Computer Science Certifications: Highest-Paying Certification, Exam Preparation, and Job Outlook

The CCIE certification requires the completion of two exams. One is a qualifying exam that covers core data knowledge and tech. The second is a practical lab exam that covers all aspects related to data center networks.

Topics included in the qualifying exam include Network, Computing, Storage network, Automation, and Security. The lab exam requires certification candidates to program and automate a network during the exam.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Overview

• Average Salary: $130,000
• Cost: $1,600
• Requirements: None
• Valid For: 3 years
• Exam Length: 1-2 hours (qualifying exam); 8 hours (lab exam)
• Best Suited For: Networking professionals who want to improve all skills related to designing, implementing, and troubleshooting networking infrastructures

Potential Careers With Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

• Network Architect: $121,482
• Network Manager: $91,437 
• Network Engineer: $76,634

This foundational level certification builds knowledge of Azure concepts, core services, and tools. Certified professionals are proficient in security, governance, decision-making, Azure administration and development, and DevOps processes.

To receive this certification, you must first earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification. Certified professionals can implement and monitor an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment and cloud infrastructure.

Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Overview

• Average Salary: $120,000
• Cost: $330
• Requirements: Having Microsoft’s Azure Administrator Associate certificate
• Valid For: 1 year
• Exam Length: 100 minutes
• Best Suited For: Computer science professionals who work with Microsoft Azure or wish to learn how to

Potential Careers With Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect

• Senior Solutions Architect: $138,677
• IT Enterprise Architect: $137,685 
• Information Technology Director: $122,484

The CCSP certification proves that you understand the best practices and policies in cyber security and know how to use them to secure data and protect a company’s cloud infrastructure. The exam covers six security domains. These include topics in cloud concepts, architecture and design, cloud data security, cloud platform, infrastructure security, cloud application security, cloud security operations, risk, and legal compliance.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Overview

• Average Salary: $120,000
• Cost: $599
• Requirements: At least five years of hands-on experience in IT, of which three must be in IS
• Valid For: 3 years
• Exam Length: 3 hours to complete 125 multiple choice questions
• Best Suited For: Security managers, cyber security analysts, and other IT/IS professionals who want to improve their skills in cloud security

Potential Careers With Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

• Security Engineer: $96,745
• Cyber Security Analyst: $77,381
• Information Security Analyst: $73,898

This certification program verifies that professionals possess the appropriate knowledge and skills required for technical consultancy and project management. The exam covers database administration, architecture and deployment, backup and recovery, and monitoring.

SAP Certified Technology Associate Overview

• Average Salary: $112,000
• Cost: $224
• Requirements: None
• Valid For: Does not expire
• Exam Length: 80 questions in 180 minutes 
• Best Suited For: Computer science professionals looking to improve their skills in data management and administration

Potential Careers With SAP Certified Technology Associate

• Senior Database Administrator: $111,850
• IT Manager: $89,288
• IT Business Analyst: $71,000

This certification was created for computer science professionals interested in creating optimized models for delivery systems. It covers common service management concepts, modern types of operations, and speed and efficiency methods.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Overview

• Average Salary: $101,000
• Cost: $495
• Requirements: None
• Valid For: Does not expire
• Exam Length: 40 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes  
• Best Suited For: Any computer science professional who wants to better understand the concepts of digital service delivery and management. 

Potential Careers With Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation

• IT Project Manager: $88,899
• IT Consultant: $81,067
• Systems Administrator: $63,899

The CEH certification teaches IT/IS professionals lawful techniques to hack web applications, reverse engineer malware, and engage emerging attack vectors. They can then use this information to work with a cyber security team and increase overall security in an organization.

Anyone who enrolls is required to sign agreements to vow that they will not misuse the knowledge they get through this certification. They also agree to respect the laws that are established in their country of residence.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Overview

• Average Salary: $96,000
• Cost: $950
• Requirements: At least two years of experience in Information Security
• Valid For: 3 years
• Exam Length: 4 hours to complete 125 questions
• Best Suited For: Security officers, auditors, security professionals, site administrators, and other professionals working in information security who want to improve their computer science skills

Potential Careers With Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Cyber Security Engineer: $98,391
• Penetration Tester: $88,257
• Cyber Security Analyst: $77,381

CompTIA’s Security+ certification provides hands-on technical skills and core knowledge in cyber security. Certified professionals can detect, address, and solve any kind of security problem or breach. This certification covers attacks, threats and vulnerabilities, architecture and design, operations and incident response, governance, risk and compliance, and security implementation.

CompTIA's Security+ Overview

• Average Salary: $78,000
• Cost: $381
• Requirements: CompTIA A+ Certification, nine to 12 months of networking experience
• Valid For: 3 years
• Exam Length: 90 minutes
• Best Suited For: Information security professionals looking to apply to intermediate-level cyber security jobs

Potential Careers With CompTIA's Security+

• Security Engineer: $96,745
• Information Security Officer: $95,199 
• Security Analyst: $70,333

This foundational certification was created for professionals who have to make cloud technology decisions. Some of the topics included in the exam include Cloud Concepts, Management and Technical Operations, Business Principles of Cloud Environments, and Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Security for the Cloud.

