Best IT Certificates Dallas, TX: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About Dallas IT Certificates

What is IT?

Commonly known as IT, the field of information technology refers to the computer systems, hardware, software, and networks related to the processing and distribution of data. The umbrella of IT also covers things like networking hardware (servers and routers) and applications that allow communication over a variety of networks and the internet.

The term “information technology” was originally used in a 1958 publication of the Harvard Business Review, which divided IT into the following three categories: techniques for processing, the use of statistical and mathematical methods to make decisions, and the simulation of higher-order thinking through computer programs. Enterprises devote entire departments to information technology.

Data processing plays a significant role in a variety of business practices including product development and design, marketing and market research, sales and invoicing, customer development and retention, accounting and taxes, human resources and payroll, and

regulatory compliance. IT has become an essential part of nearly every modern industry, so it is a wise choice to become an expert in information technology.

Why Become Certified in IT?

Gaining certification in information technology has several benefits. An IT certification is a recognized credential within the field of IT. It showcases your dedication, motivation, and proficiency in the subject matter. Preparations for certification exams, training, and fees cost time and money, further confirming your commitment to the field.

Being able to prove your dedication and proficiency can help you stand out from other job seekers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be around 377,500 job openings in IT each year from now until 2032. And, with the median salary sitting well above the national average at $100,000, you can expect a healthy salary in most of these open roles.

Most companies will require ongoing certifications, especially within the field of information technology. This means that, if you currently work in IT and want a promotion, attending a certification course can be a great way to show that you deserve a higher-paying, higher-ranking job. Cisco’s recertification requirements, for example, include earning continuing education credits, taking an exam, or attending training during each three-year cycle. If your employer demands ongoing training, there’s a high probability they will help pay for your certification, so make sure to check with them before enrolling.

IT professionals often have the added benefit of being able to work from wherever they choose. Virtual work offers more flexibility for IT experts, allowing you to assist fellow employees or clients via email, video chat, or by taking over their desktops. Gone are the days of being tied to living in expensive cities.

Getting certified in IT is the quickest way to make your dream career a reality. Keep reading to discover more about what you’ll learn in a training program and how to choose the right certification for you.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming IT Certified

Information technology is a multifaceted field that requires professionals who are adept in a variety of tools and techniques. Below are the most common skills you’ll master in a certificate program, so that you know what to look for when you’re researching potential training courses. It’s important to note that there are many other hard and soft skills that you’ll want to master, especially collaboration, effective communication, and problem-solving. (And if you’ve already mastered some of the below, consider yourself ahead of the game.)

Security

Security is a crucial element of an IT department. Starting in a help desk, networking, or system administration role can introduce you to concepts that are helpful to know for security purposes, but most training programs will cover the basics of security including familiarity with physical, network, and software security, installing firewalls and routers, data encryption, risk mitigation strategy and threat analysis, knowledge of compliance regulations and standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and CCPA, and ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Programming

If you plan to develop software, web applications, and websites, knowing how to program will be extremely important. Typically used languages are Python, C++, JavaScript, Ruby, and PowerShell. Being confident in at least two is recommended to adequately troubleshoot any errors you may encounter on the job.

Data Analysis

Troubleshooting problems and improving systems and networks means you’ll need to know how to properly dissect and analyze data. Monitoring performance data can assist you in finding security threats or coding errors or seeing where inefficiencies exist in the overall operations. Having a basic understanding of SQL and statistics will go a long way when analyzing data.

Networks and Systems

Two common job titles for an IT professional are System Administrator and Network Administrator. Managing and improving computer systems and networks is essential to the work of an IT team. Working in IT may require you to administer diverse operating systems like Windows, Linux, or Mac, install and configure computer hardware and software, cloud administration and applications, maintain local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), storage area networks (SAN) and virtual private networks (VPNs), and troubleshoot and help employees with technical issues.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing skills are in high demand within the IT industry. By managing the delivery of on-demand computing resources like hardware, storage, databases, networking, and software, cloud computing lets companies access and store information without managing their own physical devices or IT infrastructure. Its scalability, flexibility, and cost savings have helped it grow in popularity across a variety of industries.

IT Industries in Dallas

Known for its world-class museums, famous sports teams, and diverse culture, it should come as no surprise that Dallas is also home to multiple thriving industries. The information technology industry itself is one of the top industries in the city, luring companies from other states like California and New York. Major players like Intuit, Cisco, Dell, and Microsoft all have their headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region. In terms of economic impact, the information technology sector contributes over $25 billion annually to the city’s economy and is one of the largest employers there, as it provides jobs for over 112,000 people.

