A Guide for Understanding Cybersecurity Certifications
There are several different types of cybersecurity certification programmes. In general, they have two main functions. The first step is to teach new hires how to use various software and technologies. The second explanation is that technical certifications enable more experienced IT and computer networking professionals to validate and demonstrate skill mastery.
Professional certifications, like those in other computer science and information technology sectors, play an important role in cybersecurity jobs and advancement.
What’s the difference between cybersecurity certification programmes?
Professional cybersecurity certification programmes and undergraduate cybersecurity certification programmes are the two primary types of cybersecurity certification programmes available today.
The following are the differences between the two programmes:
- Professional cybersecurity certifications are built for people that are already employed in the cybersecurity sector (or closely related IT and networking fields) and want to learn about the most up-to-date tools and applications for detecting, preventing, and combating cybersecurity threats. These credentials are used to demonstrate knowledge of particular technologies. A professional certificate like CompTIA Protection Plus is a standard entry-level professional cybersecurity certificate. (The Department of Defense needs it for employment)
- Academic cybersecurity certifications are designed to give students a thorough understanding of some of the most pressing problems in the field. Harvard’s online cybersecurity qualification and the University of Maryland’s online undergraduate cybersecurity certification are two examples of academic certification programmes. These courses are usually combined with other coursework and qualification programmes to give students the skills and experience they need to get started in the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry.
Cybersecurity certification programmes for professionals
There are a variety of certifications that qualify working professionals in specific skills, which is one distinguishing feature of the cybersecurity sector. Many job listings and career positions in cybersecurity necessitate some degree of qualification, so it’s important to keep track of which certifications are in demand based on a career track or job category.
At least one credential is required for 59 percent of cybersecurity jobs.
A technical certification will also help you get your first job in the cybersecurity industry.
“So they are hiring my students even before they finish their degree. As long as they have some of the classes and some background in it, they really don’t need any hands-on experience. They do have to get a CompTIA Security Plus certification. Now that’s a DOD [Department of Defense] requirement. But they are taking my students even before they finish,”
In a recent expert interview with Cybersecurity Guide, Ken Dewey, the director of Rose State College’s cybersecurity programme, said.
Some businesses use specific data systems or network products, and as a result, their trained cybersecurity personnel may be required to be accredited. The following are some examples of common professional certifications:
- GIAC Security Essentials*
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)*
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Comp TIA Security +
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
* These courses are considered fundamental, and they may be a good place to start for those new to the cybersecurity sector.
It’s worth noting that many cybersecurity certifications, including those regarded as foundational, may involve a combination of verifiable university coursework and years of work experience. Occasionally, certifying bodies may require both. Some certifications may also charge a fee to assess eligibility.
Professional credential training is becoming more common in associate’s and bachelor’s degree cybersecurity programmes.
During a recent expert interview with Cybersecurity Guide, Hossein Sarrafzadeh, a professor of cybersecurity and department chair of the cybersecurity department at Saint Bonaventure University, said,
“We’ve embedded a lot of industry certification materials into our curriculum…Students are encouraged to pursue industry certification, and get industry certified while doing their academic work.”
Prerequisites for cybersecurity certifications
In the context of certifications, a prerequisite is something that must be met before a person is allowed to sit for a particular certification exam. The prerequisites for each qualification will differ.
Prerequisites can include requiring practitioners to have a certain amount of years of experience or requiring them to complete another qualification before attempting the one they are attempting. Another common requirement in certifications is that the professional must complete a particular course before taking the certification test. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional is an example of a credential with a prerequisite (CISSP). Individuals seeking CISSP certification must have either five years of paid, full-time experience in at least two of the eight (ISC)2 domains or four years of paid, full-time experience in at least two of the eight (ISC)2 domains and a college degree.
The CISSP credential brings a $26,000 salary bump on average.
The Certified Ethical Hacker test is another one with prerequisites (CEH). Individuals must first complete a standardised CEH training course provided by EC-Council in order to take the CEH. Those wishing to take the CEH exam without formal training must have at least two years of experience in an information security-related area and a background in information security. They must also apply an exam eligibility form and pay a nonrefundable eligibility charge.
It’s necessary to understand the difference between a requirement and a suggestion.
Some certifications have guidelines on which certifications should be obtained in what order. CompTIA, for example, recommends that professionals take the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications before taking the CompTIA Security+ certification, but it is not required. CompTIA would allow a professional to pass the CompTIA Security+ without first passing the others if they were secure in their skill.
