Online Information Technology (IT) Certificate Program Guide

If you’re looking for an efficient way to build tech job-ready knowledge, consider an online IT certificate program. These focused learning opportunities provide IT training to new postsecondary students and to graduates of degrees in non-technology fields.

Certificate programs offer several unique advantages: They’re compact and affordable, especially compared to the time and costs involved in earning a four-year degree. The skills you’ll learn in an IT certificate program can translate well to entry-level jobs in the IT sector. You can advance from there as you upskill and gain experience.

Explore online IT certificate programs to see if the pathway aligns with your career development goals.

Online IT certificate programs consist of course sequences that introduce and explore targeted topics in information technology. They typically have a practical, applied focus, often using hands-on methods to help you learn and develop specific skills.

Accredited schools offer these programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduate certificates are for students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree, and they usually cover IT fundamentals. Graduate certificates are for students who have bachelor’s degrees — in or outside of technology fields — and want to add further skills to their academic repertoire.

You can pursue online IT certificate programs at multiple types of institutions, including:

Graduate certificate programs are more readily available through four-year, degree-granting institutions. Community colleges and trade and vocational schools usually only feature undergraduate-level certificate programs.

Online IT certificates most readily qualify you for entry-level jobs in supporting roles. On-the-job training, experience, and additional education can open advancement pathways. You can also work toward earning technology certifications, which validate your skills to employers and can lead to further opportunities.

Some of the career tracks you can enter with an IT certificate include:

Often employed in larger organizations, computer support specialists help peers and colleagues troubleshoot and solve technical issues. They also monitor and maintain computer systems and networks, typically under the supervision of experienced managers or administrators.

Because this is an entry-level role, some employers do not require that candidates hold a computer science degree or an IT degree. This means certificate program graduates can move up in the organization as they develop increasingly complex skills and gain experience.

Computer systems administrators act as gatekeepers, ensuring that only authorized users can access networks, systems, and the resources they contain. They configure and monitor computer systems and networks, install upgrades and updates, troubleshoot problems, and provide technical training as needed.

The qualifications you’ll need to become an administrator depend on your employer. In smaller organizations with less complex needs, you may qualify for the role with an IT certificate and experience.

As a certificate holder, you can enter this field in a support specialist role and advance your career as your skill set grows. Pursuing an administrator-level professional certification may boost your career development.

Information security analysts work in the cybersecurity space. They test systems to identify vulnerabilities, design and implement security solutions, monitor networks for unusual activity, and respond to cyber incidents. Cybersecurity professionals also follow and assess developments in the threat landscape.

An online IT certificate with a cybersecurity concentration can help you enter this career path. You’ll likely start out in a junior role, such as a security analyst or incident responder. By working under experienced and knowledgeable professionals, you’ll acquire higher-level skills that can help you earn career-boosting certifications.

You can also upgrade your education by earning an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, which can help you qualify for mid-level roles in the field.

IT jobs are some of the best-paying opportunities for those without a college degree. According to Payscale, professionals with a certificate in IT earned an average annual salary of $68,000 as of 2024, which works out to about $1,300 per week.

For comparison, in the first quarter of 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported median weekly earnings of $1,096 for workforce participants with an associate degree or some college education but no degree. This means that an IT certificate can position you to exceed that earning level by about 19%.

Ultimately, your earning potential depends on your role, location, experience, and skill set. To maximize it over the long term, you may want to consider enhancing your credentials with a professional certification or degree.

The figures in the table above represent national averages across all institution types offering certificate programs in computer and information science. However, you’ll find some nuance as you dig deeper into the data.

For example, the National Center for Education Statistics reported an average annual tuition cost of $4,000 at public two-year institutions in the 2022-23 school year. Thus, you can position yourself for significant savings if you earn an undergraduate certificate at a public junior, community, career, or technical college.

Students in online programs use fewer campus resources. As such, schools sometimes apply lower tuition rates to fully online programs. On the other hand, attending school in person could mean spending more on transportation, campus services, and room and board.

By attending an accredited institution, you can qualify for federal financial aid programs. You can also apply for private scholarships and grants, even as a non-degree student.

Admission standards vary, with undergraduate and graduate IT certificate programs differing in their entry requirements. Factors that impact admission guidelines include:

The following section summarizes the entry requirements and submission materials that typically apply to undergraduate and graduate students:

*Minimum GPA and related coursework or major requirements may apply.

Online IT certificate programs can set you up to upskill and continue your education further. Accredited undergraduate programs typically accept transfer credits into associate or bachelor’s degree programs. This can give you a helpful head start on completing your college degree.

Graduate certificates can help you transition into master’s degree programs, and you may also be able to transfer credits into a graduate program.

You can also seek a professional certification. Professional certificates don’t typically carry specific degree requirements and instead validate specific skills. If you possess those skills, you can look to certify as soon as you meet your target credential’s qualification standards. These may include professional experience.

Entry-level professional IT certifications to consider include:

Many professional certifications are upgradable, giving you additional pathways as your skills continue to evolve and advance.