Professional certification
An issuing organization assesses knowledge or skills, usually through an exam. Some credentials also require experience, ethics commitments, or continuing education. Examples include CCNA, Security+, and ISC2 CC.
Learn. Practice. Validate.
Understand the credential.
Choose both a subject area and a credential format that fit your goals.
Credential formats
Course-completion certificate
Awarded for completing a learning program and its assessments. Google Career Certificates are one example. A course certificate is distinct from a separate professional certification exam.
Academic certificate or degree
A college award based on a defined curriculum and credit requirements. Some programs incorporate industry exam preparation or certifications; verify exactly what is included.
Explore by technical focus
| Focus | Examples to explore | What to practice |
|---|---|---|
| IT support & hardware | CompTIA A+; Google IT Support Certificate | Device troubleshooting, operating systems, and user support |
| Networking | CompTIA Network+; Cisco CCNA | IP addressing, routing, switching, and secure connectivity |
| Security foundations | CompTIA Security+; ISC2 CC | Security concepts, access controls, and incident handling basics |
| Cloud & platform administration | Azure Fundamentals; Google Cloud certifications | Cloud concepts, platform services, identity, and governance |
| Microsoft security & identity | Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) | Microsoft security, compliance, and identity concepts |
| Advanced security & leadership | ISC2 CISSP; specialized provider tracks | Architecture, risk, operations, and documented professional experience |
Vendor-neutral or platform-specific?
Broad technical foundations
Vendor-neutral credentials focus on concepts that apply across products. CompTIA and ISC2 offer examples. They can complement hands-on experience with a specific platform.
Specific platforms and ecosystems
Cisco, Microsoft, and Google Cloud credentials focus on skills or concepts relevant to their technologies. Follow the current exam outline to understand how broad or specialized a credential is.