The demand for information technology (IT) professionals is rising much faster than other occupations as businesses become increasingly reliant on technology. The emphasis on e-commerce has expanded this field and made IT jobs coveted positions. If you want to work in this sector, one way to gain professional IT skills is through online IT certificate programs.
Pursuing an IT certificate is an excellent investment as IT is a lucrative, growing field with a positive job outlook. An IT certificate can open up many opportunities, such as becoming a software developer, computer systems analyst, information security analyst, or network architect. Below you’ll find a list of the top 15 IT certificate programs that can help you kickstart a lucrative tech career.
Key Takeaways
- IT certificate programs offer opportunities in various tech fields, including software development, data science, cybersecurity, and more.
- The IT industry offers job security and growth potential, making IT certificates a valuable path for career advancement, especially for working professionals.
- Different types of IT certifications are available, including graduate and undergraduate certificates, professional certificates, and bootcamp certificates.
- Choosing the right IT certification program involves considering factors like full-time vs. part-time options, tuition costs, mentorship opportunities, and career services.
- Admission requirements for IT certificate programs typically include a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses and skills, and an open schedule for intensive bootcamps.
Top 15 IT Certification Programs
The best online IT certificate programs help students acquire the skills needed for lucrative tech careers. We have put together a list of the best IT certificate programs right now. From coding bootcamps to universities, the list below includes trusted education providers with programs that yield IT certificates recognized by their respective industries.
| Provider | Subjects | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Thinkful | Software engineering, data science, data analytics, digital marketing, tech project management, UX/UI design | $5,341 – $16,000 |
| Codesmith | Software engineering | $20,925 |
| DataCamp | Data science, data analytics, programming | $12,42 monthly |
| Designlab | UX/UI design | $7,749 |
| BloomTech | Full stack web development, data science, backend development | $17,950 |
| The Software Guild | Java, .NET/C# | $13,750 |
| RMOTR | Data science, web development | $349 |
| Product School | Product Manager Certification, Product Leader Certification, Product Marketing Manager Certification | Starting from just $154 per month |
| Ironhack | Web development, data analytics, UX/UI design | $12,500 – $13,000 |
| UC Berkeley Extension | Coding, data analytics, UX/UI, cyber security, digital marketing, fintech, project management | $13,495 |
| The University of West Florida | Full stack web development | $4,275 |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Cyber security | $17,800 |
| Dakota State University | Creative coding, cyber security, data analytics, ethical hacking, among others | $5,968 (non-residents, undergraduate, 15 credit hour enrollment) |
| Bismarck State College | Graphic design technology, computer networking, modern computing, security and hacking, among others | Contact the school for details |
The Best Online IT Certification Programs: A Closer Look
From coding bootcamps like Thinkful and Codesmith to universities like Dakota State University and Bismarck State College, our selection of the best online IT certificate programs includes highly respected institutions. Earning a certificate from any of these schools is an excellent way to kickstart a career in tech.
Thinkful
Considered one of the best online coding bootcamps, Thinkful offers courses in engineering, data science, data analytics, digital marketing, project management, and UX/UI design. Thinkful also boasts a tuition guarantee: students receive a full refund if they do not find work within 180 days of completing the program.
Thinkful students earn an IT certificate and those who graduate from the data analytics, data science, or software engineering programs receive credits toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
Codesmith
Codesmith focuses on equipping software engineers with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their tech careers. Tuition for this online IT certification course may be steep but keep in mind that Codesmith boasts high job placement figures. According to a report verified by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, more than 80 percent of graduates land an in-field job within six months.
An attractive feature of Codesmith’s program is that it offers a hiring program that guides its online students through the interview process, the building of a resume, and networking skills. Codesmith has a tough admissions process, so check the website to make sure that you have what it takes to be accepted into this rigorous program.
