Top 10 Computer Teacher Certifications

Certifications are essential for a computer teacher in the job market because they demonstrate specialized knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field. Certifications can provide prospective employers with evidence of a teacher’s qualifications and enhance the credibility of their teaching methods. They also indicate that a computer teacher has the necessary skills to instruct students in the most effective ways possible. Additionally, certifications can help open up opportunities for advancement within an organization or school system by allowing teachers to pursue higher-level positions that require more advanced certifications. Finally, computer teachers who possess certifications will often be able to command higher salaries than those without them.

This article reviews the top certifications for Computer Teachers and explains how they can enhance a computer teacher's career.

What are Computer Teacher Certifications?

Computer teacher certification is an official form of recognition for educators who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to teach computer-related courses. It is typically offered by a professional organization or educational institution, and demonstrates that the individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in teaching computer technology.

Computer teacher certification can be beneficial for both educators and their students. For educators, it can help them demonstrate their qualifications to potential employers, as well as give them access to additional resources such as professional development opportunities that may not otherwise be available. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and recognition for their hard work in becoming certified.

For students, having a certified computer teacher can provide assurance that they are receiving quality instruction from an experienced educator. Certification also indicates that the teacher has met rigorous standards set by a professional organization or educational institution, meaning they have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach computer technology. This can result in improved student outcomes, as well as reduced frustration with learning due to better understanding of course material.

Pro Tip: It is important to research the different computer teacher certifications available and choose one that meets your specific needs. Make sure to look into the prerequisites for each certification program, as well as the type of training and support you will receive. Additionally, it is helpful to find out about any additional endorsements or credentials that may be required in order to qualify for certain teaching positions.

Related: What does a Computer Teacher do?

Top 10 Computer Teacher Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)

Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that recognizes educators who have demonstrated expertise in using Microsoft technologies to improve teaching and learning. The MCE certification is designed to help educators become more effective in the classroom, while also providing them with the skills they need to be successful in their professional career.

The MCE certification program consists of three courses: Microsoft Education Fundamentals, Microsoft Education Professional, and Microsoft Education Advanced. Each course focuses on different aspects of using technology to enhance teaching and learning. To earn the MCE certification, candidates must complete all three courses within 12 months.

To get started on the MCE certification program, candidates must first register for an online account with Microsoft. Once registered, they will receive access to the online training materials and resources needed to complete each course. Candidates are then required to pass a series of exams associated with each course in order to earn the MCE certification.

The cost of the MCE certification program varies depending on which version of Office 365 you choose. The cost for Office 365 Home or Personal is $99 per year; Office 365 Business is $149 per year; and Office 365 Enterprise E3 is $299 per year.

2. Apple Teacher Certification

Apple Teacher Certification is an online program that provides educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively use Apple products in their classrooms. The certification is designed to help teachers become proficient in using a range of Apple products, including iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. It also helps them understand how to use these devices to create engaging learning experiences for their students.

The certification process takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and includes a series of self-paced activities that cover topics such as using iPad for teaching, creating content with iWork apps, using AirPlay for collaboration, and more. Once the activities are completed, teachers will receive a badge that verifies their completion of the program.

To get certified as an Apple Teacher, you must first register on the official Apple Teacher website. You will then be directed to the Learning Center where you can access all of the course materials and activities needed to complete the certification process. Once you have completed all of the required activities, you will be able to submit your certificate for review by Apple staff.

The cost for becoming an Apple Teacher is free; however, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing any necessary hardware or software needed for completing the course activities.

3. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential for entry-level IT professionals. It validates the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, diagnose, repair, and maintain PCs, mobile devices, laptops, printers, operating systems and more. The certification covers a wide range of topics such as networking, security, hardware and software troubleshooting.

The CompTIA A+ certification typically takes about 12 months to complete. To get certified you must pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams are 90 minutes long with a maximum of 90 questions each.

To prepare for the exam you can take online courses or attend a training class at an accredited institution. Additionally there are practice tests available that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally it costs around $250 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or through an online proctoring service.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking technologies such as routing, switching, network security, and wireless networks. CCNA is the entry-level certification for Cisco networking professionals.

The CCNA certification typically takes around 6 months to complete depending on the individual's prior experience and dedication to studying. To get the CCNA certification, individuals must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2). The cost of these exams varies depending on the country but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.

5. Adobe Certified Instructor (ACI)

Adobe Certified Instructor (ACI) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of expertise in teaching Adobe products. This certification is designed to help instructors develop their skills and knowledge of Adobe products, and to provide employers with a way to identify qualified trainers.

In order to become an ACI, you must complete an instructor-led training course at an authorized Adobe training center. The course typically takes two days, and covers topics such as creating effective learning objectives, developing lesson plans, using Adobe applications for instruction, and delivering effective presentations. Once you have completed the course, you will need to pass a written exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming an ACI varies depending on the training center you choose; however, it typically ranges from $500 - $1000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel or lodging if required.

Once certified as an ACI, you will be able to use the ACI logo on your business cards and website, as well as access exclusive resources from Adobe such as product updates and support materials.

6. Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2

Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2 is an online certification program designed to help educators become experts in Google tools and applications. The program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 focuses on the basics of Google tools, such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Sites, Classroom and more. It is designed for educators who are new to using Google tools in the classroom or want to learn more about them. Level 1 takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and costs $10 USD.

