How long does it take to get a certification?
Asked by: Kallie Franecki | Last update: November 10, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (29 votes)
How long does IT take to get certifications in IT?
Online IT training overview. Before you take the leap into an online IT training course, be sure to set out enough time for your studies. It can take anywhere from two to five months to complete IT training. It all depends on which course you take and how much time you can dedicate to complete each certification.
What is the easiest certificate to get?
- First aid certifications. ...
- Project management certifications. ...
- Software certifications. ...
- Government certifications. ...
- Notary public certification. ...
- Forklift operator license. ...
- Computer programming certifications. ...
- Marketing certifications.
How many years is a certification?
A certificate is a postsecondary academic award that typically trains students for a specific job or industry. Technical or vocational schools and community colleges generally offer these types of programs. They often take about a year to complete, but they can last anywhere between a few months and two years.
Is an IT certification worth getting?
So, whatever your current experience level, adding an IT certification that is relevant to your career track not only can boost your chances of landing a new job, but also, earning a higher salary.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Life Coaching Certification?
Is getting a certificate worth IT?
While not as in-depth as a master's degree, graduate certificates can be a valuable addition to a prior degree. Certificates allow students and professionals alike to expand their expertise within their respective fields of study without having the same amount of financial or time commitment as an additional degree.
Is IT hard to get IT certified?
Preparing for an IT exam can be a long, arduous process, even with hands-on experience. Without hands-on experience, most entry-level certifications are out of reach for brand-new or aspiring IT professionals. That's why foundational exams exist.
How much does IT cost to get a certificate?
The average certificate program can cost from $50 a month to $6,000. This price varies depending on the field of study. It's also important to keep in mind that not all certificate programs offer financial aid, so make sure to contact the schools you're interested in and ask about it before committing.
What are the three types of certification?
There are three general types of certification. Listed in order of development level and portability, they are: corporate (internal), product-specific, and profession-wide. Corporate, or "internal" certifications, are made by a corporation or low-stakes organization for internal purposes.
How long do certification programs take?
The length of each certificate program depends on what you study, but most take far less time than a degree because they tend to prioritize practicality and job-ready skills. On average, certificate programs take around three to seven months, depending on what you're learning and how the program is structured.
What is a fast certification?
Learn bleeding control skills with First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST), a national STOP THE BLEED® course from the American Red Cross. While FAST is available for anyone, the course and digital materials will be offered at no charge to high school students under the age of 19.
What is the highest paying certification without a degree?
- Airline and commercial pilot: $134,630.
- Transportation, storage, and distribution manager: $105,580.
- Elevator and escalator installer and repairer: $97,860.
- Detectives and criminal investigator: $90,370.
- Web developer: Web designer: $78,300.
- Project coordinator: $74,670.
What is the easiest license to get to make money?
- Phlebotomist/Phlebotomy Technician. Average salary: $38,000. ...
- Medical Assistant. Average salary: $38,000. ...
- Dental Assistant. Average salary: $44,000. ...
- HVAC Technician. Average salary: $54,000. ...
- Building Inspector. ...
- Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Technician. ...
- Pet Groomer. ...
- Landscaper.
What is the easiest certificate to get in IT?
CompTIA Security+
It is a more entry-level option than the ISC Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification, and can be the first step toward jobs like cybersecurity specialist or security administrator. Getting the Google Cybersecurity Certificate helps you prepare for CompTIA Security+.
How long are online IT courses?
It can take anywhere from two to five months to complete IT training with regular practice and consistent instruction.
Can a IT certificate get you a job?
Some of the most in-demand certifications are related to information technology. Even if you have a career that isn't directly in this field, your IT skills can make you a more valuable candidate across industries ranging from health care to finance.
Which certification is the most popular?
- CPR Certification. ...
- PMP Certification. ...
- AWS Certification. ...
- Google Certification. ...
- Cybersecurity Certification. ...
- Six Sigma Certification. ...
- CISSP Certification. ...
- ITIL Certification.
What qualifies as a certification?
A certification is an official document given by a professional organization that shows that you have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to do a specific job. Many industries have some sort of certification that you can earn.
What is a license certification?
Licenses and certifications show that a person has the specific knowledge or skill needed to do a job. Typically, you earn these credentials after you've completed your education.
What is the highest paid certification?
- Lead Cybersecurity Professional Certification (LCSPC) ...
- Scrum Master Professional Certification (SMPC) ...
- Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate (CAIPC) ...
- Design Thinking Professional Certificate (DTPC) ...
- Business Agility Professional Certification (BAPC)
Is it possible to get a certificate for free?
Several platforms offer high-quality, free certification courses. They are HubSpot Academy, LinkedIn Learning, Google Skillshop, Alison, and The Open University.
Do you need a degree to get a certificate?
Some students opt for a certificate instead of a degree, but many choose to complete a certificate in addition to a degree — to showcase expertise in a specialized field. In fact, certain certificate programs even require a college degree as a prerequisite.
How long is a certificate program?
The biggest difference between certificates and degrees is time and cost to earn them. A bachelor's degree takes four years and an associate degree takes two, but certificates can be completed in as little as a few months.
Can I get an IT certificate without a degree?
Earn IT certifications.
If you don't have a degree, consider IT certifications as an alternative. Certifications focus on specific areas, software, and skills, so employers often ask for certifications relevant to the open position. This allows you to be very tailored in choosing certifications that match your job.
What is the hardest certification to get?
- Mensa IQ Test (Global) ...
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) (Global) ...
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) (Global) ...
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) (Global) ...
- Master Sommelier Diploma Exam (Global) ...
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) (India)