Top 11 Computer Science Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for computer science teachers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers are looking for. Certification validates a teacher’s ability to teach computer science topics and provides evidence that they have the necessary qualifications required to do so. It also shows potential employers that the teacher is up-to-date on the latest technology and trends, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Finally, certifications provide recognition of a teacher’s commitment to their profession and can be used as an incentive for promotion or higher pay.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Computer Science Teachers and explains how they can help advance a computer science teacher's career.

What are Computer Science Teacher Certifications?

Computer science teacher certification is a process of verifying that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to teach computer science. It is typically administered by a professional organization or institution, and requires passing an assessment or series of tests. This certification can provide teachers with recognition for their expertise in the field, as well as provide them with additional job opportunities.

Having computer science teacher certification can help improve student understanding of the subject matter and better prepare them for college-level courses in the field. It can also give students more confidence in their ability to use computers and technology effectively, as they’ll be taught by someone who is well-versed in the subject matter. Additionally, having a certified teacher on staff may help schools attract more students interested in computer science classes, as well as look more attractive to potential employers looking for computer professionals. Finally, it can provide teachers with access to continuing education opportunities that will keep them up-to-date on the latest trends and developments within the field.

Pro Tip: Get your computer science teacher certification from an accredited institution. This is important to ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly teach computer science courses to students. Additionally, it will make sure that your certification is recognized by employers, educational institutions, and other organizations.

Related: What does a Computer Science Teacher do?

Top 11 Computer Science Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Computer Science Teachers today.

1. Certified Computer Science Teacher (CCST)

Certified Computer Science Teacher (CCST) is a certification program for teachers who teach computer science. It is offered by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). The certification is designed to recognize and reward teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching computer science.

The CCST certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of teaching experience, a valid teaching license, and completion of an approved ISTE professional development course. The course must include topics such as pedagogy, technology integration, and curriculum design. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and skills related to computer science instruction.

The process of obtaining the CCST certification takes approximately six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete the ISTE professional development course and submit their portfolio for review. After successful completion of the review process, applicants will receive their official CCST certificate.

The cost of obtaining the CCST certification varies depending on the location and type of ISTE professional development course taken. Generally speaking, courses range from $400 - $800 USD depending on length and materials provided.

2. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). The CITP credential is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of information technology. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in areas such as systems analysis, software engineering, database administration, and network security.

The CITP credential requires applicants to pass two exams: the ICMA Core Exam and the Information Technology Professional Exam. The Core Exam covers topics such as accounting principles, financial management, cost/benefit analysis, business ethics, and strategic planning. The Information Technology Professional Exam covers topics such as systems design and development, database administration, network security, software engineering, project management, and web development.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for the CITP certification. Applicants must first meet certain eligibility criteria before they can apply for the certification. This includes having at least three years of experience working in an information technology role or completing a degree program related to IT.

The cost of obtaining the CITP certification varies depending on where you take your exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for both exams plus any applicable fees associated with taking them.

3. Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)

Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) is a certification program that enables educators to demonstrate their mastery of Microsoft technologies and their ability to use them in the classroom. The MCE certification is an internationally recognized credential that validates an educator’s knowledge, skills, and experience with Microsoft products.

The MCE certification requires successful completion of two exams: Microsoft Office 365 Education and Microsoft Office 365 Education Administration. The exams are available through the Microsoft Learning Portal or Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost for each exam is $99 USD, so the total cost for both exams is approximately $198 USD. It typically takes 3-4 weeks to complete both exams, but it can take longer depending on availability at testing centers or other factors.

To get started, you must first create a Microsoft account and register for the MCE program. Once registered, you will need to purchase vouchers for each exam from Pearson VUE or the Microsoft Learning Portal. After purchasing the vouchers, you can schedule your exams at any Pearson VUE center worldwide or online via the Microsoft Learning Portal.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official MCE certificate by mail within 4-6 weeks after passing the second exam. You will also be able to access your digital badge on Acclaim which can be shared on social media profiles and resumes as proof of your certification status.

4. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the skills of IT professionals who work with PCs, laptops, mobile devices, and other hardware. It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates technical competency in computer repair, troubleshooting, and problem solving.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams must be passed to become certified. The Core 1 exam covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues. The Core 2 exam covers operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS as well as security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for both exams depending on your current knowledge level. To get started you will need to purchase the official CompTIA A+ study guide or use online resources such as practice tests or video tutorials to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.

5. Certified Computing Professional (CCP)

Certified Computing Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). CCP is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of computing professionals in various areas of computer science. It is intended to demonstrate a level of expertise that meets or exceeds industry standards.

The CCP certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, networking, programming languages, software engineering, databases, security, and more. Candidates must also have at least three years of experience in the field.

In order to obtain the CCP certification, candidates must first register with ICCP and pay a registration fee. After registering, they will be provided with access to study materials and practice exams. Once they have completed their studies and passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate from ICCP.

The cost of obtaining the CCP certification varies depending on the type of registration chosen. The standard registration fee is $500 USD but discounts may be available for members of certain organizations or if multiple exams are taken at once. The entire process typically takes around six months from start to finish.

6. Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)

Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) is an industry-recognized certification program that provides web professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to design, build, manage, and maintain websites. It covers topics such as HTML5, JavaScript, CSS3, mobile application development, database design and management, website security, e-commerce and more. The CIW certification is offered by the CIW Certification Program which is administered by Certiport.

The CIW certification consists of four levels: Foundations (1D0-520), Site Development (1D0-610), Design (1D0-620), and E-Commerce (1D0-630). Each level requires a passing score on the corresponding exam. To become certified at each level you must pass all three exams within 12 months of starting the program.

To get started with the CIW certification program you must register for an account on Certiport's website. Once registered you can purchase the exam vouchers for each level of the program. The cost of each voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100 - $150 USD per exam voucher.

Once you have purchased your exam vouchers you can schedule your exams at any authorized test center near you or online through Certiport's virtual proctoring service. You will need to allow 1–2 hours to complete each exam depending on your experience level.

Overall it usually takes about 6–12 months to complete all four levels of the CIW certification program depending on how quickly you are able to prepare for and pass each exam.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in networking technologies, including routing, switching, security, wireless, and data center technologies. The CCNA certification is one of the most widely-recognized certifications in the IT industry.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CCNA exam. To get certified, you must pass two exams: ICND1 and ICND2. The cost of each exam is $325 USD. You can also choose to take a single exam called the CCNA Composite which covers all topics from both exams and costs $400 USD.

To prepare for the exams, it is recommended that you take an official Cisco training course or use self-study materials such as books or online courses. Additionally, there are many practice tests available online to help you assess your readiness for the exams.

8. Oracle Database Administrator Certification

Oracle Database Administrator Certification is a professional certification program offered by Oracle Corporation. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of database administrators in the use of Oracle Database technology. The certification consists of two exams: 1Z0-071: Oracle Database 12c SQL and 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c Administration.

The certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete, depending on the individual's experience level and study habits. To get certified, applicants must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. In addition, applicants must have at least three years of experience working with Oracle databases in a production environment.

In order to prepare for the exams, applicants should take an accredited course from an approved training provider such as Global Knowledge or Oracle University. These courses provide comprehensive preparation materials and practice tests that can help applicants gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pass the exams.

The cost for taking both exams ranges from $400-$800 USD, depending on the training provider chosen and any applicable discounts available at the time of registration.

9. Apple Teacher Certification

Apple Teacher Certification is an online professional development program that helps educators become more proficient and confident in using Apple products. The program provides a comprehensive set of resources and activities to help teachers learn how to use Apple technology in their classrooms. It includes self-paced learning, hands-on activities, and interactive assessments.

The certification process takes approximately 8 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level. To get certified, educators must complete the Apple Teacher Learning Center modules, which cover topics such as creating projects with iWork and GarageBand, using iPads for teaching and learning, coding with Swift Playgrounds, and more. After completing the modules, educators can take the Apple Teacher Certification exam to demonstrate their mastery of the material.

The cost of the Apple Teacher Certification depends on where you live. In some countries it is free; in others there may be a fee associated with taking the exam or accessing materials from the Apple Teacher Learning Center.

