Cybersecurity Professional
Certificate
The Cybersecurity Professional certificate builds on your networking foundation to develop the hands-on cybersecurity skills employers are hiring for. You'll gain practical knowledge that prepares you for industry certifications including CompTIA Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and the EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker.
24/7
support in the Academic Support Center
This program is career-focused, industry certification-aligned, and taught in a hybrid format. You’ll learn in a hands-on lab environment where you’ll have access to extensive tools designed to help you demonstrate and reinforce complex security concepts and configurations, preparing you for key roles at local companies in central IL like Cisco, RLI, CAT, OSF, Carle, Pearl Technology, State Farm Insurance, and TekSystems.
Admissions Office
This stackable certificate prepares you for for industry certifications such as CompTIA’s A+, Security+, Cisco’s CCNA, CyberOps Associate, and the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker.
Students have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge through hands-on events like SkillsUSA and Cisco All-Academy Day.
Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Consultant, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Penetration Tester, Incident Responder, Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, Security Architect
COMPLETION TIME
10 Months
if Full Time
2 Semesters13 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Coaches help with an academic plan that works for you.
COST OF ATTENDING
$2,171
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2026-27
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
18 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Knowledge and expertise in cybersecurity isn’t just valuable, it’s essential for understanding and addressing the real-world risks networks face on a daily basis.
Kevin Wells, Professor, Computer Management CISCO, Computer Management Networking
How Do I Get Into the Cybersecurity Professional Program?
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just one easy application for over hundreds of scholarships.
- Need help? Our admissions team is happy to assist.
What Can I Expect As a Cybersecurity Professional Student?
- You’ll learn how to protect digital assets, defend against cyber threats, and help ensure the security of your network.
- You’ll develop technical skills and gain experience in network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking.
Additional Opportunities
Workforce Empowerment Initiative
This initiative focuses on developing our area’s workforce by providing participants with a credential and a living wage. It addresses high demand-careers and targets low-income individuals, those living in high crime and high poverty areas, unemployed individuals and minorities.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.