Ethical Hacker Certificate - Career Certificate

Find your career hack

Ethically attack and test data security

To counter malicious cyberattacks and data theft, you have to learn to hack. As a “white hat” hacker, you anticipate known and evolving ways your network, application, site or customer info can be compromised.

The Ethical Hacker Certificate takes two semesters. You walk away with tested skills in:

data security and encryption
information governance

What can you do with an Ethical Hacker certificate?

The certificate in Ethical Hacker prepares you to transfer work in IT, programming or related fields, which prepares you for these careers.

Expand your skillset with stackable certificates

The 24 college credits you earn with your certificate in ethical hacking can all apply to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) (63-65 credits). This certificate can also be earned along the way as you complete your A.A.S. with the specialty option of Network Administration and Cybersecurity. That’s one way to stack this certificate toward another credential.

You can also earn a second certificate, upgrading or expanding your skillset. Choose a certificate combination specific to your interests or how you want to develop your career. Choose from these other certificates:

Highlights

100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $63,577
  
  Median
  
  $111,498
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $180,352
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.56
  
  Median
  
  $53.60
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86.70
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  90%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $90,425
  
  Median
  
  $140,396
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $196,237
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43.47
  
  Median
  
  $67.50
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94.34
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  4.55%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.55%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  45.46%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  45.45%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $54,246
  
  Median
  
  $132,635
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $183,218
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.07
  
  Median
  
  $63.76
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $88.08
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.35%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.35%
  
  Some college
  
  4.35%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  78.26%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,840
  
  Median
  
  $101,615
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $187,069
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.40
  
  Median
  
  $48.85
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $89.94
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  0.15%
  
  Some college
  
  2.21%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.46%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  92.89%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.29%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $54,246
  
  Median
  
  $132,635
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $183,218
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.07
  
  Median
  
  $63.76
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $88.08
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  80.95%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.29%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $69,722
  
  Median
  
  $120,338
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $181,940
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33.52
  
  Median
  
  $57.85
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.46
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  7.16%
  
  Some college
  
  2.01%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.87%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  75.16%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,677
  
  Median
  
  $112,361
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $166,479
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.32
  
