If you’re thinking of becoming a computer engineer, the best certifications for computer engineers will set you up for a successful career. Computer engineering is a discipline that combines electrical engineering and computer science. Professional certifications show your competencies and open up a wide variety of job opportunities.
While online degrees can take up to four years to complete, you can finish your certification in a matter of months. In this article, we dive into several computer engineer certifications, where you’ll learn about the certification process, exam fees, and other requirements. We have also included a list of free computer engineer certifications.
What Is a Computer Engineering Certification?
A computer engineering certification is an advanced credential that proves your competencies, skills, and knowledge. Computer engineering involves hardware and software and encompasses certification in topics including cyber security, software development, information technology, and networking. A technology professional will get certifications to demonstrate mastery of a subject and enhance their qualifications.
How Much Can You Earn With a Computer Engineer Certification?
IT professionals with certifications can earn an average salary of $111,334 per year, according to a report from Global Knowledge Training. This amount is higher than the typical $75,097 annual salary of computer engineers.
The Global Knowledge Training study also shows that 93 percent of IT managers prefer to hire candidates with certifications. If you already have professional experience, a certification can boost your qualifications and set you up for a promotion with higher pay and improved benefits.
Why Is Computer Engineer Certification Important?
A computer engineer certification is important because it can set you apart in your job applications. Employers in the tech industry receive many applications where they scrutinize qualifications. Certifications demonstrate that you have proven skills and knowledge. If you are a beginner in tech, you should get a certification to boost your job application.
Certifications Level Up Your Credentials
Software engineering certifications will enhance your credibility as a professional. Many employees demand engineering degrees as educational requirements, but they also look for relevant certifications when hiring applicants.
You can make a good impression by adding a certification as an additional credential to your resume. When you apply for a job, you will compete with many candidates with a degree, but the best certifications for computer engineers will add great value to your application.
Certifications Keep You Updated With the Latest Tools and Skills
Computer engineer certifications are good for professional development and career growth. Certifications update you with the industry standards and the latest technologies in engineering programs. Lifelong learning is crucial in the tech field as it is constantly changing. As a tech professional, keep adding certifications to stay current with emerging technology trends.
Certifications Prove That You Are Qualified
Earning the best certifications for computer engineers demonstrates that you are qualified to do the job. Certification programs can prove that you have the ability, knowledge, technical skills, and soft skills that employers want.
While your experience level is important, your academic performance plays a vital role in your qualifications. Gaining a certification means that you value professionalism and are committed to learning new skills.
Best Certifications for Computer Engineers at a Glance
| Certification | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | $239 | Candidates must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) |
| Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) | $299 | Candidates must presently hold the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) and pass the LabVIEW programming exam |
| Microcontroller Certification Exam | $30 | Candidates must pass the exam |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning, Specialty | $300 | Candidates must pass the exam and have at least two years of experience in AWS Cloud |
| CCNP Data Center | $700 ($400 for Core Exam, $300 for Concentration Exam) | Candidates must pass the core exam and one concentration exam |
| Professional Software Engineering Master Certification (PSEM) |
IEEE Computer Society member: $890 IEEE Computer Society non-member: $1,200 |
Candidates must complete the IEEE CS online exam and have at least a four-year college degree in computer science or any other related field |
| CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ | $130 | Candidates must pass the CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate | $165 | Candidates must pass the certification exam and be proficient in C#, Python, REST-based APIs and SDKs |
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ISACA member: $575 ISACA non-member: $760 |
Candidates must pass the ISACA CISM exam and have at least five years of work experience in information security with a minimum of three years experience in information security management. |
| Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) | $249 | Candidates must pass the examination and have at least one year of work experience in (ISC)² SSCP Common Body of Knowledge |
Top Computer Engineer Certifications: A Closer Look
CompTIA A+
This certification program by CompTIA covers computer engineering topics like operating systems, hardware systems, networking devices, operational procedures, troubleshooting, and mobile devices. You must pass two exams with a maximum of 90 questions each. CompTIA also offers the CompTIA CertMaster Practice for A+, a prep exam for CompTIA A+ certification. Prestigious companies that use A+ include Intel, HP, and Dell.
Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD)
CLD tests the LabVIEW programming skills of candidates and is one of the best certifications for computer engineers by National Instruments (NI). Multiple industries use LabVIEW programming in automation.
The NI LabVIEW certification program has three levels, which include Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD), Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD), and Certified LabVIEW Architect (CLA). Every level is a prerequisite to the following level, so you must take the CLAD before applying to CLD.
