[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]IT certificate programs provide enormous professional benefits, but choosing the right pathway requires careful planning and consideration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The information technology (IT) industry offers professional opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Some individuals who pursue IT certificate programs want a relatively short career pathway into the tech field, others aim to change or advance their careers by developing new skills, and still others simply earn certificates as a hobby.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IT’s future looks bright. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projects that computer jobs will grow by more 377,500 from 2022-2032. The pandemic pushed for a more [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/covid19-research/what-it-employment-data-can-tell-us-about-techs-post-covid19-future/” target=”_blank”]remote workforce[/hen-ui-link], more organizations are relying on extensive computer networks and cybersecurity. The median annual wage for IT professionals is over twice as high as the median annual wage for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide to online IT certificate programs aims to help prospective students make the most of these growing opportunities. This page details the various educational opportunities in the field, possible careers, and a ranking of the best online IT certificate programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online IT Certificate Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is an Online IT Certificate?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s the Difference Between an IT Certificate and an Associate Degree in IT?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online IT certificate programs typically focus on specific aspects of the field and are condensed into 3-18 month sessions. Online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-information-technology/”]associate degrees in information technology[/hen-ui-link], on the other hand, take two years to complete and require basic humanities and science courses in addition to classes in computing fundamentals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm/” target=”_blank”]web development[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm/” target=”_blank”]computer programming[/hen-ui-link]. To accommodate different learners, many schools offer both IT certificate programs and associate degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-can-you-do”]What Can You Do With an IT Certificate?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm/” target=”_blank”]network administrators[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm/” target=”_blank”]computer support specialists[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm/” target=”_blank”]computer systems analysts[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”tertiary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Web Developers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Digital Security Manager”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced training may include courses in ethical hacking and incident response, while industry-specific programs explore industrial control systems security or cloud infrastructure security.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Database Manager”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, prospective database administrators can gain a competitive advantage if they possess training in data analytics and modeling, database architecture, and database security.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”What to Look for in an Online College” href=”/resources/what-to-look-for-online-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Pick a College” href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for IT Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should ensure that the schools they’re considering are [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regionally accredited[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What to Expect From an IT Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]IT Certificate Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]

• 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.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Does It Take To Get an IT Certificate?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some certificates require an associate or bachelor’s [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]degree in computer science[/hen-ui-link] for admission, which can add 2-4 years to the overall time commitment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”certifications”]IT Certifications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organizations typically require credentialed professionals to complete a set number of continuing education credits for renewal every 2-5 years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://aws.amazon.com/certification/” target=”_blank”]AWS Solutions Architect[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/” target=”_blank”]Certified Ethical Hacker[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/scrum-master-track/certified-scrummaster” target=”_blank”]Certified Scrum Master[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/entry/technician-cct.html” target=”_blank”]Cisco Certified Technician[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”organizations”]IT Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some organizations offer memberships nationally, while others focus on geographical location or IT specializations. Popular professional IT organizations include [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.blacksintechnology.net/” target=”_blank”]Blacks In Technology[/hen-ui-link], the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.comptia.org/about” target=”_blank”]Information Technology Association[/hen-ui-link], the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.itic.org/” target=”_blank”]Information Technology Industry Council[/hen-ui-link], and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncwit.org/” target=”_blank”]National Center for Women & Information Technology[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]IT Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IT certificate programs can lead to some of the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/information-technology/”]best information technology jobs[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following table highlights a few career options for graduates, along with the median salary expectation for each position.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption][/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Web Developers and Digital Designers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm/” target=”_blank”]$80,730[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Network and Computer Systems Administrators[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm/” target=”_blank”]$90,520[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer Support Specialists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm/” target=”_blank”]$59,660[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/” target=”/"_blank"”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Jobs Can You Get With an IT Certificate?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing an online IT certificate program, graduates can pursue entry-level careers as web developers and computer support specialists. Professionals with advanced training can work in cybersecurity and database administration.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Much Is the Google IT Certificate Program?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective students can take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://grow.google/programs/it-support/#?modal_active=none/” target=”_blank”]Google IT certificate program[/hen-ui-link] on Coursera with a $49 monthly subscription. The examination costs $149.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Are the Best IT Certifications To Have?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best online IT certifications depend on a student’s goals, but versatile credentials likely hold the most value to employers. For example, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.comptia.org/landing/aplus/index.html/” target=”_blank”]CompTIA A+[/hen-ui-link], the various [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications.html/” target=”_blank”]Cisco certifications[/hen-ui-link], and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.isc2.org/about/” target=”_blank”]certified information systems security professional[/hen-ui-link] credential offer excellent professional opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”215,1276,376″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]