In this ranking, we will list the top entry-level cybersecurity certifications that will help you launch a career in the field.
Why Cybersecurity Certifications Matter
One of the worst things that can happen to a business, or even to you, is to get hacked. The number of cybercrimes is skyrocketing, costing the United States $452.3 billion in damages in 2024. As cyber criminals become more sophisticated, the damage is expected to increase by 15 percent per year.
More and more businesses and organizations are starting to realize just how important it is to have people in their back office protecting their data. The US BLS predicts that the field of cybersecurity will grow 33 percent over the next decade, opening more than 17,000 positions yearly.
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But this doesn’t mean that just because there’s a huge workforce gap in the sector, employers are willing to hire anyone with a degree. Cybersecurity is a very meticulous field that requires a combination of technical and people skills.
One of the best ways to start a career in the field is to apply for the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners. They will allow you to obtain the required knowledge and differentiate yourself in a saturated job market.
However, some are hesitant to pursue entry-level cybersecurity certifications. Because, in addition to being extensive, some can also be expensive. But the good news is that there are several affordable and beginner-friendly options. You just need to know where to look.
Another cause for the workforce shortfall is that individuals with other professions fear transitioning. They believe it is too challenging or it is past the time to change. However, these entry-level cybersecurity certifications are ideal for individuals with no IT background and limited technical knowledge. The best entry-level cyber security certifications do everything for you, from the basics to advanced techniques.
Of course, having some experience or background in IT may be helpful in the program. Nevertheless, you don’t have to have any professional experience to enroll in an entry-level course.
What to Look for in an Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certification
Now, you are ready to begin a career in cybersecurity! You should be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that you do it right the first time.
Here are the most important factors when choosing entry-level cybersecurity certifications:
- Foundational Knowledge: A quality certification will instruct you in the fundamentals – things like security concepts, risk management, and how to protect networks. You don’t have to be an expert immediately; you just have to get a good foundation.
- No Experience Required: You don’t have to be an experienced computer science geek. Most of the entry-level cybersecurity certifications are designed for a person with no or little experience at all. All you need is the will to learn.
- Industry Recognition: You don’t want the certification you opt for not to be recognized by employers. A quality cert will earn you respect in the marketplace and present you as a pro.
- Affordable: We understand that not everybody has a lot of money to spend on certification. But relax – many cheap certifications are out there, and some even give discounts or scholarships.
Now, let’s consider some of the best entry-level cybersecurity certifications that can lead you into the industry.
Top Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications
1. CompTIA Security+
Cost: The CompTIA Security+ cybersecurity certification cost is $404.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Exam Structure:
- The 90 multiple-choice exam consists of performance-based questions. The questions test how well you can apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, making it more practical than just theoretical knowledge.
- You’ll have 90 minutes to complete it.
Topics Covered: Security+ covers these topics:
- threats and vulnerabilities
- cryptography
- risk management
- identity management
- network security
It’s designed to give you a solid foundation in the basics of cybersecurity, so you’ll get exposure to many of the core concepts and technologies used in the industry.
Career Benefits:
This certification is one of the most well-recognized starting points for a cybersecurity career for beginners. It’s great for getting your foot in the door in a variety of roles, such as:
- security administrator
- network security engineer
- IT auditor
It’s often a requirement for jobs in government agencies and large organizations.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Entry Level
Cost: The CEH exam costs around $1,199 plus $100 for remote proctoring.
Difficulty Level: High
Exam Structure:
- The CEH exam has 125 multiple-choice questions.
- You’ll have 4 hours to complete the exam.
- There’s also an ethical hacking practical exam available for those looking to prove their hands-on skills in real-world scenarios.
Topics Covered: CEH focuses on ethical hacking techniques, including:
- penetration testing
- network security
- web application security
- cryptography
- social engineering
You’ll also learn about various hacking tools and how to use them in a controlled, ethical manner to find vulnerabilities and protect systems.
Career Benefits:
CEH is an extremely valuable certification for anyone wanting to pursue a career in penetration testing or ethical hacking. It can help you land roles like
- penetration tester
- security consultant
- ethical hacker
Many companies, especially those in the tech or financial sectors, highly value ethical hackers to find and fix weaknesses in their systems before malicious hackers can exploit them.
3. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Cost: The GSEC exam typically costs around $2,499 for the exam and training package.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Exam Structure:
- The GSEC exam includes 106 questions, and you’ll have 4 hours to complete it.
- The questions are focused on real-world security practices, so you’ll need to apply both theoretical and practical knowledge.
Topics Covered: The GSEC exam covers security concepts like:
- network security
- access control
- cryptography
- risk management
- incident response
It’s more comprehensive than some entry-level certifications, diving into areas like security policies and managing security operations.
Career Benefits:
Holding a GSEC cert is a great way to boost your cybersecurity credibility. It demonstrates to your potential employers that you have the skills to not only understand the theory but also know when and how to apply it to real-world situations.