Major cybersecurity certification organizations
Although there might seem to be a plethora of cybersecurity certifications, certain programmes and certificates are more widely accepted and valued than others.
This isn’t to say that less well-known certifications aren’t worthwhile. Some companies will require their workers to obtain certification in a field that is less well-known than others.
However, it is better to seek certifications offered by major organisations for practitioners who are new to the sector and just want to receive certifications that would be readily recognised by any corporation. Here are some well-known and well-respected organisations in the cybersecurity space that offer certifications:
- (ISC)2 – The International Information System Security Certification Consortiums
- EC-Councils CompTIA
- GIAC – Global Information Assurance Certifications
- ISACA
(ISC)2
Many of the major organisations listed in the preceding section offer a variety of certification options. As a cybersecurity professional, it’s important to be familiar with each of these organisations and the certifications they give. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)2, is the body that oversees the coveted CISSP certification. The (ISC)2 bills itself as “The World’s Leading Cybersecurity Professional Organization” on their website. (ISC)2 is a not-for-profit organisation with over 140,000 certified members. While the CISSP is (ISC)2’s most well-known endorsement, they still provide other credentials. The following is a brief summary of some of the certifications available through (ISC)2:
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is an acronym for Certified Information Systems Security Professional. The CISSP is one of the most sought-after and respected certifications in the cybersecurity industry, and it should be on the radar of everyone who wants to succeed in the field. The CISSP is not a beginner’s certification; rather, it is designed for those who are already accomplished cybersecurity professionals. Individuals who are already employed in the sector will benefit from the CISSP. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of paying, full-time experience to be eligible for the CISSP. At least two of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge must be protected (CBK). A one-year experience exemption can be given to individuals with a degree, reducing the minimum experience to four years.
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) Professionals with less than five years of experience do not rule themselves out of earning a (ISC)2 qualification. The SSCP is an excellent credential for professionals who want to advance their careers. Unlike the CISSP, the SSCP only allows one year of work experience in one or more of the SSCP Common Body of Knowledge’s seven domains (CBK). One year of experience can be deferred for practitioners with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Working toward the (ISC)2 SSCP certification is suitable for professionals in network security administrator, systems administrator, security analyst, and security administrator roles. On the (ISC)2 website, you can learn more about the SSCP certification.
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) The CCSP is another (ISC)2 qualification worth noting. The CCSP is an internationally recognised qualification that helps professionals to demonstrate their ability to develop, manage, and secure cloud-hosted data, software, and infrastructure. The demand for trained cloud security professionals is growing as more companies migrate their entire infrastructure to the cloud. The CCSP, like the CISSP, is not a credential for those who are just starting out in the profession, but rather for those who have already built a solid base. Five or more years in a paying full-time information technology job are needed for the CCSP. At least three of those years must be spent in information security, and one year must be spent in one or more of the CCSP Common Body of Knowledge’s six domains (CBK). All of the other experience criteria can be met by earning the CISSP credential. On the (ISC)2 website, you can find more detail about the CCSP.
Other (ISC)2 certifications include CAP, CSSLP, HCISPP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSMP, Associate of (ISC)2.
EC-Council
- The Certified Ethical Hacker certification, also known as the CEH, is the most well-known EC-Council certification. EC-Council, on the other hand, offers a variety of other certifications in addition to the CEH. Rather than concentrating on particular fields of expertise, the EC-Council focuses on specific positions and names. When a professional visits the EC-Council website to look at the qualification programmes, they will notice that the certifications resemble work titles: Licensed Penetration Tester, Certified Ethical Hacker, Security Analyst, Certified Chief Information Security Officer, and so on. This will help people who are interested in a particular career narrow down which certifications they want to seek. These certifications, on the other hand, might be too specialised for people who want to learn a wide variety of security skills. Here’s a rundown of some of the certifications that can be acquired through EC-Council:
- CEH stands for “Certified Ethical Hacker.” The EC-Council credential is by far the most well-known. Among security professionals, the CEH is well-known. Although the title of the credential includes the word “hacker,” it is not limited to those who work in offensive defence. The CEH credential is beneficial to anyone employed in cybersecurity, whether offensive or defensive. The EC-Council has two primary eligibility choices. Individuals interested in taking the CEH exam should first undergo an official EC-Council CEH training. Students who complete an official training at an Accredited Training Center, through the EC-iClass Council’s website, or at an authorised academic institution will be able to take the CEH exam without having to complete any additional eligibility requirements. Option two requires professionals with at least two years of information security related experience to pay a nonrefundable eligibility application fee in order to take the exam without going through official training. They will take the exam after their application has been accepted.
