How to Get IT Certifications With a Cybersecurity Degree

Given the prevalence of technology in everyday life, unsurprisingly occupations in the computer and information technology (IT) industry are expected to outpace the average job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In response to the rapid development and adoption of new technology and network systems, the IT field has evolved, too.

IT certifications prove an individual’s competency in IT knowledge. A broad range of certifications are available to individuals interested in joining the technology industry, as needs within the industry have advanced with the technology. Students may seek specialized certifications based on their professional goals. Foundational education, such as an undergraduate degree in IT , can help prepare prospective and current professionals for success in these certifications. Discover how to get IT certifications with the help of a degree.

The Purpose of IT Certifications

IT certifications showcase proficiency in information technology and related areas, such as cybersecurity or programming. Different types of IT certifications demonstrate expertise in specialized technology areas. The more IT certifications an individual acquires, the greater their understanding of IT issues is likely to be. This can increase employability, making certifications highly advantageous to those interested in careers in IT.

IT Certification Comparison: Top IT Certifications at a Glance

CompTIA Tech+

What it is: A foundational certification teaching fundamental IT skills and knowledge
Who it’s for: Anyone starting a career in tech
Experience required: None
Renewal period: Good-for-Life (GFL), no renewal needed
Future career paths: Tech support specialist, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst
Cost: $129

CompTIA A+

What it is: A foundational certification that focuses on skills in hardware, software, troubleshooting, networking, and security
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for an entry-level role in IT
Experience required: None required, but 12 months of IT support recommended
Renewal period: Every three years
Future career paths: Help desk technician, database administrator, software developer
Cost: $548

CompTIA Security+

What it is: A foundational certification focused on cybersecurity
Who it’s for: Anyone starting a career in cybersecurity
Experience required: None required, but CompTIA Network+ certification and two years experience in IT security or systems administration recommended
Renewal period: Every three years
Future career paths: Cyber defense analyst, vulnerability analyst, security control assessor
Cost: $439

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

What it is: An advanced certification that prepares IT professionals for careers in information security
Who it’s for: IT professionals interested in becoming information security managers
Experience required: Five years experience in information security management, with at least three years experience in a CISM job practice area
Renewal period: Two renewal requirements: 20 continuing professional education (CPE) credits per year and 120 CPEs over a three-year period
Future career paths: Information security manager, IT security specialist, information security analyst
Cost: ISACA members: $575 | Non-members: $760

Certified Ethical Hacker

What it is: An advanced certification that demonstrates an IT professional’s skills in security assessment
Who it’s for: IT professionals interested in cybersecurity careers focused on risk assessment and mitigation
Experience required: None required, but at least two years of IT security experience recommended
Renewal period: Every three years, upon completion of 120 credits over the three-year period
Future career paths: Ethical hacker, penetration tester, cybersecurity consultant
Cost: $1,050 and up

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

What it is: An entry-level certification that focuses on skills in network and security fundamentals
Who it’s for: IT professionals starting networking careers
Experience required: None required, but one to two years of experience with Cisco products recommended
Renewal period: Every three years
Future career paths: Network administrator, network architect, IT support specialist
Cost: $300

Project Management Professional (PMP)

What it is: An advanced certification demonstrating skills in project management
Who it’s for: Professionals interested in leadership roles in project management
Experience required: Three pathways to fulfill requirements:
A high school diploma, five years leading projects in the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management training
A bachelor’s degree, three years leading projects in the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management training
A bachelor’s degree from a GAC accredited program, two years leading projects in the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management training
Renewal period: Every three years, upon completion of 60 professional development units (PDUs) in the three-year cycle
Future career paths: IT project manager, technical project manager, AI project manager
Cost: PMI members: $425 | Non-members: $675

Entry-Level IT Certifications

People just entering the IT field have a wide range of introductory IT certifications to choose from. The certifications below are geared toward those who are new to the subject.

CompTIA Tech+

Replacing the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) certification, the CompTIA Tech+ certification is one of the more beginner-friendly options. It provides fundamental knowledge of IT to help individuals decipher whether the field is for them.

CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ certification is a common introductory certification for those who are new to the IT field. This certification focuses on basic networking and operating system issues. It also covers entry-level digital security and mobile devices.