Microcontroller Certification Exam
The Microcontroller Certification Exam is an international certification by Loopskill that evaluates your skill in microcontrollers with a strong emphasis on digital concepts. Exciting career opportunities are waiting for those who will pass the exam and get this certification. Certified professionals also have the chance to work as a freelancer on the Loopskill platform.
AWS Certified Machine Learning, Specialty
This certification by AWS is for a data scientist, cloud architect, or anyone who performs artificial intelligence and machine learning using the AWS cloud. Students will provide solutions for business problems using AWS services. You must complete the exam, composed of multiple-choice questions and questions with multiple responses, within 180 minutes. There is no training required to take the exam.
CCNP Data Center
CCNP Data Center is a certification program by Cisco that consists of two exams. The core exam will test your data center infrastructure skills, and the concentration exams are about specific topics, such as designing and implementing data center infrastructure.
It is an advanced certification for those who want to pursue a career in data center technologies. There are no prerequisites for this exam, but you can take the training course to prepare for the concentration exam.
Professional Software Engineering Master Certification (PSEM)
PSEM is one of the best certifications for software engineers to increase their qualifications in the field. This exam will assess your skills in software development, such as software design skills, programming skills, and software testing skills. If you are hoping for an in-demand career like software development, consider this certification for software engineers.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
This entry-level certification by CompTIA covers basic topics in IT such as database management, security, infrastructure, basic concepts of IT, and software applications. This exam will assess your competency in this field and help you determine if a career in IT is right for you. There is no experience needed to take this exam, but CompTIA offers CertMaster Practice for IT Fundamentals to help you prepare for the examination.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
This certification program by Microsoft focuses on AI principles using Azure Applied AI Services and Azure Cognitive Services. Candidates can choose between free online and paid instructor-based prep courses before taking the exam. This certification is for AI engineers and software developers. Examinees who pass this certification may be eligible for ACE college credit.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM by ISACA is one of the best certifications for computer engineers who want to build their careers in network security. This certification will cover information security governance, security risk management, information security programs, and incident management. Candidates should complete the exam with 150 questions for four hours. ISACA also offers exam prep materials consisting of sample questions and answers that help you prepare for the exam.
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
(ISC)² offers this SSCP certification. This computer engineer certification covers advanced topics in security operations, incident response, cryptography, network security, and applications security. (ISC)² also provides official training and official self-study tools for applicants’ exam prep. If you are a network professional, you should consider this certification to test your skills and maximize your credentials.
Free Computer Engineering Certifications Worth Your Time
- Computer Fundamentals Certification Exam (Advanced). StudySection provides this certification covering IT fundamentals like operating systems, computer basics, hardware basics, and networking. Candidates must have excellent knowledge of computers to pass the exam, which consists of 30 questions and takes 25 minutes to complete.
- Linux Operating System Certification Exam (Foundation). This is another free certification program by StudySection. The exam will evaluate your Linux operating system knowledge, such as Linux command, Linux environment, and Linux scripting. Basic knowledge of Linux will help you pass the exam. You should complete the 30-minute exam, which consists of 30 questions.
- Network Security Associate. This Certification program offered by Fortinet is one of the best free computer engineer certifications to consider. Candidates must complete the five lessons and pass the NSE 1, NSE 2, and NSE 3 to get the certification.
Are Computer Engineer Certifications Worth It?
Yes, the best certifications for computer engineers are worth it because they will boost your reputation in the technology industry. Certification holders master a specific field in computer engineering through courses and certifications, this will help you choose the right career path.
Whether you are a fresh computer engineering graduate looking for a job or a tech professional who wants to level up your career, there are a wide range of certifications available.
Best Certifications for Computer Engineers FAQ
The highest-paying career opportunities for computer engineers are web developers, software engineers, design engineers, hardware engineers, security administrators, software test engineers, and technicians. Computer engineers can apply for a job both in the hardware and software fields.
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Yes, computer engineers are in demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports that about 4,500 job opportunities are expected for computer hardware engineers each year.
You can apply for computer engineer certifications by choosing which certification you want and then going to the official website of the certification provider. Be sure to check the qualifications, prep materials, pricing, and admissions requirements. Carefully read the application process. This may include registering on the website, scheduling the exam date, and sending the payment.
You can become a computer engineer by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering. Enhance your qualifications through certifications, short courses, and coding bootcamps. Bootcamps offer practical training for specific skills and topics related to computer engineering, such as cyber security, operating systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
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