A GSEC cert can open careers in:
- cybersecurity analysis/infosec analysis
- security engineering
- incident responder
- penetration testing/ethical hacking
4. Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
Cost: The cost for the SC-900 exam is $99. It is one of the best affordable cybersecurity certifications.
Difficulty Level: Low
Exam Structure:
- The SC-900 exam consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have 60 minutes to finish.
- The exam tests your knowledge of Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions.
Topics Covered: This exam focuses on:
- Basics of Microsoft’s security, compliance, and identity tools
- Azure Active Directory
- Microsoft security solutions, threat protection, and governance
It’s a good primer for anyone who wants to understand Microsoft’s security framework.
Career Benefits:
For anyone working with or planning to work with Microsoft products, SC-900 can be an excellent way to demonstrate your understanding of their security and compliance solutions. It’s a good entry into roles like:
- IT support
- security administrator
- compliance officer
5. CompTIA PenTest+
Cost: The CompTIA PenTest+ exam costs $381.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Exam Structure:
- The PenTest+ exam consists of 85 questions, which can include multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
- You’ll have 165 minutes to finish the exam.
Topics Covered: This cybersecurity certification online focuses on:
- penetration testing techniques
- vulnerability assessment
- management
You’ll learn how to plan, conduct, and report on penetration tests, covering topics like scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation.
Career Benefits:
PenTest+ is an excellent certification for anyone looking to specialize in penetration testing. It can help you land roles like
- penetration tester
- ethical hacker
- security consultant
6. (ISC)² Associate
Cost:
- The exam costs around $249
- The Associate certification is a stepping stone to full (ISC)² certifications like CISSP so it can be seen as an investment for those aiming for higher certifications in the future.
Difficulty Level: Low
Exam Structure:
- The Associate exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions.
- You have 2 hours to complete it.
- It covers general cybersecurity knowledge and best practices.
Topics Covered: You’ll learn about a wide range of security topics, like:
- risk management
- access control
- cryptography
- network security
- security operations
The Associate cert covers many areas that are also found in other (ISC)² certifications but at a more basic level.
Career Benefits:
Having the (ISC)² Associate credential can open doors to entry-level positions in cybersecurity, and it serves as a great precursor to more advanced certifications like CISSP. It’s a great way to get recognized in the industry as someone with strong foundational knowledge.
7. ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
Cost: The exam for this certification costs $160 for members and $220 for non-members.
Difficulty Level: Low
Exam Structure:
- The exam includes 75 multiple-choice questions.
- You’ll have 2 hours to complete it.
Topics Covered: The ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate covers key topics like:
- risk management
- governance
- incident response
- network security
- basic cybersecurity frameworks
It’s a great foundation for understanding how cybersecurity works within organizations.
Career Benefits:
This cert is recognized in the industry and can help you stand out when applying for entry-level cybersecurity roles. It’s great for those looking to get started in roles like:
- cybersecurity analyst OR
- IT security consultant
How to Afford Cybersecurity Certifications
Now that you have an idea of how to start a career in cybersecurity, it’s time to know how to afford these certifications. We get it; entry-level cybersecurity certifications can get expensive, but don’t worry – there are ways to make it work:
- Look for discounts or financial aid. Some certifications offer student discounts, or you could seek financial aid. Check with the certification issuer to see if any discounts or financial aid schemes are available.
- Take advantage of employer sponsorships. Some companies are more than happy to pay for your training if it’ll help you do your job better. If you’re already working in IT or a related field, ask your boss about it!
- Find free and low-cost resources. The internet is full of free or affordable study materials. Websites, YouTube channels, and forums offer practice exams, study guides, and tutorials to help you prepare without spending a ton on IT security certifications for beginners.
What Comes After Earning a Certification?
As soon as you earn your certification, you can start searching for jobs. Some of the usual entry-level cybersecurity jobs with certification to look for include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Scans, identifies, and responds to security vulnerabilities to protect an organization’s IT systems and data.
- IT Security Specialist: Protects an organization’s technology by creating security policies, conducting risk analysis, and implementing security tools.
- SOC Analyst: Monitors security systems in real-time for signs of malicious activity and responds to incidents as they happen.
- Network Security Administrator: Protects company networks by installing and maintaining firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
From there, you can level up by getting higher-level certifications such as the CISSP, CISM, or CISA. You can also try to seek internships or even boot camps to gain some hands-on experience. Continue learning and developing, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to becoming a full-fledged cybersecurity career professional.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward a Cybersecurity Career
Cybersecurity is a fun, fast-paced field, and being certified is the perfect place to begin – don’t worry if you have no experience! However you choose, or what you choose to pursue, earning certification will impart the knowledge base you need to succeed and help you land your first job.
Okay! Pick the cybersecurity training for beginners that best fits what you want to do and what you can afford, work diligently, and set yourself up to plunge into cybersecurity. The virtual world is beckoning you, and a great job is waiting for you. Seize it!