The financial services industry is another important industry in the area. It contributes over $26 billion annually to the economy and employs over 87,000 people in Dallas alone. While retail banking has historically represented the most substantial growth element of the U.S. financial sector, FinTech companies are rapidly expanding to take a larger piece of the pie in this area.

DFW is home to several nationally renowned healthcare resources. Big hospitals like UT Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital, and Baylor University Medical Center, in addition to an abundance of at-home care and smaller clinics, are the backbone of the healthcare industry in Dallas. These institutions create over 240,000 jobs and inject billions of dollars into the economy through employee salaries, retail sales, and sales taxes. Hospitals provide jobs for an immense range of skill levels with opportunities for upward mobility in the profession.

Each of these industries, and countless others, relies on IT professionals to maintain their systems and networks on hard drives, remote servers, and the cloud. Information technology experts are also needed to help troubleshoot issues both on the back end and with employees or other personnel. With such high need across a variety of enterprises, there are plenty of roles for you to pursue, several of which are covered below.

IT Careers in Dallas

There are several potential job titles for someone certified in information technology. You could become a Systems Architect. These professionals are responsible for devising, configuring, operating, and maintaining computer and networking systems. You would analyze desired processes and outcomes, then advise on the right pathway to achieve specific business, department, team, or functional goals. In Dallas, you can expect to make $130,000-$161,000 as a Systems Architect.

You could also become a Computer and Information Systems Manager, overseeing the computer and data-related infrastructure for the organization. You might be in charge of running an entire information technology department at a small company. However, in larger firms, these professionals may focus on a specific area, such as cybersecurity. The average salary range for this role in Dallas is $127,000-$154,000.

Another option is to become a Cloud Security Engineer. This role would require you to plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. You’d also lead system assessments for vulnerabilities, monitor for and protect against security risks, and ensure appropriate security controls are in place to safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. Salaries for this role in Dallas range between $117,00-$140,000.

As you can see, there are many roles you can pursue within IT depending on your interests. With salary ranges well above the U.S. average of $60,000, you can have a successful and lucrative career in IT no matter your job title.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

While it may seem like these two terms are interchangeable, they are quite different regarding training programs. Gained through an assessment or a professional training program, a certification is a professional credential that usually culminates in a final exam or test. Many jobs require specific certifications for promotions and career advancement and can lead to increased pay, potential promotions, and enhanced professional expertise. Several professions require certifications to be renewed at regular intervals. Some companies may even cover the cost of certification, as these credentials bring value to the workplace.

Often considered continuing education, a certificate is given to showcase your successful completion of a course or training. Mid-career professionals acquire certificates to enhance or develop high-demand skills in their industry, while beginners use them to carve out new career paths. These courses are noncredit programs offered by educational institutions, so you won’t earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree by completing them. A certificate can certainly add value to your resume, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t carry the same weight as an associate's or bachelor’s degree, which are commonly required for many jobs.

If your goal is to transition career fields entirely or learn as much about a new industry as possible, then a certificate is the right choice. A certification course is the right route if you are established in your career and looking to gain a new title or increase your pay.

You’ll also want to be mindful of the amount of time and money you can commit to your training. If your company requires a certification for you to advance in your career, they might either pay in full or offer assistance for your training. If they don’t, you’ll want to consider your budget, as these training programs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Both certificates and certifications can vary in length, from a few days to several months, so it’s important to consider how long the program will take you to complete and how much time you can commit on both a daily level and overall for the length of the program.

Regardless of which path you choose, both can give you an upper hand in your professional development and expand your skill set, making you highly desirable within your current field or a new one.

Top IT Certificate Programs in Dallas

Dallas’s various thriving industries and ever-growing economy make it the perfect place to study information technology. Below are listed some of the top trainings available, both online and in-person in Dallas, that can help you launch your next career and prepare for various certification exams. Keep reading to learn more about your educational options and how to get one step closer to your dream career in information technology.

Cloud Computing with AWS

Offered by Noble Desktop, this course offers practical knowledge on AWS, the most popular digital platform for cloud computing. Available both online and in-person in New York, this class teaches all the best practices for AWS. Students learn how to build and secure an enterprise-level cloud environment, including how to navigate cloud infrastructure, networking, and databases. Composed of 18 hours of hands-on learning, this course involves project-based training from experts in the industry.

There are supplemental materials to assist both during and after the course, as well as a one-year free retake policy, which allows students to retake any part of the course or program for free to refresh the materials and gain additional practice. You’ll receive a certificate of completion to verify your accomplishment at the end of the course.