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECCSA) The ECSA is a good fit for those interested in pursuing a career in penetration testing. While the CEH covers a wide range of cybersecurity and offensive security topics, the ECSA is more focused on penetration testing. Penetration testing is a profession in which engineers attempt to penetrate a target network or device offensively (legally and with permission). The ECSA has prerequisites that are close to the CEH. Individuals may either take an approved EC-Council ECSA training course and be automatically eligible for the test, or they can have at least two years of experience in the cybersecurity sector and apply for eligibility. Visit the EC-Council to learn more about the ECSA certification.
- Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) After earning the CEH, ECSA, or both, professionals who want to become penetration testers (or advance their careers as penetration testers) may pursue the Licensed Penetration Tester credential. The Licensed Penetration Tester qualification is defined on the EC-Council website as their most difficult practical exam. Professionals must complete and record the entire penetration test process from start to finish in order to pass the LPT exam. The penetration test must be performed in the format taught in the ECSA programme. Though there are no pre-requisites for the LPT, EC-Council recommends that it be taken after the CEH and ECSA certifications have been completed because it builds on the information gained and applied during those exams. Visit https://cert.eccouncil.org/licensed-penetration-tester.html to learn more about the LPT certification.
Other EC-Council certifications include (but are not limited to) CSCU, ECSS, EDRP, CHFI, and CND.
CompTIA
CompTIA certifications are among the most well-known IT credentials available. CompTIA offers certifications in a variety of IT areas, including software development, computer networking, cloud computing, and information security, to name a few. CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ are the four main “core” certifications offered by CompTIA. Although three of the four certifications mentioned seem to be unrelated to security, they are used to lay the foundation for the information security certifications to follow.
- CompTIA Security+ is a certification offered by CompTIA. Anyone interested in a career in cybersecurity should begin with the CompTIA Security+ certification. The subjects covered in this certification include a wide range of general cybersecurity issues. Threats and attacks, architecture and design, risk management, and even cryptography will be covered on the Security+ test. Although the Security+ exam has no clear prerequisites, CompTIA recommends that professionals have their CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of experience in IT management with a focus on security.
- CompTIA CySA+ certification The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst, often referred to as the CySA+, is a higher-level cybersecurity credential than the Security+. Threat detection, vulnerability management, cyber incident response, and security architecture and toolsets are all covered in greater depth in the CySA+. Holding a Network+ qualification, a Security+ certification, or similar expertise is needed for the CySA+, as is having a minimum of 4 years of hands-on information security or related experience.
Other CompTIA certifications include (but are not limited to) CASP+, PenTest+,Linux+, Cloud+
GIAC
The Global Information Assurance Certification was established in 1999 to certify information security professionals’ abilities. Thousands of businesses and government departments, including the US National Security Agency, depend on GIAC certifications (NSA). SANS training is used to create GIAC certifications. GIAC provides certifications in a variety of areas, including cyber security, penetration testing, incident response, and forensics, among others. A few GIAC certifications are listed briefly below:
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) GIAC offers a number of entry-level certifications, including GSEC. It verifies that a practitioner’s understanding of information security extends beyond basic terms and definitions. The GSEC’s aim is to verify a person’s practical experience. The GSEC has no specified prerequisites, but anyone interested in taking the exam should have a basic understanding of IT security and networking.
- GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB) GMOB is one of GIAC’s most interesting certifications because it helps professionals to demonstrate their knowledge of mobile device protection. Both our personal and professional lives are heavily reliant on mobile devices. It’s important to have people who are trained to protect the devices that bind us. The GMOB certification verifies that those who have earned it have demonstrated knowledge of how to evaluate and manage mobile device and application protection.
- GCFA – GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst Professionals interested in pursuing a career as a forensic analyst would benefit greatly from earning the GCFA credential. The GCFA is a well-known forensic analyst qualification that covers advanced incident response and digital forensics, memory forensics, timeline analysis, anti-forensics identification, threat hunting, and APT intrusion incident response, among other subjects.
