Articles > Cybersecurity > What is a cybersecurity certificate?
What is a cybersecurity certificate?
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
Cybersecurity means defending networks, servers and data against 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. 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 opportunities for professionals with certificates 
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 IT or cybersecurity certificate program. Others opt for a 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 shorter and less expensive than associate programs. They teach fundamental skills that today’s employers want. This may allow students to quickly join the workforce without accruing significant debt.
Unlike a full degree program, certificate programs focus only on specific knowledge areas. They are often tailored to prepare students for specific roles and don’t provide the same lesson depth as a full degree program.
Associate degree programs are known to last longer than certificate programs and typically take 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’s degree programs.
How do you get a certificate in cybersecurity?
Students can obtain a certificate in cybersecurity from several sources. Some students get a certificate directly from a college or university, like the University of Phoenix. Others complete online courses, boot camps or apprenticeship programs to obtain a cybersecurity certificate.
Some technical and trade schools also offer certificates. These programs typically provide certificates alongside hands-on training, where students can practice what they’ve 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 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 between 15 and 30 credits , though the exact number will depend on the program.
Many similar certificate programs offer similar courses. Lessons typically include courses in cybersecurity and network defense. Depending on the program’s depth, some curricula offer lessons in 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 in the subject while providing introductions to professionals with similar career interests.
Obtaining a certificate also improves graduates’ professional reputation. It signifies they’ve earned valuable skills from a reputable educator. A certificate can be added to a resumé, LinkedIn® 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’s current career, a cybersecurity certificate can aid in 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 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 cybersecurity strategies.
Give depth to a resumé
Obtaining a certificate can give a resumé depth during a job search. Even if a candidate already has an IT degree, adding one of these certificates to a resumé can indicate they are serious about their career. It shows potential employers that a candidate has invested in continuous education to stay on top of cybersecurity trends.
Cybersecurity is a multifaceted field. Some cybersecurity strategists focus only on network defense. Others might specialize in penetration testing, incident response or application security. A certificate can give a resumé depth in a specific cybersecurity field as it can display skills learned. It helps demonstrate a candidate has polished their skills in a particular specialization,
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 new technologies, tools and strategies for keeping networks safe. They can also connect students with resources — including webinars, research papers and communities — 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 a candidate attractive to employers hiring for higher-level roles.
Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033 , 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 grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033 , 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’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Learn more about getting a certificate in cybersecurity
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. University of Phoenix offers a number of online programs:
- Certified Ethical Hacker Course Collection
- Certified Incident Handler Course Collection
- Certified Network Defender Course Collection
- Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator Course Collection
- Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate
- Cyber and Network Defense Certificate (Undergraduate)
Contact University of Phoenix 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 University of Phoenix 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, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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