10. Adobe Education Leader Certification

Adobe Education Leader (AEL) Certification is a professional development program that recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their use of Adobe tools and technology to support student success. It is designed to help educators build the skills needed to create innovative learning experiences and develop creative problem-solving skills.

The AEL certification process takes approximately 12 months to complete. The first step is to attend an Adobe Education Exchange workshop or event, which will provide an introduction to the tools and technologies that are used in the program. After attending the workshop, applicants must submit an application form and portfolio of work demonstrating how they have used Adobe tools in their classroom. Applicants must also participate in an online interview with a panel of Adobe experts.

Once accepted into the program, participants will receive training from Adobe experts on how to use Adobe products for teaching and learning purposes, as well as guidance on developing innovative projects using these tools. Participants are then required to create a project using one or more of the Adobe Creative Cloud applications, which will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Upon successful completion of this project, participants will receive their AEL certification.

The cost for applying for AEL certification varies depending on whether you choose to attend an online or in-person workshop; however, it typically ranges from $100-$500 USD.

11. Google for Education Certified Trainer

Google for Education Certified Trainer is a certification program offered by Google that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using Google for Education products and services. This includes Google Classroom, G Suite, Chrome OS, and other related products.

The certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge of the Google for Education product suite. Once they have passed the assessment, applicants must complete a series of instructor-led training sessions and hands-on activities designed to help them gain a deeper understanding of the products and services.

After completing the training sessions and activities, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of the material as well as their experience with Google for Education products and services. The portfolio will be evaluated by a panel of experts who will then determine whether or not an applicant is eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming a Google for Education Certified Trainer varies depending on the country where you are located. In most cases, it costs around $400 USD to become certified.

Do You Really Need a Computer Science Teacher Certificate?

Yes, a computer science teacher certificate is essential for those who want to teach computer science in many educational institutions. Without a certification, the teacher may not be qualified to teach the subject and may lack the knowledge required to do so. A certificate also serves as proof that the teacher has met the necessary qualifications and has taken courses related to computer science.

Having a professional certification in computer science teaching also demonstrates that the teacher is knowledgeable in the subject and has an understanding of its principles. It also provides assurance to students that they are receiving quality instruction on computer science topics from a qualified individual. Furthermore, having a certification can increase job prospects for aspiring teachers since it shows potential employers that they have taken their knowledge of the subject seriously and have gone through formal training programs related to it.

Moreover, having a certification gives teachers access to resources such as online courses, textbooks, and other materials related to teaching computer science. The instructor can use these resources to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field and provide their students with relevant information about new technologies and trends in computing. This allows them to remain current with their teaching methods and ensure that their students are learning up-to-date information about technology.

In conclusion, obtaining a computer science teacher certificate is essential for those who want to teach this subject professionally. It provides assurance that they are knowledgeable about the subject, have access to resources related to teaching it, and will be able to provide quality instruction on computing topics. Therefore, having a professional certification is highly recommended for anyone wanting to become an effective educator of computer science topics.

Related: Computer Science Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Computer Science Teacher Certifications

1. What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Computer Science Teacher Certification?

Answer: Generally, requirements vary by state, but most states require a combination of a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, teaching experience, and passing a teacher certification exam.

2. How Long Does it Take to Get Certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's background and experience, as well as the specific state's requirements. In general, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from 6 months to 2 years completing all of the necessary steps.

3. What Kind of Training is Required for Computer Science Teacher Certification?

Answer: Depending on your experience level and the specific requirements in your state, you may need additional training in order to become certified. This could include courses such as educational psychology or pedagogy. Additionally, many states require teachers to complete professional development hours before being certified.

4. Is Computer Science Teacher Certification Necessary for All Levels of Education?

Answer: Generally speaking, yes – most states require some form of certification for individuals who wish to teach computer science at any level from elementary school through college. However, exact requirements vary by state so it’s important to check with your local education board for more information.

5. What Kinds of Job Opportunities are Available with a Computer Science Teacher Certification?

Answer: With a computer science teacher certification you can find job opportunities in both public and private K-12 schools as well as higher education institutions such as universities and community colleges. Additionally, some employers may also be interested in hiring computer science teachers with certifications for specialized roles such as software engineering or data analysis positions within their organization.