DataCamp
DataCamp is known as the first online learning platform to offer data science courses, covering everything from Python to SQL and ChatGPT. Since its creation, the program has taught more than 560,000 data scientists. If you aren’t sure about becoming a data scientist, you can enroll in DataCamp’s free beginner courses to test the waters.
Students enrolled in this program learn to apply their technical skills through short videos with hands-on exercises. DataCamp’s certifications are recognized by industry leaders and built with their needs and demands in mind.
Designlab
Designlab offers several smaller courses on UX and UI design. Students can also join UX Academy, the school’s main draw and an effective way of learning the skills needed to work as a UX/UI designer. UX Academy has a project-based curriculum and students graduate with a sizeable portfolio to showcase potential employers. You can join part-time and graduate in 30 weeks or full-time and finish your studies in 15 weeks.
This is one of the top online IT certifications because it provides relevant experience. Designlab also offers access to career resources to its students. The program also guarantees a tuition reimbursement to students who have not secured a job six months after graduation.
BloomTech
Bloom Institute of Technology, formerly known as Lambda School, offers courses on full stack web development, data science, and backend development. This is one of the top online IT certifications that takes a unique approach to tuition by charging no upfront fees. Rather, the school charges students once they have landed their first job and started earning over a certain amount.
The Software Guild
The Software Guild offers a full-time, 12-week program and a part-time, 10 to 14-month part-time program. Its courses are focused on the most in-demand programming languages according to Fortune 500 companies, Java and .NET/C#. The Software Guild also offers an employer and job placement network, including Target, Best Buy, and Progressive.
RMOTR
RMOTR offers a four-month online evening program, perfect for working professionals seeking to advance their higher education while continuing to work. While students can enjoy a flexible learning platform, they still have the opportunity to interact with their teachers, classmates, and mentors, similar to a traditional on-campus learning experience.
While building their Python, web development, or data science portfolio, students in this online program work on projects similar to those they would encounter in the real world. RMOTR is designed by INE, a company that specializes in providing technical training for the IT industry.
Product School
Product School is renowned as the world’s first technology business school. It offers three online certificate programs: Product Manager Certification, Product Leader Certification, and Product Marketing Manager Certification. All of the instructors at Product School are professional project managers employed by major tech companies like Snapchat, Google, PayPal, LinkedIn, Netflix, Facebook, and Airbnb.
Ironhack
Ironhack offers nine-week, full-time classes or 24-week, part-time classes in web development, data analytics, and UX/UI design. Ironhack’s programs are designed with a balance of theory and practice for optimal learning. Students can attend remotely or in person at its Miami campus.
All Ironhack programs are strong from a curriculum perspective. However, we are particularly impressed by its UX/UI program, which is why we named the school one of the best web design bootcamps. After completion of their program, students receive a certification.
UC Berkeley Extension
From coding to cyber security to data analysis, UC Berkeley offers some of the best online IT certificate programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs. After graduating from one of the IT certificate programs, you could work as a project management professional, cyber security expert, and more, depending on your course.
The classes are delivered via a combination of live instruction and self-paced study. These tech courses help students master advanced topics so they are well-prepared for the career opportunities that will come their way after graduation. This is considered one of the best university coding bootcamps right now.
The University of West Florida
The University of West Florida offers bootcamps, tech certification programs, and other tech courses. Students can enroll in a full stack web development bootcamp to master useful tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. The bootcamp lasts six months and consists of interactive, self-paced training. Students are expected to dedicate around 20 hours per week to their studies.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a great online certificate program in cyber security. In 36 weeks, students gain the skills needed to break into this competitive and lucrative industry. The program emphasizes real-world experience through a project-dominated curriculum taught by industry leaders.
Dakota State University
Dakota State University offers several of the best online information technology certificate programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree level. Through online school opportunities, students can study coding, IT management, software development, database management, and more.
The technology courses offered by Dakota State University cover hot topics within the tech industry such as AI and cloud technologies. Students can also learn about popular programming languages and cyber security standards. Certificate holders can also later apply their credits toward a degree, as the programs consist of official college courses.