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized credential that requires candidates to pass two separate exams. It’s also recommended as a stepping stone to other CompTIA certification courses.

Relevant IT Degree Course Offerings

Getting IT certifications isn’t limited to individuals who have a degree in a relevant field. However, gaining knowledge and experience with the latest technology standards puts those with an IT degree at an advantage because it can prepare them with a solid base of knowledge in the field. A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology , such as from NCCU Online, may offer the following introductory courses to build familiarity with the IT field:

Computer and Information Systems
Fundamentals of Information Systems
Introduction to Computer Science and Business

Cybersecurity-Focused Certifications

As the technology industry continues to develop, so do advances in cybersecurity, and careers in the field can be rewarding. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for information security analysts was $124,910 in 2024. To hone specialized IT skills , individuals interested in excelling in cybersecurity often seek certifications beyond the entry level. Discover different types of cybersecurity-focused IT certifications below.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification builds upon basic security knowledge. It covers encryption, wireless security, and physical security. Though the CompTIA Security+ certification doesn’t have any prerequisites, CompTIA suggests two years of IT administration experience. This certification is especially relevant for people who want to pursue cybersecurity professions.

Certified Information Security Manager

ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification focuses on the ability to navigate and enhance a network’s security system. This certification requires passing one exam, which covers information security governance, incident and risk management, and project development and management. Experience in information security management is required to complete this IT certification.

Certified Ethical Hacker

EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification allows professionals to gain insight into how malicious hackers function. This insight helps cybersecurity experts reduce vulnerabilities within a network and improve overall infrastructure. According to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS), to get this IT certification, candidates should have a strong understanding of TCP/IP and either familiarity with Linux or proficiency in Microsoft Windows.

Relevant IT Degree Course Offerings

An IT degree with a cybersecurity concentration teaches ways to protect networks, data, and systems from cyberattacks. It also covers risk management, network defense, and penetration testing. The following NCCU Online course offerings can be highly applicable when taking cybersecurity certification exams:

Cybersecurity Risk Management
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Thinking
Linux Fundamentals for Cybersecurity

Network Management Certifications

Without proper network management, organizations wouldn’t be able to maintain efficient online practices and projects. The certifications below focus on network systems and management.

Cisco Certified Network Associate

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a beginner-friendly IT certification geared toward network-specific roles, such as network administrator, network engineer, and IT support specialist. The CCNA requires passing one exam that covers the following:

Network fundamentals
Network access
Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity
IP services
Security fundamentals
Automation and programmability

The CCNA exam has no prerequisites, though basic knowledge of IP addressing and network fundamentals, as well as familiarity with Cisco technologies, is advised.

Project Management Professional

The Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification caters to leadership experience and highlights three types of project management methods within a network: agile, hybrid, and predictive life cycle. A four-year degree and experience in project management are the prerequisites to getting this certification.

Relevant IT Degree Course Offerings

Since network management impacts many facets of IT, a broad range of courses within an IT degree can enhance students’ understanding of the intricacies of network management. Some NCCU Online information and communications technology concentration courses that achieve that goal include the following:

Project Management
Database Management Systems
Business Programming I

Enter the Technology Field With a BS in IT

With the many technology companies in North Carolina driving industry growth and proving the trajectory of the technology industry to be promising, there’s no better time to pursue an education in IT. As the IT field has expanded, degree programs have evolved to support specialized professional endeavors.

Start the journey of building your IT skills today with the online BS in Information Technology degree completion program from NCCU Online. With concentrations in data analytics , information and communications technology, and cybersecurity, the NCCU program offers students the skills and knowledge needed to earn key certifications and take the next steps in their careers — including honing their cybersecurity skills to become penetration testers, cybersecurity analysts, and other essential IT security professionals.

Prepare for IT certification and advance your career with NCCU Online.

Recommended Readings

What’s Information and Communications Technology?

Computer Science vs. Information Technology

Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Similarities and Differences

Sources:

Cisco, CCNA Certification

CompTIA, Tech+

CompTIA. What Is CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA, “What Is CompTIA Security+ Certification”

CompTIA, Which CompTIA Certifications Must Be Renewed?

EC-Council, ECE Policy