Cybersecurity certificates
Want to fast-track your cybersecurity career? An online cybersecurity certificate can strengthen practical skills for careers in this growing field.
Browse cybersecurity certificates
Why earn an online cybersecurity certificate?
Develop technical skills
Tech is a hot industry, and an online cybersecurity certificate can help you develop the cyber skills needed to break in.
Prepare for in-demand careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that Information security analysts will see 29% job growth from 2024-34, making this one of the most in-demand tech careers.
Fast-track learning
An online cybersecurity certificate can take as few as 1-2 months to complete, giving you an accelerated track to in-demand skills.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing tech fields. A cybersecurity certificate can help you develop in-demand technical skills and move into this high-paying field. Certificate programs are also a great way to expand your cybersecurity expertise in a specialized area. Learn how a cybersecurity certificate can prepare you for high-demand tech careers.
Explore certificates in cybersecurity
What to expect from a cybersecurity certificate program
A cybersecurity certificate program can help you build the practical knowledge and technical expertise necessary to work in this growing field.
cover core topics such as network security, systems defense strategies, and security breach investigations. Learners also study the tools and techniques that hackers use to gain unauthorized access to secure systems. These certificate programs prepare learners to secure critical infrastructure, identify unauthorized intrusions, and investigate cyberattacks.
Learners can also choose a more advanced cybersecurity certificate to specialize their skills. For example, certificate programs can train professionals in the use of in cybersecurity or digital forensics investigative techniques.
Designed for working professionals, an online cybersecurity certificate offers considerable flexibility for learners.
Cybersecurity certificates can be as short as one month or over a year, allowing you to find one that matches your experience and timeline.
Types of cybersecurity certificates
What kind of cybersecurity certificate is right for you? If you're new to the field, start with an introductory option such as the certificate from EC-Council or the certificate.
Those with cybersecurity experience can consider options such as from IBM.
After completing a cybersecurity certificate, you can consider . A certification showcases your expertise in a field and typically has education, experience, and exam requirements.
Beginner level
Cybersecurity Essentials from EC-Council or IBM Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Experienced level
Advanced options like Generative AI for Cybersecurity from IBM
Professional certifications
Advanced certifications with education, experience, and exam requirements
Popular certificate courses
Cybersecurity certificate courses develop practical skills through applied learning.
In a certificate program, learners new to cybersecurity strengthen foundational knowledge of network and system security, information security management frameworks, and intrusion detection.
Those with prior cybersecurity experience or knowledge can choose a specialized certificate in a concentration area such as digital forensics investigations or information security management.
Network Security
Learn about the best practices in network security while strengthening competencies with security technology. Topics may include intrusion detection, incident response planning, and digital forensics.
Cybersecurity Risk Management
Examine the risk analysis and assessment process for information security professionals. Learners apply their analytical skills and cybersecurity techniques to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
Digital Forensics
Explore the investigative techniques and forensics tools to identify and stop malicious activity. Topics may include , cyberattack investigation, and digital evidence collection.
Jobs for cybersecurity certificate graduates
Below, see careers that you can pursue with a certificate in cybersecurity, including salary and job outlook data from the BLS and O*NET OnLine.
A certificate or can help professionals qualify for these roles or advance their cybersecurity careers.
Cybersecurity analyst
Information security and cybersecurity analysts monitor networks for security breaches, conduct cybersecurity investigations, and implement security improvements. They also protect sensitive data using cybersecurity software and techniques.
- Recommended education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $124,910
- Job outlook (2024-34): +29%
Cybersecurity analyst
Information security and cybersecurity analysts monitor networks for security breaches, conduct cybersecurity investigations, and implement security improvements. They also protect sensitive data using cybersecurity software and techniques.
- Recommended education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $124,910
- Job outlook (2024-34): +29%
How to choose a certificate in cybersecurity
The right cybersecurity certificate program should align with your schedule, budget, and career goals. Here are some key considerations when choosing your certificate program:
- Focus area: Do you want a foundational cybersecurity certificate or a more specialized program? Review the focus area and read the course descriptions to identify good fits.
- Program length: With certificate programs as short as one month, you'll want to review the program length when choosing a program. The right program should fit your schedule and professional timeline.
- Career goals: A short certificate program can add valuable skills to your résumé to help you specialize or advance in your current field. If you want to break into cybersecurity, you'll benefit from a longer program that matches your current experience in the field.
Frequently asked questions
Last updated September 24, 2025