For those interested in this burgeoning field, various cybersecurity certifications are available to enhance your skills and credibility. This guide will help you navigate the options to choose the right certification for your career goals.
Why Should You Study Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity certifications provide a practical and attractive option for career growth. Here are the top three reasons to choose one.
1. Market demand for skills
The increasing frequency and complexity of cyberattacks have led to a significant demand for cybersecurity experts. Industries across the board, from finance to healthcare, require specialists capable of protecting sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of their systems.
According to Cybercrime Magazine, there are over 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally, illustrating a clear and immediate need for trained professionals. Getting a cybersecurity certification enables you to stand out in this competitive job market.
What’s more, according to IBM, over 59% of all cybersecurity positions require at least one certification. These certifications can lead to various roles, such as network administrators, IT security managers, and security vulnerability testers (also known as ethical hackers).
So, whether you’re an entry-level IT professional, an aspiring cybersecurity enthusiast, or an experienced security analyst, certifications like the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Security+, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) offer a structured pathway to gain necessary skills.
2. Cost-effectiveness
Investing in a cybersecurity certification is often more cost-effective than completing a traditional degree. Costs range from $300 for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) to $1,119 for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), so there are options for different budget levels and career objectives.
Also, the targeted learning path of these certifications means they align directly with specific job roles and industry needs, providing a quicker return on investment. For instance, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification focuses on the skills needed in a penetration testing role. This involves identifying and exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or network to uncover potential security vulnerabilities.
In addition, Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate, designed for beginners, provides access to a discounted CompTIA Security+ exam. Graduates of traditional degree programs often find it beneficial to pursue this exam separately to demonstrate specific skills to employers. Choosing Google’s certificate over a degree program is cheaper than becoming CompTIA Security+-certified.
3. Flexibility to learn where and when you want
Cybersecurity certifications offer great flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and often from the comfort of your home. Certifications cater to various learning styles and schedules—whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a business owner looking to enhance your security.
Many certifications, like CEH and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CYSA+), provide online resources and virtual labs. This flexibility encourages continuous learning and adaptation to the ever-changing cyber landscape. It also allows you to balance your studies with other commitments to enhance your cybersecurity skills without disrupting your life or career.
Types of Cybersecurity Certifications
There are cybersecurity certifications to suit different skill levels and career objectives. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to specialize in an advanced domain, there’s a certification to match your needs.
Foundational certifications
These certifications are geared towards beginners and entry-level professionals looking to establish a solid base in cybersecurity principles. They often emphasize foundational knowledge without expecting prior experience in the field.
For example, CompTIA Security+ certification focuses on core security functions. It’s suitable for entry-level IT professionals. Then there’s the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, which covers security programming and event management tools. Finally, the CCNA certification can be a great fit for those looking to learn networking and security fundamentals.
Requirements
As these certifications are entry-level, you don’t need to be an expert to get started with them. With certifications like the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, there’s no prior experience required.
That said, having a bit of background can help. With CompTIA Security+, some knowledge of CompTIA Network+ might come in handy, but isn't mandatory. And if you're looking at CCNA, while some familiarity with Cisco networks would be beneficial, it isn’t a prerequisite.
Costs
CompTIA Security+: $392
Google Cybersecurity Certificate: Varies
CCNA: $300
Intermediate/advanced certifications
Intermediate and advanced certifications are aimed at experienced professionals seeking to enhance or specialize their skills in complex cybersecurity areas. These certifications require significant experience and expertise and are tailored for roles that demand a deep understanding of specific cybersecurity domains.
Examples include CISSP, a high-level certification focusing on complex security topics, suitable for security analysts and technical experts. There’s also the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification, ideal for managerial roles such as infosec managers and security product managers.
The OSCP certification concentrates on intensive penetration testing skills, making it suitable for experienced infosec professionals. The GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN) certification—which covers advanced aspects of penetration testing, such as password attacks and exploitation—is another highly regarded advanced cybersecurity certification.
