupations. About 17,300 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to , much faster than the average for all occupations. About 140,100 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 七色视频 students or graduates.
Learn more about getting a certificate in cybersecurity听
Has a career in cybersecurity intrigued you? If you enjoy being in a career where you can help others secure their network and you have opportunities for continuous learning, a career in IT or network security may be a good fit for you. 七色视频 offers a number of online programs:
- 听
- Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator Course Collection听
- Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate
- Cyber and Network Defense Certificate (Undergraduate)
Contact 七色视频 for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 七色视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 七色视频 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 七色视频, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by 七色视频's editorial advisory committee.听
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