10 Computer Science Certifications for High School Students
If you are a high school student with an interest in computer science, consider acquiring computer science certifications to bolster your academic credentials! Certifications, such as those from reputable organizations like Cisco, Microsoft, or CompTIA, serve as tangible evidence of your proficiency in specific technology domains.
Having a roster of computer science certifications can also significantly enhance your resume and application profile. College admissions officers and prospective employers will recognize the value of certifications as indicators of practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 10 computer science certifications for high school students!
1. Google Analytics Individual Qualification
Cost: Free
Duration: Self paced (courses take 4-6 hours, exam takes 1 hour)
Application Deadline: No Deadline
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible (understanding of Google Analytics is expected)
For high school students passionate about computer science, obtaining the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) certification can be a great opportunity. This certification validates your proficiency in both basic and advanced concepts of Universal Analytics. By successfully completing the course, you showcase your understanding of essential topics such as planning and principles, implementation and data collection, configuration and administration, conversion and attribution, as well as reports, metrics, and dimensions.
GAIQ certification shows your expertise in using Google Analytics, a widely-used tool in the digital marketing and analytics realm. Moreover, as the exam covers both basic and advanced concepts, it offers a comprehensive understanding of Google Analytics, proving beneficial for those aiming to pursue higher education or careers in fields such as marketing, data analytics, or business intelligence.
Keep in mind that while the GAIQ covers Universal Analytics, there's also a separate exam for GA4, the latest version of Google Analytics, which could further broaden your skill set.
2. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900
Cost: $99
Duration: Exam takes 45 minutes
Application Deadline: No Deadline
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to apply
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 certification is a great stepping stone that can introduce you to cloud computing. This certification is designed to provide you with a foundational understanding of cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, as well as Azure management and governance. The exam covers crucial topics, including the description of cloud concepts (25–30%), Azure architecture and services (35–40%), and Azure management and governance (30–35%).
This certification offers you a comprehensive grasp of fundamental cloud computing principles, which is becoming increasingly relevant in various industries. Cloud technology is at the forefront of modern IT solutions, and having a solid understanding of Azure puts you in a prime position to adapt to the evolving tech landscape.
Cost: $246 per exam
Duration: Exam is 90 minutes long
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: None; 9-12 months of experience recommended
If you have an interest in IT, the CompTIA A+ certification is a great credential to have that can significantly shape your technical proficiency and career readiness. This certification serves as a testament to your competencies in hardware, operating systems, software troubleshooting, and mobile devices – foundational skills crucial for any IT professional.
It holds particular significance as major industry players like Intel, HP, and Dell consider the A+ certification as a benchmark for critical entry-level IT support roles. Moreover, CompTIA A+ CE carries globally-recognized ISO/ANSI accreditation status, underscoring its international recognition and relevance. As a high school student, acquiring the CompTIA A+ certification not only sets you on the path to becoming a proficient IT professional but also provides you with a competitive edge in college applications and future employment opportunities.
Note that the A+ certification is valid for three years from the day of your exam and can be extended.
4. Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification
Cost: $125
Duration: Exam is 50 minutes
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible.
As you explore the field of cybersecurity, consider pursuing the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification. This certification serves as a tangible validation of your skills and knowledge in entry-level cybersecurity concepts, such as security principles, network security, endpoint security, vulnerability assessment, risk management, and incident handling.
The certification is recognized by Cisco, a global leader in networking technology, enhancing its credibility and value. Having CCST on your resume demonstrates a proactive approach to understanding and addressing the challenges of the digital age. Obtaining a CCST certificate not only showcases your commitment to mastering cybersecurity fundamentals, but also positions you as a promising candidate ready to contribute to the field of digital security.
5. Google Analytics Academy Data Studio
Cost: Free
Duration: Self paced (courses take 4-6 hours, exam takes 1 hour)
Application Deadline: No Deadline
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible
If you’re interested in digital marketing and analytics, consider the Google Analytics Academy Data Studio certification. This certification, obtained through the "Introduction to Data Studio" online course, is a good fit for marketers, business owners, agencies, and aspiring data analysts seeking to visualize data online and extract valuable insights.
