What Is a Computer Science Certification?

Computer science certifications are credentials that help you showcase your skills as a computer science professional. Certifications can typically help you stand out in a job search or qualify for a more advanced role or work responsibilities, whether you’re a recent college graduate or a seasoned software developer or cybersecurity specialist with years of experience in the industry. 

Consider a computer science certification if you want to learn the latest tech innovations. An employer-recognized certification can also highlight your knowledge of skills that an employer prioritizes.

 Learn about recognized computer science certifications and how to obtain them. 

5 computer science certifications

Industry-standard computer science certifications can potentially boost your chances of earning a position in the computer science industry. Some are even specialized to help you work with specific companies, such as Amazon, Microsoft, or Google. 

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP can potentially help you advance your cybersecurity career and earn a higher salary. It indicates to employers that you can set up and maintain security programs.

Requirements: A minimum of five years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP-recognized domains, including:

• Domain 1: Security and risk management

• Domain 2: Asset security

• Domain 3: Security architecture and engineering

• Domain 4: Communication and network security

• Domain 5: Identity and access management (IAM)

• Domain 6: Security assessment and testing

• Domain 7: Security operations

• Domain 8: Software development security

Cost: $749 [1]

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect–Associate

Aspiring computer science professionals, especially those with prior experience in IT or AWS Cloud, may also benefit from receiving this certification.

Requirements: This exam does not have prerequisites, but AWS does recommend you have at least one year of experience working directly with AWS Cloud or one to three years of IT experience. 

Professionals with more experience may consider the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional certification. This certification is recommended for those with at least two years of experience working with AWS Cloud or in the IT industry.

Cost: $150 [2]

3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

This certification is for technology professionals who want to validate their expertise in Microsoft Azure and cloud implementation. Industry beginners may also find it useful as a way to start a career using Microsoft Azure.

Requirements: This foundational certification does not have prerequisites. However, Microsoft recommends that you have some prior understanding of cloud concepts and IT experience.

Cost: $99 [3]

4. Google Professional Cloud Architect

The Google Professional Cloud Architect certification can prove your ability to operate Google Cloud, and it could help you begin a career in a position working for Google or Alphabet Inc. directly. While preparing for this certification, you will have the opportunity to learn how to build with, utilize, and maintain Google Cloud.

Requirements: This certification does not have prerequisites, but it may be easier to complete if you have at least three years of relevant industry experience, including one year of experience designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud.

Cost: $200 [4]

5. CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ certification can help you begin a computer science career, as it is the most general certification on this list. With it, you can pursue a wider range of technology-related jobs, especially those where systems other than AWS Cloud, Azure, or Google Cloud will be used.

Requirements: CompTIA does not have formal prerequisites for this certification, but it recommends you have at least nine months of relevant experience.

Cost: $253 [5]

Who should pursue a computer science certification?

Many professionals could benefit from a computer science certification. However, the certification you choose will partly depend on the specific role you want. A few positions that might benefit from possessing a computer science certification include: 

• Professionals with an interest in security positions: You can choose from many security roles with a computer science certification, including chief information security officer, director of security, and security auditor.

• Professionals seeking organization-specific positions: Organizations that have adopted a certain system may prefer their employees hold a specialized certification in that system. For example, AWS Cloud may be more interested in hiring professionals with an AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification. Similarly, Microsoft and other organizations utilizing Microsoft Azure may prefer hiring experts with a Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification.

• Learners aiming to achieve a general software and IT position: These professionals could include positions such as software developer, UX/UI designer, and systems administrator.

How to obtain a computer science certification

Obtaining a certification includes ensuring you have the prerequisite knowledge or experience, preparing for the exam, and passing the exam. With time and effort, you should be able to add your new, well-deserved certification to your resume.

Steps to earning your next certification

Follow these steps when you are ready to begin a computer science certification. 

• Choosing your certification: Research the available certifications to find the one that best aligns with your career goals.

• Meeting the prerequisites: Once selected, check to see if you meet the requirements. If you don’t, pause your exam preparations until you gain the experience or education needed to complete the certification. Then, proceed with the following steps.

• Enrolling in a training course: To prepare for the exam, consider enrolling in a supplementary training course or workshop. These typically take no more than a few months to complete.

• Preparing for the exam: Use available resources and study materials, such as study groups and related ebooks. The “Training for the computer science exam” section below provides further study advice.

• Scheduling your exam: Once you feel sufficiently prepared, register for your desired exam. Then, earn a passing score or higher.

What to expect on computer science certification exams

Computer science certification exams cover a wide variety of topics. Consider the following list as a broad overview of the topics you may find on a computer science certification exam. 

• Programming languages: Start by refreshing your knowledge of the programming languages you’ve learned, as many of the operating systems that will appear on the exams support varying languages. For instance, Microsoft Azure supports:

  • Python

  • JavaScript

  • Java

  • .NET

  • Go

  • Powershell 

• Data structures: Some exams will require you to understand how data sets are stored in certain computer systems. For example, the exam for Google’s Professional Cloud Architect certification will require you to learn how to handle the following:

  • Data storage allocation

  • Data growth planning

  • Data retention and data life cycle management

• Systems design and architecture: You will need to understand how to use and maintain various operating systems and recognize which tools best suit a given situation. 

• Security principles: Knowing how to keep systems properly secure will likely play a role in your computer science certification exam. More specifically, you’ll need to understand how to maintain security in the system of your chosen exam. For example, prepare to answer questions on maintaining security in AWS Cloud if you plan to take the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Certification.

Training for the computer science exam

The following information may help you decide how to begin training for a certification exam.

Online courses: Platforms like Coursera offer a wide range of courses tailored to help you expand your existing knowledge of computer science topics and prepare for specific certification exams.

Study groups: Take advantage of various study aids available to you as you prepare for the exam. For example, you could form a study group with peers from one of your training courses or join one of the study groups found on an exam provider’s website, such as the CISSP study group.

Practice exams, sample questions, and labs: Many exam providers offer practice exams and other activities to help you prepare. For instance, you can find several practice activities for popular computer science certifications through the links listed below.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: Practice exam 

• Google Professional Cloud Architect: Practice activities 

• CISSP: Practice activities 

What jobs could a computer science certification help you get?

A computer science certification could help you be successful in winning jobs that require you to understand specific computer science principles. For example, a system security certification is going to be particularly beneficial if you want a job working with an organization’s system security.

The computer science certification may also help you get a position in the following jobs:

Software developer

Software developers design and maintain computer programs that allow users to interact with and control various computer platforms and systems.

Average US salary (BLS): $131,450 [6]

Estimated job growth from 2023 to 2033: 17 percent [6]

Computer systems analyst

As a computer systems analyst, you monitor established computer systems for organizations and identify places to improve the code. Then, you develop solutions to increase efficiency and keep those systems operating smoothly.

Average US salary (BLS): $103,790 [7]

Estimated job growth from 2023 to 2033: 11 percent [7]

Cybersecurity analyst

Cybersecurity analysts run tests on an organization’s established computer networks and systems. In this role, you then plan out how the organization can reinforce its preexisting cybersecurity measures.

Average US salary (BLS): $124,910 [8]

Estimated job growth from 2023 to 2033: 33 percent [8]

Getting started with your computer science certification on Coursera

Earning a computer science certification can potentially boost your career trajectory, whether you pursue a platform-specific or more general credential. Consider the top-rated training options on Coursera specifically tailored to help you prepare for popular computer science certifications.

• AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate 4.8-star rating

• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Specialization 4.7-star rating

• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization 4.8-star rating

• Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect Professional Certificate 4.7-star rating

• Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification Specialization 4.6-star rating