Back to Top

Three Tech Career Certificates in High Demand

Do you want to be working in tech by this time next year? It’s possible! If you want to start a career, switch a career or build your career, that's possible too, with training at Anne Arundel Community College. Classes are available in Glen Burnie to kick off certification for a number of in-demand career opportunities, including these three:


Help Desk and Technical Support Certificate

Icon with computers in the background

The help desk of today is not the help desk of yesteryear. The person on the other end of the phone asking if you tried to restart the computer is highly trained, highly employable and highly paid. Computer and network support specialists make an average of $57,910 a year according to the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook, with the highest 10% earning more than $91,060. For those with a knack for technology and an interest in helping others, becoming the person people call when everything is going wrong can be just two terms and 30 credits away.

Learn more about the Help Desk and Technical Support certificate.


Digital Forensics and Advanced Digital Forensics Certificate

Icon with computers in the background

Think of digital forensics as the McGee on the NCIS team, not the Abby. Those who go down this career path focus on the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices related to cybercrime. Analysts often work for the police, law enforcement agencies, government, private or other forensic companies. Depending on your job, you might be investigating cybercrime, fraud and identity theft, or terrorism. According to data collected by Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for information security analysts is expected to grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average, and the median pay is a whopping $102,600.

Learn more about the Digital Forensics and Advanced Digital Forensics certificate.


Cisco Certified Network Associate or Professional Preparation Certificate

Icon with computers in the background

CCNA is a commonly requested IT certification, with over 6,000 job listings on Glassdoor and 12,000 on Indeed that mention the certification in the U.S. as of June 2021. A variety of jobs use the certification, including IT support specialist and network administrator, with a Bureau of Labor Statistics’ reported median pay of $57,910 per year and $80,600 per year respectively. At AACC, there are different paths to certification, with both a CCNA associate and professional program. Both objectives support the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.

Learn more about the Cisco Certified Network Associate or Professional Preparation Certificate.


FYI – Whether you’re taking one class or 10, online or in person, AACC students have access to every student service the college offers, from free counseling and a gym to career counseling, internship support and even assistance with acquiring internet or emergency financial services and a food pantry.