Other GIAC certifications include (but are not limited to): GCIH, GPEN, GCIA, GCFE, GNFA
ISACA
ISACA is the acronym for the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, which was formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. ISACA was established in 1969 by a small group of individuals who saw a need for a centralised source of knowledge and guidance in the rapidly increasing field of computer system auditing controls, according to their website. Thousands of IT practitioners have earned ISACA certifications since then. The following are brief explanations of two ISACA certifications:
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is an acronym for Certified Information Systems Auditor. The CISA certification includes information security audit monitoring, assurance, and security and is widely accepted. A CISA certification demonstrates that a practitioner is capable of assessing vulnerabilities, reporting on compliance issues, and implementing security measures within an enterprise.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) The accredited information security manager is a step up from the CISA (CISM). This credential is for those who want to show their understanding of information security management. Independent studies rate the CISM as one of the highest paid and sought-after IT certifications, according to the ISACA website. Since this is a management-focused qualification, candidates should have prior experience managing, planning, and overseeing an organization’s information security programme.
Other ISACA certifications include CGEIT, CRISC.
Deciding which certification to pursue
With such a long list of certifications to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. This is made more complex when two certifications seem to be somewhat similar. For those seeking to start a career as a penetration tester, EC-Council offers various certifications (ECSA and LPT), but CompTIA and GIAC also offer penetration testing certifications (PenTest+ and GPEN).
Unfortunately, there is no clear response in these situations as to which qualification is the best to seek. If a professional has a specific company in mind for which they want to work, it might be helpful to see if the job descriptions for that company list one credential above another. Aside from that, the best choice is to simply study all of the organisations that offer certifications and choose the one that best fits your needs. Obtaining various certifications is also beneficial. If an individual held the ECSA, LPT, PenTest+, and GPEN certifications at the same time, it would only serve to demonstrate that they possess the necessary knowledge for a penetration tester.
Cybersecurity certification programmes for students
Academic cybersecurity certification programmes
Academic cybersecurity credential programmes vary from other types of academic training such as cybersecurity bachelor’s or master’s degrees in a few key ways.
Certifications take less time to complete — they can range from a few weeks to a year or more in length. In addition, unlike conventional undergraduate classes, they do not have as many prerequisites (like SAT or ACT scores, for example).
Academic cybersecurity certification programmes are ideal for students who have already completed a degree in a similar field and want to move careers, or for students who want to see what it’s like to prepare for a cybersecurity profession before committing to a longer academic programme.
The following are two examples of various types of cybersecurity programmes:
Havard’s Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age is a great example of an academic short course designed to help launch careers in the cybersecurity field.
Over the course of eight weeks, the course is divided into eight modules (the course description says that students are expected to dedicate roughly 10 hours weekly to the course). The aim of Harvard’s online cybersecurity certification is to walk students through the process of recognising various types of cybersecurity threats, how those threats pose a danger to businesses, and what measures businesses and organisations should take to protect themselves from cyber threats and attacks. The certification also teaches students about cybersecurity compliance and explains when and how cybercrimes should be reported to law enforcement authorities.
According to the eight modules, the course description looks like this:
- As a business concern, cybersecurity
- Detecting dangers
- Identifying critical properties and structures
- Cyber risk management leadership
- Knowing how to use the technology
- The law and cyber danger
- Answer to an incident
- Developing and putting in place a mitigation plan
The Office of the Provost for Advances in Learning at Harvard University issues a certificate at the end of the course.
The University of Maryland’s Cybersecurity Certificate programme, for example, provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Both levels are planned to be completed in a year and require between 15 and 18 credit hours. The undergraduate programme is designed to help students with a bachelor’s degree in another field gain expertise in computer networking, prepare to take the necessary cybersecurity technical certification exams, and launch a career.
Additional test scores, such as the SAT or GRE, are not required, and prior academic credit that meets the program’s criteria may be transferred.
At the graduate level, the University of Maryland’s online cybersecurity certification has two tracks. Students can choose between cybersecurity strategy and policy and cybersecurity technology and information assurance, depending on their context and career interests.
Scholarships and financial assistance are available for both undergraduate and graduate online cybersecurity certificate courses.
Requirements for academic cybersecurity certification programmes
The coursework needed to complete an academic cybersecurity undergraduate degree varies greatly from one school to the next, as well as depending on the level of qualification (post-baccalaureate vs. postgraduate, for example). Most college credential programmes, on average, require 15 credit hours, which equates to one semester of full-time study.
The important thing to remember is that academic cybersecurity credential programmes are intended to assist students with a relevant background (computer science, mathematics, engineering, or relevant job experience) in obtaining advanced training and skills in cybersecurity topics. The aim of these certification programmes is to bridge the gap between previous expertise and the cybersecurity workforce’s requirements.