  Median
  
  $54.01
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $80.03
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  9.52%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.81%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  57.15%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
CIT 131	CIT 131 Windows Operating System Class Description This course covers the essential elements of the latest Client Windows Operating System. Specific features along with general concepts of the Windows operating system will be addressed. System optimization, memory management, installation, and software/hardware management will be an integral part of this course. The course material is aligned to the content of the Microsoft certification exam (MD-100) although this course is not specifically focused on preparing for the MD-100 exam. The MD-100 exam is one part of the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate industry certification. Additional topics for the certification exam are covered in CIT 157.	3
CIT 132	CIT 132 Linux Operating System Class Description This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and the skills they need to effectively use and administer the Linux operating system. The course includes Linux installation and configuration, shell commands and scripts, Linux file system and processes management, basic system administration tasks, network configuration and services, and security. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the Linux command-line environment, utilities, applications, network configuration and services, security and troubleshooting, as well as the graphical X Window environment. Students completing this course may work towards the CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1: Linux Administrator industry certifications. This course was previously titled CIS 117 – Linux Operating System and before that was titled CIS 115 – PC Operating Systems, Linux OS topic.	3
CIT 139	CIT 139 CCNA I: Introduction to Networks Class Description This course covers the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and basic network operations are introduced. Students will build simple local area networks, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. This is the first of the three courses sequence to prepare for CCNA industry certification. Recommended: CIT 120	3
CIT 134	CIT 134 Introduction to Programming Concepts Class Description This course introduces students to programming logic constructs used in structured programming. Problem solving and structure types (sequence, decision, and repetition) will be presented. Other programming concepts presented in this course include: numeric and string variables, data input and output techniques, functions and procedures, arrays, and processing sequential files. NOTE: This course is a CIT core prerequisite and is required before taking a second level programming course.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 131
Course Title	CIT 131 Windows Operating System Class Description This course covers the essential elements of the latest Client Windows Operating System. Specific features along with general concepts of the Windows operating system will be addressed. System optimization, memory management, installation, and software/hardware management will be an integral part of this course. The course material is aligned to the content of the Microsoft certification exam (MD-100) although this course is not specifically focused on preparing for the MD-100 exam. The MD-100 exam is one part of the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate industry certification. Additional topics for the certification exam are covered in CIT 157.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 132
Course Title	CIT 132 Linux Operating System Class Description This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and the skills they need to effectively use and administer the Linux operating system. The course includes Linux installation and configuration, shell commands and scripts, Linux file system and processes management, basic system administration tasks, network configuration and services, and security. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the Linux command-line environment, utilities, applications, network configuration and services, security and troubleshooting, as well as the graphical X Window environment. Students completing this course may work towards the CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1: Linux Administrator industry certifications. This course was previously titled CIS 117 – Linux Operating System and before that was titled CIS 115 – PC Operating Systems, Linux OS topic.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 139
Course Title	CIT 139 CCNA I: Introduction to Networks Class Description This course covers the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and basic network operations are introduced. Students will build simple local area networks, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. This is the first of the three courses sequence to prepare for CCNA industry certification. Recommended: CIT 120
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 134
Course Title	CIT 134 Introduction to Programming Concepts Class Description This course introduces students to programming logic constructs used in structured programming. Problem solving and structure types (sequence, decision, and repetition) will be presented. Other programming concepts presented in this course include: numeric and string variables, data input and output techniques, functions and procedures, arrays, and processing sequential files. NOTE: This course is a CIT core prerequisite and is required before taking a second level programming course.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CIT 142	CIT 142 Programming in Python Class Description This course covers basic to intermediate level programming concepts and problem-solving skills in Python language. Contents include the fundamentals of data storage, input and output, control structures, functions, sequences and lists, file I/O, and objects that are created from standard library classes and users. Students will design, implement, and debug object-oriented Python programs, including simple event-driven Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications.	4
CIT 152	CIT 152 Network Security Fundamentals Class Description This course is designed for administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and security of Microsoft Windows. Students should have general knowledge of networking concepts and Windows OS to be successful in this course. This course will prepare the student for Security+ certification.	3
CIT 162	CIT 162 Ethical Hacking Class Description This course is designed for students that want to be IT security professionals by understanding and exploring weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. This course covers knowledge and tools used by a malicious hacker but the skills will be used in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of target systems. Students will be prepared for the exam to earn the Certified Ethical Hacking (C\|EH) credential.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 142
Course Title	CIT 142 Programming in Python Class Description This course covers basic to intermediate level programming concepts and problem-solving skills in Python language. Contents include the fundamentals of data storage, input and output, control structures, functions, sequences and lists, file I/O, and objects that are created from standard library classes and users. Students will design, implement, and debug object-oriented Python programs, including simple event-driven Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 152
Course Title	CIT 152 Network Security Fundamentals Class Description This course is designed for administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and security of Microsoft Windows. Students should have general knowledge of networking concepts and Windows OS to be successful in this course. This course will prepare the student for Security+ certification.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 162
Course Title	CIT 162 Ethical Hacking Class Description This course is designed for students that want to be IT security professionals by understanding and exploring weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. This course covers knowledge and tools used by a malicious hacker but the skills will be used in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of target systems. Students will be prepared for the exam to earn the Certified Ethical Hacking (C\|EH) credential.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

24

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Computer Information Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Computer Information Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Computer Information Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

You qualify for the following industry tests:
- Security+
- Linux+
- C|EH.Security+
First, there’s the cost. Tuition at CLC is lower than almost anywhere else, and you have financial aid and scholarship options that don’t saddle you with debt.

Second, the classes. They’re small and hands-on, so you get the attention you need to learn the skills you’ll use every day. You’re taught by experienced instructors who will also talk you through career and college choices.
Our student profile is varied. You’ll be in classes with many people who are working already, with those who are changing careers and with those who just finished high school.
Yes—well, most of them. Every course in this program is offered in an online format, except for our field courses which must be taken in-person.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Ethical Hacker

Find your career hack

Ethically attack and test data security

What can you do with an Ethical Hacker certificate?

Expand your skillset with stackable certificates

Highlights

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Clinical Data Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Computer Network Architects

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Data Warehousing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Database Administrators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Database Architects

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Information Security Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Information Technology Project Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 10 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Computer Information Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What exams will I qualify for after I complete the program?

Why should I choose CLC?

Are there students like me in the program?

Can I take my classes online?

How much does this program cost?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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