By DeVry University
May 13, 2023
9 min read
May 13, 2023
9 min read
When applying for cyber security jobs, showing employers that you’ve followed a cyber security certification path can be a great way to prove you’ve got the skills they’re looking for. Cyber security certifications are typically awarded by highly regarded industry associations and show that the holder has a high level of competence with a particular skill.
Certifications are more than just a nice-to-have thing. They can be a useful tool as you prepare to advance in your career, not to mention a boost to your self-confidence. Each certification on your resume demonstrates your abilities in specific areas of IT security and may help you stand out among other IT professionals as a strong job candidate.
The process of studying for a certification exam can also help reinforce many of the concepts you already know and introduce you to new information in cyber security architecture and operations that you can utilize on your cyber security career path.
In this article, you'll learn about cyber security certifications, why they’re important and how to prepare yourself to pursue them as we explore the following sections:
While there are many options to choose from, it’s best to create a cyber security certification path that fits your personal goals. Combining one or more of the above certifications with a cyber security-focused degree or undergraduate certificate may increase your chances of standing out to employers by showcasing your knowledge and comprehension of the field.
There is no one-size fits-all approach to preparing for a cyber security certification exam. You may want to experiment with a variety of strategies such as diligent studying, taking practice exams or taking a course.
If you’re just beginning your cyber security education, earning a cyber security certificate through an undergraduate certificate program can help you familiarize yourself with some of the basics of cyber security.
An undergraduate certificate is a non-degree college credential that is generally earned in less time than a full-length degree. Certificate programs cover some of the basic concepts that one might find in a cyber security associate degree or bachelor's degree program, but with fewer course requirements. This makes an undergraduate certificate an excellent choice for anyone who wants to earn a credential and build their skills quickly so they can prepare to enter the workforce sooner.
Earning a certificate can be useful when looking for entry-level opportunities in the cyber security and information technology fields, but it can also be a foundational credential to build on as well, especially if you’re looking to advance your education. At DeVry, our online Undergraduate Certificate in Cyber Security can help you build your hands-on experience while gaining qualifying credits that can apply toward an associate or bachelor's degree1 in a related field, should you continue your education with us.
The minimum application requirements for a cyber security job will vary, depending on the employer and the qualifications required for the position. If you haven’t worked in a cyber security role previously, you may need to pursue an entry-level IT position to gain some hands-on industry experience before making the transition into cyber security.
No, you do not need to be able to program before pursuing many lower-level cyber security certifications. However, a program like our Undergraduate Certificate in Cyber Security explores foundational programming elements needed to help you start pursuing higher-level industry certifications.
Still, many cyber security jobs require candidates to have competency across a few basic programming languages. Understanding these languages is not only important for finding employment, but also needed to protect customer data. Those looking to pursue a career in cyber security may enroll in a programming essentials course if they so choose.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in cyber security and want to learn more about the field and the industry’s certifications, check out our article on how to get into cyber security.
1At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credits will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
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DeVry University’s Cyber Security curriculum is acknowledged and verified as an approved provider by NICCS.