Through a structured curriculum, you'll learn to connect data sources, create impactful reports, and collaborate seamlessly with teammates. The course is divided into units, covering essential aspects such as Data Studio overview, navigation, building your first report, and formatting and designing reports. The course emphasized collaboration and teaches you to share reports effectively with different stakeholders.
6. Coursera Generative AI with Large Language Models
Cost: Unspecified
Duration: 16 hours
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible (Prior experience is encouraged)
The Generative AI with Large Language Models (LLMs) certification is a great opportunity for you if you’re interested in artificial intelligence. Comprising three modules, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of generative AI and how to deploy it in real-world applications.
Through the course, you will learn how to navigate the intricate landscape of generative AI. From understanding the key steps in an LLM-based generative AI lifecycle to detailing the transformer architecture that powers LLMs, you will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your projects.
The course delves into empirical scaling laws, optimizing the model's objective function, and applying state-of-the-art training, tuning, and deployment methods. Importantly, you'll explore the challenges and opportunities that generative AI presents for businesses through insights from industry researchers and practitioners.
Note that this course assumes some experience in Python coding and a foundational understanding of machine learning basics.
7. AWS Certified Developer - Associate
Cost: $150
Duration: 130 minutes
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible
If you are interested in cloud computing, check out the AWS (Amazon Web Services) Certified Developer - Associate certification. This certification serves as a testament to your knowledge and understanding of core AWS services, utilizing best practices in AWS architecture, and showcasing proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications on the AWS platform.
The certification will equip you with a comprehensive skill set in cloud development and ensures that certified individuals are well-versed in the latest industry-standard practices. As a high school student, having the AWS Certified Developer credential on your resume sets you apart, demonstrating your commitment to staying ahead in cloud technology.
8. UMichigan Programming for Everybody
Cost: Unspecified
Duration: 19 hours
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible
If you are a beginner, the UMichigan Programming for Everybody certification serves as a solid introduction to the Python programming language. In the course, you will work on hands-on projects by coding with Python and dive into the basics of the coding language including syntax and functionalities. As you progress, you'll explore the use of variables to store, retrieve, and calculate information, gaining practical insights into data manipulation and management.
This program places an emphasis on core programming tools such as functions and loops. These fundamental concepts are the building blocks of coding, enabling you to create efficient and organized programs. Mastering functions allows you to modularize your code, making it more readable and reusable, while understanding loops facilitates the execution of repetitive tasks with ease. Whether you are interested in computer science, data science, or simply want to explore the world of coding, this certification serves as an excellent starting point.
9. Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate
Cost: $250
Duration: 90 minutes
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible
The Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) certification is a great way for you to explore fundamental IT concepts. This certification serves as a gateway, testing your knowledge across a spectrum of critical areas, including operating systems, software application installation and management, hardware installation, command line proficiency, basic programming, networking functions, and security best practices.
The LFCA certification is designed to validate your capability and preparedness for entry-level IT positions, making it an excellent choice for high school students aspiring to enter the field. Whether you're interested in systems administration, cybersecurity, or software development, the LFCA certification offers a well-rounded knowledge base. For high school students, the LFCA certification serves as a powerful addition to your academic portfolio.
10. Coursera IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate
Cost: Unspecified
Duration: 4 months at 10 hours a week
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible
The Coursera IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional certification is a comprehensive program designed to equip high school students with practical skills that are at the forefront of the tech industry. Throughout this certification, you will delve into the intricacies of deploying and scaling applications using Cloud Native methodologies. You'll explore cutting-edge tools such as Containers, Kubernetes, Microservices, and Serverless architectures, gaining insights into the latest industry practices that are shaping the future of software development.
A significant focus of the program is on front-end development, where you will develop software using languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, along with popular frameworks such as React and Bootstrap. These skills are crucial for creating responsive and user-friendly interfaces, a key aspect of modern software development.
One standout feature of the Coursera IBM Full Stack Software Developer certification is the emphasis on practical application. You will have the opportunity to build your GitHub portfolio through engaging labs and hands-on projects, including a capstone project that allows you to showcase your skills in a real-world scenario.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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