As a professional working in the information systems industry, a certification is a viable way to enhance your career. There are many certifications that can help validate your skills and capabilities to employers, showing you possess the credentials to take on greater responsibilities. Learning about these different certifications can help you select the ones that may help you meet your career goals. In this article, we discuss what IS in computer science means, examine seven information systems certifications you can pursue, review five information systems jobs, explore other qualifications, and review some helpful tips.
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What is information systems in computer science?
Information systems in computer science describe IT work that focuses on the application of technology to meet business needs. It uses programming to support the overall scope and vision of a technological and networking initiative. As a professional working in this field, you might use programming for database administration, network administration, systems analysis, and project management. Because computer science features heavily, it’s helpful to have related skill sets such as coding, algorithmic processing, mathematics and computation.
7 information systems certifications
Here are seven useful information systems certifications you can consider pursuing:
1. Information Systems analyst
The ISP certification program primarily supports recent college graduates who have a four-year undergraduate CIS college degree. The ISP program is an essential credential for anyone entering the industry or who wants to become specialized. As a participant in this course, you can expect to cover several topics, including:
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Organizational skills
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Professional skills
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Information technology
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Strategic systems development
2. Associate Computing Professional
The ACP certification helps professionals who are new to the field and requires them to complete the ISP exam and one other specialty exam, like data communications, networking or business information systems. This designation can provide you with the skills and capabilities to begin your career with a competitive edge over other applicants.
3. Certified Computing Professional
The CCP is a certification for highly skilled professionals who are of the master and expert grade designation. These practitioners have years of experience, allowing them to perform complex and senior-level tasks. While this qualification requires an applicant to complete the ISP core exam, two other specialty exams are also necessary.
4. Certified Information Systems Auditor
The CISA designation requires a candidate to have at least five years of professional working experience in the industry, particularly in IS auditing. You can compensate for less work experience by having a college degree. Besides completing the CISA exam, an applicant can expect to continue their professional education and follow the Code of Professional Ethics to remain certified.
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional
The CISSP certification requires at least five years of professional experience. If you possess a bachelor’s degree, you can subtract one year from the experience prerequisite. To earn this accreditation, you can complete the exam, provide a professional endorsement and complete an audit. Afterward, you can maintain your credentials by adhering to the professional code of ethics.
6. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
The CRISC certification teaches applicants how to identify and solve different risks through IS controls. The CRISC program assesses the capabilities of the professional from beginning to conclusion. To earn this credential, you need at least three years of working experience. Once you get the qualification, you may earn professional educational credits to keep your certification active.
7. Associate Computing Professional
The ACP certification is for novice CIS professionals and recent college graduates. Earning this accreditation requires an applicant to pass the ISP exam, besides another specialty exam. Ongoing professional development is necessary to stay certified as an ACP.
Please note that none of the organizations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
5 jobs in information systems
Here are five jobs you can pursue within the information systems industry:
1. Web developer
National average salary: $69,657 per year
Primary duties: A web developer is a professional who designs and builds a variety of websites, each providing a unique user interface and experience for visitors This occupation combines technical ingenuity and creative optimization to develop a site that is easy to navigate, functional and aesthetically pleasing. They often possess proficiency using different programming applications and several types of computer languages like HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Some of their other duties include:
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Maintaining websites and software applications
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Using authoring languages and scripting
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Using management, content creation, digital media, and application tools
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Performing updates to a website
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Designing and editing web content
2. Information systems manager
National average salary: $86,376 per year
Primary duties: An information systems manager is a high-ranking senior professional who manages the technology and computer-focused research initiatives for a business, including tasks for development projects. By holding an executive occupation, this individual manages the duties and work of other IT team members and professionals, like computer engineers, support specialists, and systems analysts. To do this properly, it’s necessary for them to understand their company’s technological capabilities and how they can improve on those systems to increase productivity.
Some additional duties include:
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Implementing digital security protocols
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Identifying equipment requirements for personnel
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Developing the company’s public Internet websites and a private intranet
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Managing the programming initiatives for software and information networks
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Handling the installation and upgrades for software and hardware
3. Database administrator
National average salary: $88,448 per year
Primary duties: A database administrator manages and maintains the company’s databases to ensure they meet current standards and policies. They handle all issues and problems related to databases, ensuring they are functional and minimizing any potential data losses. Database administrators typically complete these tasks through periodic backups, troubleshooting and maintenance.
Additional duties they may perform include:
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Monitoring the performance of database systems
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Identifying and resolving database problems
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Implementing security protocols to protect databases from hackers, threats and other unauthorized users
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Backing up databases periodically
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Making optimization improvements and changes
4. Software engineer
National average salary: $100,427 per year
Primary duties: A software engineer is a skilled professional whose work combines technical elements of engineering, computer science and mathematics to create software applications. When there is a software development initiative, they design and test the computer applications, managing them from inception to execution. To ensure that a software application functions as intended, they consult with other team members, departments and customers to ensure it meets the standards and capabilities.
Other tasks they may perform include:
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Developing software system testing and validation methods
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Directing and managing initiatives for software programming
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Conducting data analysis to coordinate new system installations
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Changing and updating existing systems and applications
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Managing software development projects
5. Network Architect
National average salary: $127,034 per year
Primary duties: A network architect, or network engineer, develops, executes and maintains the computer networking systems for companies of all sizes. They are the person responsible for creating the overall design of a system, sometimes limiting it to one building or developing it to expand across cities, states, or countries. These professionals handle the installation of physical hardware, like modems and routers. They determine what cables, components and layouts can optimize the communication networking capabilities of a business.
Additional responsibilities include:
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Upgrading existing network systems
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Troubleshooting and repairing network systems
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Designing a company’s network systems
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Monitoring network components and equipment
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Setting up a system that meets the needs of their client
Additional qualifications to boost your career
Here are some other qualifications that can help you expand your career opportunities:
College degrees
Most information systems jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. However, you can elevate your professional status and increase your job opportunities by pursuing an advanced degree like a master’s. You can apply your knowledge to your current work and validate your expertise with your credentials, which can help you qualify for senior and leadership positions. Here are some useful majors to consider:
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Computer information systems
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Management information systems
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Business information systems
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Computer science
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Network Administration
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Information technology
Diplomas
Though not as common, earning a diploma is a viable alternative to boost your career opportunities. Similar to certifications, diploma programs often focus heavily on a specific area of work. You can expect to gain in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge about a specialization, forgoing material that does not directly contribute to the information that helps you perform the related duties and tasks. Diplomas align more toward facilitating new career opportunities and they usually take longer to earn than certifications but you rarely have to renew them.
Associations and chapters
Industry associations are organizations that connect like-minded and similar-focused professionals with a national and sometimes global community. After paying a one-time or recurring membership fee to join an association, you can benefit from the many offerings they provide their members, such as:
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Access to private training courses
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Information regarding job opportunities
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An intranet to communicate with other similar professionals
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Access to regional chapters
Joining an association may help you connect with people in your local area. By joining a local chapter, you can boost your career by forming a network with other expert information systems professionals. These practitioners can aid you in achieving your career goals and endeavors.
Tips for earning certifications
Here are some tips to help you earn your certifications:
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Determine your specialization: There are many areas of focus in information systems, so identifying your specialization can help you determine the right certification that aligns with your career goals.
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Study for your exams: Study thoroughly for each exam you expect to take, as they often require extensive preparation and knowledge to complete successfully.
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Earn several certifications: If you have the time to commit, earning several certifications can help you differentiate yourself from other professionals.