CompTIA Cloud Essentials Overview

• Average Salary: $71,000
• Cost: $130
• Requirements: Six to 12 months of experience in an IT environment (recommended), Exposure to cloud technologies
• Valid For: Does not expire
• Exam Length: 75 questions in 60 minutes 
• Best Suited For: All professionals who want to learn the basic skills necessary to make cloud-related decisions.

Potential Careers With CompTIA Cloud Essentials

• IT Systems Engineer: $75,544
• IT Specialist: $58,326
• IT Support Technician: $48,102

The ACSP certification was designed for all computer science and IT professionals who work with and manage Mac computers or are responsible for providing technical support for regular users. It is used as proof that a professional has a deep understanding of macOS functionality and can configure basic services, provide technical support, and perform troubleshooting for Mac computers.

Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) Overview

• Average Salary: $60,000
• Cost: $250
• Requirements: None
• Valid For: N/A
• Exam Length: 100 questions in 150 minutes 
• Best Suited For: All computer science professionals who are skilled users and support professionals for macOS

Potential Careers With Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)

• Desktop Support Analyst: $54,053
• IT Support Specialist: $51,462 
• IT Support Technician: $48,102

The CDP is an upgraded version of the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) certification. It has four levels of certification, namely Principal, Mastery, Associate/Practitioner, and Foundation.

This mastery-level certification requires the completion of three exams that cover information system core, data management, and a chosen specialization. Professionals can specialize in topics such as business analytics, data analytics and design, and data governance. 

Certified Data Professional (CDP) Overview

• Average Salary: $45,000
• Cost: $897
• Requirements: At least four years of professional experience
• Valid For: N/A
• Exam Length: 90 minutes (each exam)
• Best Suited For: Professionals who want to become proficient in data management, governance, and analytics

Potential Careers With Certified Data Professional (CDP)

• Computer and Information Systems Manager: $162,930
• Computer Systems Analyst: $102,210
• Database Administrator: $96,110

• Cost: $20
• Duration: 2h 54m
• Best Suited For: Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

This course covers the six domains featured in the CCSP exam, gives you a general overview of the exam outline, and goes over important key points to help you map out the most relevant concepts.

• Cost: $2,299
• Duration: 90 days
• Best Suited For: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

This online certification training will provide everything you need to pass your exam. The course gives you access to study material by EC-Council and interactive opportunities in live online classes.

• Cost: $479
• Duration: 30 days
• Best Suited For: Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation

This program covers the core concepts of the ITIL certification. It provides online lessons, downloadable study materials, mock exams, exercises, and an official manual on this certification. With this particular course, you can only access the platform for 30 days. However, this website also provides two other versions of this course at a slightly higher cost that give you access for 120 or 180 days.

• Cost: Free
• Duration: 7 hours 50 minutes
• Best Suited For: CompTIA Security+

In this course, you’ll learn about the different security modules featured in the certification and acquire the foundational knowledge and tools you need to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam. The topics include network security, encryption, and security protocols.

• Cost: $40 or free with a 10-day trial
• Duration: 4h 36m 
• Best Suited For: CompTIA Cloud Essentials

This online certification training course provides basic knowledge in cloud computing and teaches the necessary skills to pass the exam. You can try this course for free if you apply for Pluralsight’s 10-day free trial.

These professionals manage and direct IT teams and operations. They have heavy leadership roles and are expected to advise different departments. They ultimately are the bridge between computer science experts and the company’s clients.

Best Certification for the Job Role

Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect. This certification prepares professionals in all fields in security, governance, administration, and decision-making processes

Network architects are in charge of maintaining their company’s network requirements. They plan optimal network implementation, prevent issues and incompatibilities, and determine proper network architecture.

Best Certification for the Job Role

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). This certification provides advanced knowledge and technical skills in network design, implementation, and assessment

A senior database administrator is a team leader responsible for coordinating the creation of databases that further the company’s goals. They must have solid communication, leadership, and management skills.

Best Certification for the Job Role

SAP Certified Technology Associate. This certification is designed for computer science professionals looking to improve their skills in data administration and management.

Security engineers are responsible for coming up with solutions that increase the overall security of their company. They handle technical problems, uphold prevention protocols, and assess potential future security issues.

Best Certification for the Job Role

CompTIA's Security+. This certification provides core skills and knowledge in cyber security, preparing information security professionals to apply for intermediate-level jobs.

IT consultants work for several organizations. They give technical and user support to clients and have great presentation and communication skills. Qualified professionals have skills and knowledge in different types of hardware and software.

Best Certification for the Job Role

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation. IT consultants with this certification can work in the field of digital service delivery and management.