Bismarck State College
Computer networking, security and hacking, and web page development are just a few of the best online IT certificate programs that students can choose from at Bismarck State College. The school offers 12, 16, and 18-credit certificate programs as well as one and two-year programs for students who want to gain more expert-level skills. Many of these programs are also offered in person.
Again, the college courses that students take in these certificate programs can be later applied toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. Students can seek financial assistance in the form of government aid and scholarships to attend these programs. Like many community colleges, Bismarck State College offers affordable tuition rates.
What Is an IT Certification?
An IT certificate program is a short, often intensive program that helps students quickly build skills within the booming field of technology. IT certificate programs consist of a variety of courses that allow students to master tech topics from software development to analytics.
Similar to earning a degree, a certificate shows that you have completed certain coursework and, as a result, developed a proficiency in specific topics. Having an IT certificate can help you stand out during the job search process.
What Does an IT Professional Do?
An IT professional works hard to ensure that a company is operating efficiently by managing all software and hardware. In short, an IT professional makes sure that a business is running smoothly.
If you’re looking to go into IT, it’s important to have a firm grasp of computing. As an IT worker, you will be expected to have some knowledge of programming languages like HTML, CSS, Ruby on Rails, Python Django, JavaScript, or PHP stacks. A good IT certificate program will provide you with these foundational skills.
Earning a certificate in IT is a great way to break into the field. Many businesses hire prospective employees with a bachelor’s or even an associate’s degree. However, if you’re interested in becoming a security analyst, software developer, or software engineer at a Fortune 500 company, you should consider pursuing a master’s degree at an accredited institution.
Tech Careers That Your IT Certificate Can Unlock
You’re probably wondering what positions are available in IT. Knowledge of IT opens doors to a wide range of opportunities. Below are some of the best IT certificate jobs in this growing field. The best online certificates for jobs in the IT field can help you land any of these positions.
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze data and use their findings to provide insights to companies. Data scientists are known for their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, as well as for being detail-oriented. Additionally, a good data scientist will have a firm understanding of statistics, machine learning, and data visualization. If you have an analytical mind, data science may be the perfect IT certificate job for you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average data scientist makes $103,500 annually. In addition, it is a growing field. To pursue a position as a data scientist, you should have a Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field. However, entry-level IT certificate jobs are available for those who complete a certificate program. An entry-level position can help you get hands-on practice to move up in the field.
Software Developer
A software developer creates software, either for a desktop or mobile device. According to BLS, software developers with bachelor’s and master’s degrees typically earn an annual salary of $124,200. The software development field is expected to see a growth of 25 percent over the next decade. Since it is a booming field, software developers can find IT certificate jobs at a wide variety of top companies.
Sales Engineer
A sales engineer sells technology and scientific products and services to companies. In addition to possessing a working knowledge of tech, sales engineers should possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate well with others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to grow by six percent within the next 10 years. A skilled sales engineer typically earns an average salary of nearly $104,000. IT certificate holders can break into the technology industry by getting an entry-level job as a sales engineer.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree, prospective computer and information systems managers are typically expected to enter the position with at least five years of prior work experience in IT. Usually held by seasoned professionals, this position typically yields a median salary of $164,070 per year.
What’s more, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this position will grow by 15 percent over the next 10 years. Approximately 50,000 computer and information systems manager positions are predicted to open up each year. As such, certificate graduates may be able to secure career opportunities and begin gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Types of Online IT Certifications
There are many different types of online IT certifications that cover a wide variety of topics within the field of study. Though you typically won’t earn college credits, some of the types of online IT certifications you can get include graduate and undergraduate certificates. In addition, you can get a professional certificate that will make sure you have the job-ready skills to succeed.
You can also unlock more career opportunities by obtaining a bootcamp certificate in subjects such as software development, database administration, and cloud computing. These tech courses help you gain the relevant experience needed to impress potential employers and secure a high-paying role.