Here’s an example of a cybersecurity certification programme provided by Penn State, which is aimed at students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a related sector. The Information Systems Cybersecurity Certificate for Professionals programme at Penn State is structured to support participants:
- Learn the basics of cybersecurity technology, processes, and programmes.
- How to create and manage data and information systems.
- How to examine the security of digital information systems using an interdisciplinary approach.
- Conduct penetration testing to identify security flaws in the infrastructure.
A few of other considerations, which are unique to Penn State’s programme but provide an indication of what to look for while researching similar opportunities: The credits received during the post-baccalaureate cybersecurity certification can be applied to one of Penn State’s many master’s degrees in cybersecurity. Penn State has also been named a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the Department of Homeland Security.
A listing of academic cybersecurity certification programmes
This list is based on the most recent information available about academic programmes that include academic cybersecurity certification programmes. This is not, by any means, a ranking scheme. Rather, it was designed to aid prospective cybersecurity certification students in comparing and contrasting some basic details about the various programmes accessible.
When comparing programmes, many prospective students cite cost, programme availability, and online versus on-campus choices as the most important factors to consider.
Best Cybersecurity Certifications
| School | Location | Link to Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Amarillo College | Amarillo, Texas | Computer Cyber-Security Certificate |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, Maryland | Certificate in Advanced Digital Forensics |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, Maryland | Certificate in Advanced Network Security |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, Maryland | Certificate in Cyber Technology |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, Maryland | Certificate in Digital Forensics |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, Maryland | Certificate in Network Security |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, Maryland | Server Administration and Security Certificate |
| Augusta State University | Augusta, Georgia | Advanced Cyber Defender Certificate |
| Augusta State University | Augusta, Georgia | Cyber Defender Certificate |
| Augusta State University | Augusta, Georgia | Healthcare Information Security Certificate |
| Augusta University | Augusta, Georgia | Cyber Defender Certificate |
| Beaufort County Community College | Washington, North Carolina | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College | Martinsburg, West Virginia | Information Security Certificate |
| Bossier Parish Community College | Bossier City, Louisiana | Certificate of Technical Studies in Information Systems Security Professionals |
| Butler Community College | El Dorado, Kansas | Certificate in Cyber Security |
| California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, California | Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis |
| California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, California | Certificate in Cyber Security |
| Capital Community College | Hartford, Connecticut | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Computer and Network Security Certificate |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Information Assurance Administration |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Network Protection |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secure Cloud Computing |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secure Mobile Technology |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secure Software Development |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Security Management |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Digital Forensics and Incident Handling |
| Casper College | Casper, Wyoming | Certificate in Computer Security |
| Central Carolina Community College | Sanford, North Carolina | Network Security Certificate |
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Computer Information Systems (Certificate of Completion), Cyber Security |
| Central Texas College | Killeen, Texas | Certificate of Completion in Cyber Defense-Information Assurance |
| Central Washington University | Ellensburg, Washington | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Charter Oak State College | New Britain, Connecticut | Cyber Security Fundamental Certificate |
| Charter Oak State College | New Britain, Connecticut | Cyber Security Investigation Certificate |
| Charter Oak State College | New Britain, Connecticut | Security Strategies Application Certificate |
| Charter Oak State College | New Britain, Connecticut | Technical Security Administration Certificate |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | Charleston, South Carolina | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, California | Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, California | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, California | Certificate in Security for Web App Development |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, California | Network Security Certificate |
| Coastline Community College | Fountain Valley, California | Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity |
| College of Charleston | Charleston, South Carolina | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Certificate in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense |
| College of Southern Maryland | La Plata, Maryland | Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology |
| College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, Nevada | Certificate of Achievement in Computing & Information Technology – Cyber Security – Digital Forensics |
| College of Western Idaho | Nampa, Idaho | Advanced Technical Certificate in Cisco Networking and Security Technologies |
| College of Western Idaho | Nampa, Idaho | Advanced Technical Certificate in Information Security and Digital Forensics |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo | Pueblo, Colorado | Certificate in Computer Security |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, Georgia | Cybersecurity Management (Graduate Certificate) |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, Rhode Island | Certificate of Completion in Cyber Defense |
| County College of Morris | Randolph, New Jersey | Certificate of Achievement in Information Security |
| Craven Community College | New Bern, North Carolina | Cybersecurity Administration Certificate |
