Is a cybersecurity certificate worth it?

Earning a cybersecurity certificate can be worthwhile if you’re looking to develop a specialized skill set that can help you land a sought-after career with a competitive salary. For example, according to the BLS, quality assurance analysts earned a median annual salary of $130,160 in 2023.

How long does it take to earn a cybersecurity certificate?

Earning your cybersecurity certificate may take anywhere from one to eight months. The complexity of the curriculum, your previous knowledge and experience, and how much time you are willing to spend studying the materials each week determine your time spent earning a certificate.

How do you choose the right cybersecurity certificate program?

You can choose a cybersecurity certificate program by ensuring the curriculum teaches the fundamentals of network security. You may also want to consider a certificate program that has multiple levels to cater to beginners and advanced practitioners alike.

Cybersecurity certificates

Are you on the hunt for an exciting career? The cybersecurity field is constantly shifting and evolving to adapt to new technology and threats from around the world, making it often an ideal choice for professionals looking for a new industry to enter.

Discover what you'll learn in a cybersecurity certificate program and how it can potentially benefit your career.

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Male computer programmer working at home in his office.

Why earn a cybersecurity certificate online?

Specialized knowledge

Develop your knowledge in one specific area, making a cybersecurity certificate an excellent addition to a general computer science or information management degree.

Skill validation

This allows employers to verify that you have the necessary skills to carry out your job duties and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

Higher earning potential

Expanding your professional options may allow you to secure a higher-earning job in the information security field, such as a security or quality assurance analyst.

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What you'll learn

In a cybersecurity certificate program, you may be able to:

Understand the business imperative of network security and discover the fundamentals of detecting and reacting to threats
Learn the basics of programming, problem-solving network security, global cybersecurity management, and algorithm development
Complete a program with as little as 15 credit hours or anywhere from one to eight months
Gain access to specialized tracks for beginners, intermediate learners, and experienced professionals

These programs can teach you fundamental skills in a specialized area to increase your knowledge so you can help keep precious information out of the wrong hands.

What can you do with a certificate in cybersecurity?

A cybersecurity certificate can lead you to an exciting career in helping organizations protect their essential data.

Here are some common jobs that a certificate in cybersecurity may help you qualify for, with each role's require skills as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Computer support specialist

In this versatile role, you may assist organizations or individuals in solving computer or network-related problems. You may install, test, maintain, and evaluate systems, analyze and document problems, guide customers or employees through the necessary steps to fix their issues, repair devices, and train end-users on specific applications.

With a cybersecurity certificate, computer support specialists can gain the skills to identify and troubleshoot security issues, possibly saving individuals and organizations from having their precious information stolen.

Required skills: Software and hardware configuration, database management, networking and security fundamentals, scripting, troubleshooting, customer service, active listening
Median annual salary (May 2023): $60,810

Information security analyst

An information security analyst may be tasked with protecting an organization’s information by creating and deploying a security plan.

In this role, you may monitor networks for suspicious activity, install and maintain software, perform vulnerability assessments, prepare security reports, recommend data security improvements, and develop best practices for staff to help keep information and infrastructure safe.

Many security analyst jobs require a bachelor’s degree. However, earning a cybersecurity certificate can help you develop and validate your specialized skills so employers know you have the necessary knowledge to protect critical information and systems.

Required skills: Network protocols, intrusion detection/prevention systems, security management frameworks, incident response design, knowledge of data privacy regulations, teamwork, adaptability, analytical thinking
Median annual salary (May 2023): $120,360

Quality assurance analyst

Quality assurance analysts are responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of products and software applications. You may be responsible for designing and developing software test plans, testing functionality and performance, identifying and reporting issues and bugs, determining how to prevent future problems, and tracking progress on resolutions.

You may need to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field in order to qualify for this role, but a cybersecurity certificate can enhance your knowledge of security testing and showcase sought-after skills.

Required skills: Software development and programming, database management, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, communication, attention to detail
Median annual salary (May 2023): $130,160

Frequently asked questions

Published July 3, 2025