How to Choose the Right Certification Program
Now that you’re familiar with IT and how a position in this field can advance your career, let’s learn more about how to develop IT skills through IT online certificate programs. Many IT professionals earn their certification through online coding bootcamps. These are short, intensive programs that equip students with the practical, job-ready skills they need to succeed in tech jobs. They are a cheaper, faster alternative to attending a four-year college or university. Additionally, many programs offer career support for graduates.
Gaining foundational skills in IT through tech certification programs is a great investment. These programs offer hands-on projects that help students develop professional experience. Whether you’re a working professional seeking to change your career path or advance your career, online IT certificate programs may be a great fit for you.
Many IT online certificate programs are delivered asynchronously to provide students with the maximum amount of flexibility in their learning experience. Other programs allow students to choose either a synchronous or asynchronous format. These options are another important factor to consider when comparing IT certificate programs. Additionally, many programs allow students to transfer credits they earned from a prior institution. This will accelerate the speed at which you complete your IT certificate program.
Full-time programs typically last for 17 weeks, while part-time programs typically last for 34 weeks. Before choosing to enroll in one of these two options, it’s important to consider how much time you have to commit to a program. If you have a demanding workplace, a longer part-time program may be the best option for you.
While reviewing our top 15 best IT certificate programs listed below, it’s important to consider the following factors that will play into your program decision:
- Full-time vs part-time
- Tuition cost and tuition reimbursement
- Mentorship opportunities
- Career services offered
- Success rate
- Future job opportunities
- Class size
- In-person, online or self-paced
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Certificate in Technology Program?
Both bootcamps and university certificate programs often have specific admission requirements. Such requirements help ensure that admitted students can successfully complete the IT certificate programs. Learn more about some of the common admission requirements for IT certificate programs below.
- High school diploma. Having a high school diploma or GED is a requirement for many IT online certificate programs. However, universities may require this more often than independent bootcamp providers.
- Prerequisite courses and skills. Nearly all university programs, and some advanced bootcamps, require students to have prior knowledge and skills. In addition to basic communication skills, students may need to have taken certain math and English courses. For bootcamps, students are sometimes required to have foundational coding skills.
- Open schedule. As many bootcamps are intensive programs, they only admit students that can fully dedicate themselves. As such, to earn an IT certificate through a bootcamp, you will need an open schedule that allows you to focus on developing expert-level skills within a short amount of time.
Choosing the Best Online IT Certification
Information technology is a lucrative field that is only expected to grow, ensuring a future of job security and ample career opportunities. Gaining foundational IT skills through online IT certificate programs is becoming increasingly popular. Furthermore, many people prefer this online learning format over getting an education on campus.
Earning an IT certificate is especially well-suited for working professionals who are either seeking to change career paths or advance their careers from home while continuing to work. IT certificate programs allow them to gain more professional experience while also developing expert-level skills in a new area.
IT Certificate Programs FAQ
You can get IT certifications online for free through several sources. Some IT certifications that are free can be found through Google Analytics Academy courses, AWS certifications, and the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate. You can also get IT certifications for free through providers such as Udemy.
What are the most in-demand IT certifications?
Some of the top IT certifications in demand today are CompTIA, Project Management Professional, and Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer. By obtaining the most in-demand IT certifications, you put yourself ahead of other job seekers and impress prospective employers.
How much do IT certifications cost?
IT certifications can cost anywhere from nothing to $20,000. While some programs are free, IT certificate programs from universities and bootcamps can be just as expensive as an associate degree. However, many IT certificate programs also offer financial assistance to students in need.
What are the easiest IT certifications to get?
The easiest IT certifications to get are CompTIA IT Fundamentals, Cisco Certified Technician, and Systems Security Certified Practitioner. On the other hand, the easiest IT certificates to get are often those that are free, introductory courses that help you learn the fundamentals of a topic.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