| Cypress College | Cypress, California | Cyber Defense Certificate |
| Danville Community College | Danville, Virginia | Certificate in Cyber Security |
| Danville Community College | Danville, Virginia | Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation |
| Daytona State College | Daytona Beach, Florida | Advanced Technical Certificate – Cybersecurity and Cyber Forensics |
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, Iowa | Digital Forensic Investigation Certificate |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, Illinois | Technology Security graduate certificate program |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Campus | Ruidoso, New Mexico | Certificate in Computer & Network Security |
| Edmonds Community College | Lynnwood, Washington | Certificate in Computer Information Systems – Cyber Security Specialist |
| Edmonds Community College | Lynnwood, Washington | Certificate in Computer Information Systems – Digital Forensics |
| Estrella Mountain Community College | Avondale, Arizona | IT Security Associate Certificate |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Systems Security and Analysis / Cyber Security Operations Certificate |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, Michigan | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, Michigan | Certificate in Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, Florida | Cyber Defense Certificate |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, Florida | Information Assurance Certificate |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, Florida | Technical Certificate in Digital Forensics |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster, Colorado | Cyber Security Specialist Certificate |
| Gaston College | Dallas, North Carolina | Information Technology – Networking and Cyber Defense Advanced Certificate |
| George Mason University | Fairfax, Virginia | Applied Cyber Security Graduate Certificate |
| George Mason University | Fairfax, Virginia | Certificate Program in Telecommunications Forensics and Security |
| George Washington University | Washington, District Of Columbia | Computer Security and Information Assurance (CSIA) Graduate Certificate (GC) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, Georgia | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, Georgia | Cyber Security Undergraduate Certificate |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, Maryland | Advanced Network Security, Cybersecurity, Certificate |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, Maryland | Cisco CCNA Prep, Cybersecurity, Certificate |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, Maryland | Network Security, Cybersecurity, Certificate |
| Harford Community College | Bel Air, Maryland | Certificate in Information Systems Security |
| Highline Community College | Des Moines, Washington | Digital Forensics & Investigations Certificate |
| Hill College | Hillsboro, Texas | Networking Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Honolulu Community College | Honolulu, Hawaii | Certificate of Achievement Information Assurance |
| Hood College | Frederick, Maryland | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Conway, South Carolina | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Houston Community College | Houston, Texas | Network Systems and Cyber Security – Certificate level I |
| Howard Community College | Columbia, Maryland | Cyber Forensics Technology Certificate |
| Howard Community College | Columbia, Maryland | Network Security Administration Certificate |
| Howard University | Washington, District Of Columbia | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Illinois State University | Normal, Illinois | Information Assurance and Security Graduate Certificate |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, Indiana | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | Indiana, Pennsylvania | CNSS 4011 Certification |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | Indiana, Pennsylvania | CNSS 4012 Certification |
| Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, Indiana | Health Information Security Certificate |
| Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota | Advanced Network Security Certificate |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Certificate in Network/Information Security |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Certificate in Secure Computer and Database Systems |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet, Illinois | Computer Information Systems Computer and Network Security Specialist, Certificate of Achievement |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia | Certificate in Information Technology Security |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia | Undergraduate Certificate in Information Security and Assurance |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, Kentucky | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Lake Superior College | Duluth, Minnesota | Cyber Defense Certificate |
| Lake Superior College | Duluth, Minnesota | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Leeward Community College | Pearl City, Hawaii | Certificate of Achievement in Information Security |
| Leeward Community College | Pearl City, Hawaii | Certificate of Competence in Information Security |
| Lincoln Land Community College | Springfield, Illinois | Certificate of Achievement in Computer Administration – Networking Track |
| Long Beach City College | Long Beach, California | Certificate in Cyber Security |
| Lord Fairfax Community College | Middletown, Virginia | Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate |
| Los Medanos College | Pittsburg, California | Networking and Security (Advanced) Certificate |
| Los Medanos College | Pittsburg, California | Networking and Security (Basic) Certificate |
| Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, Louisiana | Information Assurance Certificate Program |
| Marshall University | Huntington, West Virginia | Certificate in Information Assurance |
| Marshall University | Huntington, West Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics |
| Marymount University | Arlington, Virginia | Computer Security and Information Assurance Graduate Certificate |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts | Cyber Security Certificate |
| McHenry County College | Crystal Lake, Illinois | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Forensics |
| Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Middlesex Community College | Bedford, Massachusetts | Advanced Certificate in IT Cybersecurity |
| Middlesex Community College | Bedford, Massachusetts | Entry-Level Certificate in IT Cybersecurity |
| Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Information Assurance Professional Certificate |
| Mohave Community College | Kingman, Arizona | Cybersecurity and Network Support Certificate (CSNSC) |
