Google has opened a new cybersecurity certificate program to train the next generation of cyber professionals and to help pare down the 750,000 open cyber jobs in the U.S. with qualified candidates.
The certificate will prepare people for entry-level cybersecurity roles by providing hands-on experience with industry standard tools including Python, Linux and a variety of security tools, including security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.
In addition, the certificate will also help prepare learners for the CompTIA Security+ exam, the industry-leading certification for cybersecurity roles. Learners will earn a dual credential when they complete both, improving their ability to be hired, the company said in a blog post.
The cybersecurity certificate will also teach learners how to identify common risks, threats and vulnerabilities, as well as the techniques to mitigate them.
Women, People of Color Encouraged to Apply
Google said the program also offers an opportunity to educate and train underrepresented candidates for cybersecurity jobs, including women and people of color:
“The Certificate is designed and taught by Google’s cybersecurity experts. It will prepare learners for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity in less than six months with no prior experience required, create greater opportunities for people around the world and help fill the growing number of open cyber roles.”
The cybersecurity certification program will operate under Google’s existing Career Certificates program, the company said. That program provides job seekers with affordable paths to careers in data analytics, IT support, business intelligence and more.
To date, Google some 150,000 people have graduated from our Google Career Certificates in the U.S., and 75% of graduates report a positive career impact, such as a new job, higher pay or a promotion within six months of completion. Fifty-five percent of graduates identify as Asian, Black or Latino.
Training the Next Generation of Cyber Pros
In 2018, Google created the Career Certificates Employer Consortium in 2018 to solve critical skills gaps across industries. The consortium includes more than 150 employers which will consider candidates who have earned Google' certificates for entry-level jobs. To ensure job seekers who have completed the Cybersecurity Certificate can meet the needs of employers with open entry-level roles, the cybersecurity teams of several members of the Consortium beta tested the content and provided feedback.
Some colleges and universities will offer the cybersecurity certificate in addition to 400 educational institutions throughout the U.S. that have already signed on.
In reiterating the importance of training the next group of potential cyber professionals, Google said:
"We know it’s imperative that the right people are in place to address an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape that affects everything from our emergency services to the economy."
