Certified Computing Professional

Certified Computing Professional (CCP) is a designation awarded by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) to individuals who have proven their knowledge and skills in information technology (IT) and agreed to abide by ICCP's Code of Ethics, Conduct and Good Practice.

CCP certification can be earned in a variety of IT fields and specialties, including:

• Business information systems
• Communications
• Data resource management
• Management
• Microcomputing and networks
• Office information systems
• Procedural programming
• Software engineering
• Systems development
• Systems programming
• Systems security
• BASIC language
• C language
• C++ language
• COBOL language
• Pascal language
• RPG/400 language

Why is CCP Certification Important?

Computer programming and system analysis are two of the most dynamic professions in Florida and throughout the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks both in its top five list of fastest growing occupations, and a recent Information Technology Association of America survey estimates that 10 percent of the IT jobs nationwide are unfilled. As a result, there is a high demand for professionals with these skills.

Earning CCP certification is becoming a vital step for those entering a technology field. It can help you:

• Determine the types of jobs for which you qualify.
• Increase your starting or current salary.
• Increase your chances of being offered a new position or promotion.
• Expand your opportunities for career growth.

CCP certification is internationally recognized. It is often used as a hiring criterion by some of the world's leading technology corporations. Employers know that a Certified Computing Professional:

• Has a high level of skill and knowledge in the IT industry.
• Maintains high levels of professionalism.
• Has agreed to the code of ethics established by ICCP.

With CCP certification, you have access to a broad range of career options within the IT industry. You can choose to focus your attention on a specific field or diversify your skills across a number of areas.

How Do I Earn CCP Certification?

To earn a CCP certification, you must complete the following three steps:

1. Take and pass the core test and two specialty examinations.

   You must earn a score of 70 percent or better to pass the exams. You may substitute two programming language exams for one specialty exam.

   The specialty exams are:

   • Management
   • Procedural Programming
   • System Development
   • Business Information Systems
   • Communications
   • Office Information Systems
   • Systems Programming
   • Software Engineering
   • Systems Security
   • Data Resource Management
   • Microcomputing and Networks

   The programming language exams are:

   • Pascal
   • BASIC
   • RPG/400
   • COBOL
   • C
   • C++

   CCP certification exams can be taken at Seminole State's Professional Testing and Certification Center. You may take them at any time but cannot earn CCP certification until requirements two and three are also met.

2. Meet the experience requirement.

   To earn certification, you must have 48 months (four years) of full-time work experience in the computer/IT industry. Your experience does not have to be technical; clerical, data entry and classroom work are also acceptable. If you have earned a bachelor's degree in a related field, you can use it to fulfill half (24 months/two years) of the work experience requirements.

3. Agree to comply with ICCP's Code of Ethics, Conduct and Good Practice.

   CCP certification is more than a technical credential; it is also an acknowledgement by industry leaders that you are a skilled IT professional. As a CCP, you are expected to perform your duties and behave in a manner that is consistent with the industry-accepted code of ethics. Therefore, you must sign a document that indicates your intent to follow ICCP's Code of Ethics, Conduct and Good Practice. You cannot be awarded CCP certification until you sign the agreement.

How Can Seminole State Help Me Prepare for the CCP Certification Exams?

Seminole State does not have a designated CCP certification preparation program. However, the courses offered through the Network Technologies and Computer Programming and Analysis programs can help you prepare for the exams.

The aforementioned courses are designed to help you prepare for a specific exam. You must pass the exams to earn CCP certification. Passing the courses does not guarantee that you will pass the exams.

What Career Opportunities Can I Explore With CCP Certification?

The way CCP certification can help you in your career depends on the exams you choose to take. For example, if you pass the specialty exams in Procedural Programming and Systems Programming, your logical career options would involve computer programming and application development. Passing exams in Business Information Systems and Data Resource Management, on the other hand, would best prepare you for a career in information systems management or database administration.

For more information on career opportunities or for assistance with job placement, please visit the Seminole State Career Development Center website.

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