| Mohawk Valley Community College | Utica, New York | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Monterey Peninsula College | Monterey, California | Cisco Networking and Security Professional certificate program |
| Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell, Pennsylvania | Certificate in Cyber Security |
| Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell, Pennsylvania | Computer Networking Security certification |
| Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills, Illinois | IT Security Specialist Certificate |
| Morgan State University | Baltimore, Maryland | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Cyber Security |
| Mount Wachusett Community College | Gardner, Massachusetts | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Nashville State Community College | Nashville, Tennessee | Information Security Technical Certificate |
| Naval Postgraduate School | Monterey, California | Information Systems Security Engineering (ISSE) Certificate |
| New Jersey City University | Jersey City, New Jersey | Information Security Standard (INFOSEC) 4011 |
| New Jersey City University | Jersey City, New Jersey | The National Security Agency Certificate for Information Systems Security Officers (ISSO) – Standard 4014 (Entry) |
| NHTI-Concord’s Community College | Concord, New Hampshire | Certificate in Information Technology Security |
| North Dakota State University | Fargo, North Dakota | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security |
| North Idaho College | Coeur D’Alene, Idaho | Intermediate Technical Certificate in Network Security Administration |
| Northeast Alabama Community College | Rainsville, Alabama | Certificate in Computer Information Systems – Security+ |
| Northeast Community College | Norfolk, Nebraska | Information Security Certificate |
| Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar | Calmar, Iowa | Certificate in Information Security |
| Northeastern University | Boston, Massachusetts | Graduate Certificate in Information Security Management |
| Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, Kentucky | Certificate in Corporate Information Security |
| Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, Kentucky | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Oakland Community College | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan | Certificate in Computer Information Systems – Cyber Security |
| Oakland Community College | Bloomfield, Hills, Michigan | Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity Certificate (CIS.CYS.CT) |
| Oklahoma City Community College | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Cyber/Information Security Certificate of Mastery |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk, Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Systems Security |
| Pace University-New York | New York, New York | Advanced Certificate in Secure Software and Information Engineering |
| Pace University-New York | New York, New York | Advanced Certificate in Security and Information Assurance |
| Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, Florida | Certificate in Network Security |
| Piedmont Technical College | Greenwood, South Carolina | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Pikes Peak Community College | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Certificate in Cyber Security |
| Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon | Certificate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals |
| Portland State University | Portland, Oregon | Graduate Certificate in Computer Security |
| Prince George’s Community College | Largo, Maryland | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo, Colorado | Cyber Defense Certificate |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo, Colorado | Information Assurance Basic Certificate |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo, Colorado | Networking Mini Certificate |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo, Colorado | Security Mini Certificate |
| Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, North Carolina | Forensic Computing Certificate |
| Radford University | Radford, Virginia | Undergraduate Certificate in Information Security |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood, Colorado | Cyber Security Specialist Certificate |
| Richland College | Dallas, Texas | Digital Forensic Analyst Advanced Technical Certificate |
| River Valley Community College | Claremont, New Hampshire | Certificate in Cybersecurity & Healthcare IT |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, New York | Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford, Illinois | Cisco CCNA Security/3776 Certificate |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford, Illinois | Cisco CCNP Security/3777 Certificate |
| Rose State College | Midwest City, Oklahoma | Information Security Certificate Program |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | Salisbury, North Carolina | Cyber Investigations Certificate |
| Sacramento City College | Sacramento, California | Info Sys Security Certificate of Achievement Program |
| Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, Connecticut | Certificate Program in Cybersecurity |
| Saint Joseph’s University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Salt Lake Community College | Salt Lake City, Utah | Network and Cyber Security Certificate of Proficiency |
| Salve Regina University | Newport, Rhode Island | Certificate of Graduate Studies in Cyber Security and Intelligence |
| Salve Regina University | Newport, Rhode Island | Certificate of Graduate Studies in Digital Forensics |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio, Texas | Certificate, Information Security & Assurance |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio, Texas | Cyber First Responders Certificate |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio, Texas | Information Technology and Security Academy (ITSA) Certificate |
| San Jose State University | San Jose, California | Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity: Core Technologies |
| San Jose State University | San Jose, California | Certificate in Cybersecurity Engineering |
| San Jose State University | San Jose, California | Certificate in Fundamentals of Cybersecurity |
| Shawnee Community College | Ullin, Illinois | Cyber Security and Computer Forensics Certificate |
| Sheridan College | Sheridan, Wyoming | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Sinclair Community College | Dayton, Ohio | Information Systems Security – Short Term Certificate |
| Sinclair Community College | Dayton, Ohio | Linux Security and Networking – Short Term Certificate |
| South Texas College | McAllen, Texas | Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, South Carolina | Networking/Cybersecurity Certificate |
