Technology Certifications for Homeschool High School

Homeschool students often have the opportunity to pursue a passion. Computers and Technology is one of those area many students choose to pursue. After you have taken an introductory computer science course in high school, many parents and students do not know where to go next. Here is a list of potential careers and entry-level Technology Certifications for Homeschool High School students. It is broken down into different career areas in technology and any of the certifications would serve as a good starting point. 

Software Development

Software development is the process of creating, designing, and implementing computer programs or applications. It involves writing code, testing and debugging software, and ensuring its functionality and performance. Software developers employ various programming languages, frameworks, and tools to translate user requirements into functional and efficient software solutions.

Software Development Careers

• Software Engineer
• Programmer
• Software Developer
• Coder

Software Development Certifications

• Azure Developer Associate
• AWS Certified Developer Associate
• CIW JavaScript Specialist
• CIW HTML and CSS
• IEEE Software Developer Certification
• Google Professional Cloud Developer, 3+ years experience

Data

A data professional is tasked with managing, analyzing, and interpreting data to derive meaningful insights and drive informed decision-making. They develop and implement data collection strategies, ensuring data quality and integrity. Data professionals use various tools and techniques, such as data modeling, data mining, and statistical analysis, to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within datasets, helping organizations optimize operations, improve efficiency, and uncover valuable business insights.

Data Careers

• Data Analyst
• Database Administrator 
• Data Scientist
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Database Developer

Data Certifications

• Google Data Analytics Certificate
• Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate
• Azure Data Fundamentals

Game Development

A game developer is responsible for creating and designing video games. They work on various aspects of game development, including coding, designing game mechanics, creating artwork and graphics, and implementing audio elements. Game developers collaborate with a team of artists, programmers, and designers to bring the game concept to life, ensuring a seamless and engaging gaming experience for players.

Game Development Careers

• Game Designer
• Game Programmer
• Game Artist
• Game Producer

Game Development Certifications

• Unity Certified User Programmer
• MIT xPRO Certificate in Game Design

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of on-demand computing resources, such as storage, processing power, and software applications, over the internet. It allows organizations and individuals to access and utilize these resources from anywhere, at any time, without the need for owning or managing physical infrastructure. Microsoft, Google, Amazon and many others operate cloud computing environments.

Cloud Computing Careers

Organization need employees to manage applications in the cloud or build products for the cloud. Here are a few possible job titles.

• System Administrator
• Cloud Architect
• Infrastructure Engineer

Cloud Computing Certifications

Here are entry-level certifications for Cloud Computing. 

• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification
• Google Associate Cloud Engineer
• AWS Solutions Architect Associate
• CompTIA Cloud+ - Recommends 2-3 years of experience

IT Support

An IT support professional is responsible for assisting individuals and organizations with their technical issues and inquiries. They troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software problems, install and configure computer systems, and provide guidance on using technology effectively. IT support professionals also play a crucial role in maintaining network infrastructure, ensuring data security, and implementing backup and recovery procedures to minimize downtime and optimize system performance.

IT Support Careers

• IT Support Specialist
• Help Desk Technician

IT Support Certifications

• CompTIA A+
• Cisco CCNA
• Google IT Support Certificate

UX Design

A UX (User Experience) design professional focuses on creating meaningful and enjoyable user experiences across digital platforms. They conduct user research to understand user needs, behaviors, and preferences, and use that insight to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. UX designers also collaborate with other stakeholders such as developers and product managers to ensure that the final product meets both user expectations and business goals, while continuously iterating and refining the design based on user feedback.

UX Design Careers

• UX Designer
• UI Designer
• UX Researcher
• Interaction Designer

UX Design Certifications

• Google UX Design Certificate

Cyber Security

A cybersecurity professional is responsible for safeguarding computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks. They assess and analyze potential vulnerabilities in systems, develop and implement security measures, and monitor for any suspicious activities or breaches. Cybersecurity professionals also conduct incident response and forensic investigations to identify the source and extent of security incidents and provide recommendations to prevent future incidents.

Cyber Security Careers

• Security Engineer
• Penetration Tester
• Cybersecurity Analyst

Cyber Security Certifications

• CompTIA Security+
• Systems Security Certified Practioner
• Google Cyber Security Certification

Good Luck with your certifications.