Level 2 builds on the skills learned in Level 1 by providing advanced training in topics such as creating custom content with Google Apps, managing student accounts and data privacy settings, and integrating third-party apps into the classroom. This level takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete and costs $25 USD.

To get certified at either level, you must pass a series of assessments that test your knowledge of the material covered in each course. You can find out more information about the certification process on the Google for Education website.

7. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program offered by Oracle that validates the skills and knowledge of database administrators who are responsible for managing Oracle databases. It is designed to demonstrate a professional’s ability to design, install, configure, administer, and troubleshoot Oracle databases.

To become an OCP, you must first pass two exams: the Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration exam and the Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration exam. The exams can be taken online or at an authorized testing center. Both exams must be passed within 18 months of each other in order to qualify for the certification.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on where you take them. Online exams typically cost around $245 USD per exam, while in-person exams typically cost around $295 USD per exam.

Once both exams have been successfully completed, applicants will receive their official OCP certification from Oracle. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. After three years, holders of the certification must retake one or both of the tests in order to maintain their OCP status.

8. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize educators who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the use of technology to improve teaching, learning, and leading. It is a rigorous and comprehensive certification program that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in using technology to enhance student learning outcomes.

The ISTE Certification process typically takes about 6-12 months to complete. The first step is to register for the ISTE Certification Program, which includes an online application process. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a series of courses and assessments that focus on the core competencies of technology integration. After completing these courses and assessments, applicants must submit their portfolio of evidence demonstrating their mastery of the competencies required by ISTE. Upon successful completion of all requirements, applicants will be awarded the ISTE Certification credential.

The cost for the ISTE Certification Program varies depending on your individual needs and circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1000 or more depending on the number of courses and assessments completed as part of the program.

In addition to completing coursework and assessments, applicants must also participate in ongoing professional development activities related to technology integration throughout their certification period in order to maintain their certification status.

9. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a person’s expertise in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. The MOS certification shows employers that an individual has the skills to create and edit documents, manage data, and build presentations using Microsoft Office products.

It typically takes between one to three months to complete the required training and exams for MOS certification. The amount of time it takes depends on the individual’s level of experience with the Microsoft Office suite and how much time they are able to dedicate to studying for the exam.

To get certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist, individuals must pass one or more exams that cover topics related to the specific application they wish to certify in. Exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost of taking a MOS exam varies depending on which application you are certifying in. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD.

10. Autodesk Certified User Certification

Autodesk Certified User Certification is a certification program offered by Autodesk that verifies an individual’s proficiency in using Autodesk software. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to use the software to create, modify, and share designs with colleagues, customers, and industry partners.

The certification process typically takes about one hour and consists of two parts: the Autodesk Certified User exam and a hands-on project. The exam covers topics such as general navigation, creating basic shapes, manipulating objects, applying materials and textures, setting up scenes, rendering images, and more. Once the exam is completed successfully, the individual must complete a hands-on project that demonstrates their understanding of the software.

To get certified as an Autodesk Certified User, individuals must first register for an account on the Autodesk website. They will then be able to purchase access to the online exams and projects needed to become certified. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which products are being tested for but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD per product.

Once all exams and projects have been completed successfully, individuals will receive their official Autodesk Certified User Certification certificate via email within 24 hours. This certificate can be used to demonstrate their expertise in using Autodesk software to potential employers or clients.

Do You Really Need a Computer Teacher Certificate?

Yes, a computer teacher certificate is an essential requirement for anyone who wants to teach computer-related subjects. A certificate demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to teach in a professional setting. It also indicates that the individual has taken the initiative to pursue additional training and certification in order to stay up-to-date on current technology.

Having a computer teacher certificate shows potential employers that a person is committed to their profession and willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them. It also gives students reassurance that they are getting an education from someone who understands not only computer basics but also more advanced concepts as well. A certificate can be obtained through various online or in-person programs, allowing individuals to gain specialized knowledge of different aspects of computers, such as programming languages, hardware components, software applications, web development, and more.

In addition to being beneficial for those seeking employment as teachers or other professionals in the computer field, having a computer teacher certificate can also be advantageous for those who use computers on a daily basis at home or work. Such individuals will have increased confidence when it comes to troubleshooting problems or learning new software applications as they will be able to draw upon their educational background when needed.

Overall, having a computer teacher certificate is an important credential for anyone looking to teach or work with computers on any level. It ensures that students are receiving instruction from qualified teachers and professionals who understand the complexities of working with technology today.

Related: Computer Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Computer Teacher Certifications

1. What types of computer teacher certifications are available?

Answer: There are several different types of computer teacher certifications, including Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Certified Technical Education Teacher (CTET), Apple Certified Trainer (ACT), Adobe Certified Instructor (ACI), and CompTIA Certification.

2. How do I become a certified computer teacher?

Answer: To become a certified computer teacher, you must complete the relevant certification program for the type of certification you are pursuing. You will also need to pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the subject matter.

3. What is the cost of becoming a certified computer teacher?

Answer: The cost of becoming a certified computer teacher depends on the type of certification you pursue, but generally ranges from $200-$1000 USD.

4. How long does it take to become a certified computer teacher?

Answer: This depends on the type of certification you pursue, but typically requires anywhere from 8-24 hours of training and preparation, as well as passing an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the subject matter.

5. Are there any prerequisites required for becoming a certified computer teacher?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations have prerequisites that must be met before you can take their exams or obtain their certifications. These requirements vary by organization, so make sure to check with each one for specific details about their requirements for certification.