| St Philip’s College | San Antonio, Texas | Information Security and Assurance Certificate |
| Sullivan University | Louisville, Kentucky | Certificate in Network Support Administration and Security |
| SUNY at Albany | Albany, New York | Certificate of Graduate Study in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity |
| Temple University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Professional Certificate in Information Technology Auditing and Cyber Security |
| Texas State Technical College-System | Waco, Texas | Advanced Technical Certificate – Digital Forensics Specialist |
| Texas State Technical College-System | Waco, Texas | Certificate in Cyber Security |
| The University of Montana | Missoula, Montana | Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Certificate in Information Systems Security |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, Texas | Certificate in Cybersecurity Systems (CCSS) |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, Texas | Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, Texas | Undergraduate Certificate in Information Assurance |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, Texas | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security |
| The University of West Florida | Pensacola, Florida | Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| The University of West Florida | Pensacola, Florida | Certificate in Information Security Management |
| Thomas Nelson Community College | Hampton, Virginia | Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity for Enterprise |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk, Virginia | Career Studies Certificate in Cyber Security |
| Towson University | Towson, Maryland | Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Assurance |
| Trident Technical College | Charleston, South Carolina | Certificate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity |
| Trident Technical College | Charleston, South Carolina | Network Security Certificate |
| UMass Amherst | Amherst, Massachusetts | Graduate Certificate in Information Security |
| University at Buffalo | Buffalo, New York | Advanced (Graduate) Certificate Program in Information Assurance |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, Alabama | Certificate in Computer Forensics |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, Alabama | Computer Forensics Certificate Program |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, Florida | Graduate Certificate in Computer Forensics |
| University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, Missouri | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cyber Operations Certificate |
| University of Colorad-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Engineering Secure Software Certificate |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida | Certificate in Hardware Security |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida | Certificate in Information Security |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, Illinois | Undergraduate Certificate in Global Security |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, Maryland | Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, Maryland | Graduate Certificate in Engineering – Cybersecurity |
| University of Memphis | Memphis, Tennessee | Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance |
| University of Memphis | Memphis, Tennessee | Graduate Certificate Program in Business Information Assurance |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, Missouri | Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, Nevada | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, North Carolina | Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Privacy |
| University of North Texas | Denton, Texas | Undergraduate Cybersecurity Certificate |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Certificate of Advanced Study in Telecommunications Security |
| University of Richmond | University Of Richmond, Virginia | Certificate in Information Security |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, South Carolina | Information Assurance and Security Certificate |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Cyber Security Certificate |
| Utah Valley University | Orem, Utah | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Valencia College | Orlando, Florida | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Valencia College | Orlando, Florida | Digital Forensics Technical Certificate |
| Valley Forge Military College | Wayne, Pennsylvania | Cybersecurity Certificate |
| Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, Indiana | Certificate in Information Assurance |
| Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, Indiana | Certificate in Information Security |
| Villanova University | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance |
| Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, Missouri | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Management |
| Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Principles of Cybersecurity (CTCYS) |
| Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Cyber Security Specialist Certificate |
| Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Security Administrator Certificate |
| Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Technical Certificate in Cybersecurity |
| Wayne County Community College District | Detroit, Michigan | Certificate in Computer Information Systems: Cybersecurity |
| Weber State University | Ogden, Utah | Graduate Certificate in Management Information Systems – Information Assurance |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | West Chester, Pennsylvania | Graduate Computer Security Certificate |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | West Chester, Pennsylvania | Undergraduate Computer Security Certificate |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, West Virginia | Graduate Certificate in Computer Forensics |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, West Virginia | Information Assurance and Biometrics Certificate Program |
| Western New Mexico University | Silver City, New Mexico | Certificate in Digital Forensics |
| Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, Washington | Certificate of Proficiency – Information Security Professional |
| Wilmington University | New Castle, Delaware | Digital Evidence Discovery Certificate |
| Wilmington University | New Castle, Delaware | Digital Evidence Investigation Certificate |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, Massachusetts | Information Security Management Graduate Certificate |
| Yavapai College | Prescott, Arizona | Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate |
The post A Guide for Understanding Cybersecurity Certifications appeared first on Cybers Guards.
