Stanford Advanced Computer Security

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Specific Questions

Do I qualify for this program?
There are no specific requirements for these courses. However, we highly recommend that you take the Software Security Foundations Certificate program first or have a background in Computer Science with a bachelor's level of programming experience.

Can I earn a Professional Development Certificate for this program?
Yes. The Advanced Computer Security Professional Certificate is signed by the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and the instructors, and is awarded to participants as confirmation that they have completed all the Advanced Computer Security Professional Certificate requirements.

How do I earn the "Stanford Advanced Computer Security Professional Development Certificate"?
You must complete a total of 6 courses: 3 core courses and 3 electives. For online courses, participants must take and pass an online test in order to earn credit.

How many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can I earn for this program?
If you need Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Stanford University in order to maintain your yearly requirements for certain industry certifications or licensures, you may request them. Each course earns 1 CEU. Please call customer service at 650 204-3984 to request these. CEU transcripts are mailed by the Continuing Studies department and take approximately 6 weeks from course completion.

Are there reading materials associated with this program?
Not at this time.

Is this program available online?
All Advanced Computer Security courses are now available online via streaming video, making the curriculum accessible on-demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Course materials are available for download from the course homepage to allow for printing and review. Each course is accessible for 90 days, allowing participants to repeat lectures as needed.

Will I have to do homework in order to complete this program?
No.

Am I required to take an exam to complete this program?
For online courses, participants must take an online test and pass with a 90% score or higher for each course in order to earn a certificate of completion. You may take the exam as many times as you need.

How are the exams submitted and graded?
The tests are taken online. Once you submit your answers you will be given a pass/fail result. We do not give feedback on correct/incorrect answers.

How long does this program take to finish?
All courses are now available online, so participants complete the certificate at their own pace.

General Questions

Do I have to be employed by a company that is a member of the Stanford Center for Professional Development to take a professional course?
No.

Do you offer scholarships? Discounts?
We do not offer scholarships. Check with your employer to determine if this course qualifies for tuition reimbursement. Group discounts can be arranged by contacting 650.204.3984.

When can I start? When do the classes start?
All classes are available online, and can be started at any time.

Do I have to take this course at a specific time? When is it available?
Online courses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How long do I have to complete the course?
Once you have enrolled you will have access to the course video for 90 days via mystanfordconnection.

What happens if I don't complete the course on time?
If you do not finish the course within the 90-day time frame, you may request 1 30-day extension for free. After that, you will be charged an administrative fee for extensions.

Can I share course access with a friend?
No. Course access is for individual use only; sharing access is prohibited and violates the Stanford Honor Code. All materials are copyright protected and owned by Stanford University. Reproduction of any kind is prohibited.

Will I receive a digital record of completion after each course?
For online courses, you must pass a test with a score of 90% or higher to receive the digital record of completion within 3 business days.