CompTIA CASP+ Prep Course

This live online course from Certstaffix Training covers security architecture, security operations, security engineering, cryptography, governance, risk, and compliance. Students learn all the cybersecurity skills they need to pass the CAS-004 exam, like operations and architecture concepts, techniques, and requirements, risk analysis, mobile and small-form-factor device security, secure cloud integration, and cryptography.

You’ll master Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and the FedRAMP programs, the Cyber Kill Chain framework, MITRE ATT&CK, and Diamond Models. Students will also learn how to respond to Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) by deploying hunt teams. They’ll become adept at devising advanced cryptographic solutions using the latest FIPS standards, and they’ll gain a full understanding of compliance requirements for GDPR, PCI, DSS, and COPPA.

Course tuition includes access to software labs, a free six-month retake, and both a certificate and a digital badge that can be added to one’s resume or LinkedIn upon completion.

Information Security Certificate

This certificate from Dallas College provides hands-on, in-depth training to meet industry standards for protecting critical information infrastructures against cyber threats. This course covers an introduction to networks, Linux installation and configuration, and an introduction to Python programming. In the second semester, students learn about the fundamentals of information security, designing and implementing a server infrastructure, and business and professional communication.

It’s recommended that students have extensive knowledge of the IT field, including an understanding of personal computers and operating systems, as well as strong networking knowledge obtained in Cisco and/or Microsoft networking courses. It’s also highly encouraged that they have one or more of the following: certificate and/or AAS in networking, BS or BA in Computer Science, or Cisco CCNA, Novell CNE, Microsoft MCSA and/or MCSE, A+ and Network+, SCSA, UNIX/Linux certification, or other vendor-specific certifications.

Healthcare IT Certificate

This graduate certificate in Healthcare IT from the University of Texas at Dallas focuses on practical concepts and hands-on experience, as well as technical skills like the use of electronic medical records (EMR). By the end of this program, students should be able to identify and evaluate the types of information systems prevalent in healthcare organizations and use hands-on, practice-oriented opportunities to learn the core components of clinical information systems used by major healthcare providers in the United States. Students also learn to formulate a conceptual understanding of healthcare analytics and decision-making, in addition to developing technical skills in business intelligence and prescriptive analytics using decision analysis.

This course is available to both degree-seeking and non-degree students. Current degree-seeking graduate students are eligible but still must formally apply to the Healthcare IT Certificate Program. Academic certificate programs follow the same application and admission processes as graduate degree programs. It’s important to note that non-degree seeking students are not typically eligible for financial aid. Please consult the UTD Bursar webpage for information regarding tuition and fees.

Linux Operating System & Bash Scripting

Held live online or in-person in NYC, this course from Noble Desktop will train you on one of the most popular open-source softwares: Linux. You’ll learn to master its operating systems, navigate directories, and use major Linux distributions for cybersecurity, including Kali, NodeZero, and BlackArch. This course will also cover topics like how permissions work and how to decipher them; bash scripting; creating, renaming, moving, and deleting directories; and listing, reading, creating, editing, copying, and deleting files.

This course is open to beginners and requires no prior experience with Linux, Bash scripting, or coding. Tuition includes a one-year free retake policy, allowing you to retake any part of the course for free to refresh the materials and gain additional practice. You’ll receive a certificate upon completion of the course that you can add to your resume or LinkedIn.

Janelle Davis

Janelle Davis has spent over a decade crafting content that breaks down technical subjects for various audiences. With a Master's in Literacy Education from SUNY Oswego, she combines educational expertise with clear writing. Through her work at Noble Desktop, she has explained course materials covering programming concepts and design principles. Her experience includes developing content on Python programming, Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, software engineering, CAD systems, and data analysis. Janelle quickly grasps technical topics through thorough research, then transforms specialized information into content that connects with both technical and non-technical readers.

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Key Insights

Learn More About Dallas IT Certificates

What is IT?

Why Become Certified in IT?

What You’ll Learn While Becoming IT Certified

Security

Programming

Data Analysis

Networks and Systems

Cloud Computing

IT Industries in Dallas

IT Careers in Dallas

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Top IT Certificate Programs in Dallas

CompTIA CASP+ Prep Course

Information Security Certificate

Healthcare IT Certificate

Dallas IT Courses by School

The University of Texas at Dallas

Cybersecurity Bootcamp (Full or Part Time) (Online)

Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp (Full or Part Time) (Online)

Cybersecurity Boot Camp

Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Cybersecurity Part-Time

Cyber Defense Analyst Bootcamp

Dallas IT Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

IT Training Locations in or Near Dallas

Dallas Careers & Salaries Related to IT

Dallas IT
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