Requirements
Requirements for intermediate and advanced courses are understandably higher than for foundational certifications. For example, OSCP demands knowledge of IP networking and Linux administration.
For other courses, experience is a prerequisite. CISM requires five years of experience in information security management, while CISSP requires five years of security work experience plus an endorsement from an International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) member. For GPEN, on the other hand, you’ll need just two years of relevant work experience.
Costs
CISSP: $749 (exam fee)
CISM: $575 for ISACA members, $760 for nonmembers
OSCP: $799-$2,499
GPEN: $949
Vendor-specific certifications
Unlike vendor-neutral certifications, which provide a broad understanding of cybersecurity principles, vendor-specific certifications directly align with the products a particular tech company sells. They offer specialized training and education on the vendor’s systems, technologies, and security features.
For example, Microsoft offers several security certifications focusing on its products. Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) is one such certification. This certification is tailored for professionals who work with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform.
Another example is the Microsoft 365 Security Administrator Associate (MS-500) certification. This certification is for individuals responsible for managing security and compliance solutions within the Microsoft 365 environment.
IBM, too, offers a range of vendor-specific cybersecurity certifications. For example, administrators of IBM's QRadar Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) security threat analysis system can become IBM Certified Administrator - Security QRadar SIEM-certified.
Requirements
The initial requirements for vendor-specific certifications vary greatly. Often, the vendor only offers a certification exam, and it’s up to you to find a course that delivers the training you need to pass it.
For example, courses that teach the skills required to pass the Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) exam typically expect you to have some Azure experience before starting.
On the other hand, several courses that prepare you for the IBM Certified Administrator - Security QRadar SIEM certification exam only require knowledge of basic networking concepts and Linux commands to get started.
Costs
Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500): $165 (exam)
Microsoft 365 Security Administrator Associate (MS-500): $165 (exam)
IBM Certified Administrator - Security QRadar SIEM: Free (exam)
How To Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification for You
Choosing the right cybersecurity certification can guide your professional growth and lay the groundwork for achieving your career aspirations. It requires careful planning and consideration of market demands, program prerequisites, potential costs, and your goals.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this crucial decision.
1. Assess and define your personal goals
Understand your career path and where you want to be. Are you an aspiring ethical hacker, a security manager, or looking to specialize in penetration testing? Knowing this will help you pick the certification that aligns with your long-term goals.
2. Research market opportunities and demand
Research the certifications that are in high demand in the industry and have strong recognition, such as CISSP and CEH. Certain certifications are even tailored to specific job roles, like CISM for information security managers. Knowing which certifications employers look for can give you a competitive edge, potentially resulting in more job opportunities.
Choosing a vendor-specific certification means aligning your career path with the technologies and products of a specific company. This could be beneficial if you’re working in an environment that heavily utilizes that vendor’s technologies or plan to specialize in that area.
3. Consider prerequisites
Some certifications, like CompTIA Security+, cater to beginners, but most have specific prerequisites like years of experience or knowledge in particular domains. Review the requirements and identify your current skill level to ensure that you qualify. Choosing the right level ensures you build on your knowledge without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Determine costs
Exam fees vary widely, ranging from $300 for the CCNA to over $2,000 for advanced certifications like OSCP. Knowing the costs upfront will help with your financial planning.
Also, remember that training materials, practice exams, and potential retakes can add to the cost. Include these in your budget to avoid surprises later.
Conclusion
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. Whether you’re starting a new career, advancing in your current role, or seeking to protect your business, cybersecurity certifications are essential tools for success.
Choosing the right certification depends on aligning it with your personal goals, understanding market demand, considering prerequisites, and weighing the costs.
By narrowing the choices to the foundational, intermediate, and vendor-specific certifications listed above—and following the step-by-step guide provided—you can select the certification that best matches your career path and skill level. This will ensure you invest in a widely recognized, highly valuable qualification.
