This post will help you determine the best cybersecurity certification for your desired career path.
What is a Cybersecurity Certification?
The tech sector is one of the hardest markets to break into. Even with a master’s degree, you can still find yourself unemployed and irrelevant. Why? Because the tech industry is all about skills.
A degree plus a cybersecurity certification? Now, that’s a formula for success.
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Unlike formal degree programs, cybersecurity certification programs are more industry-focused. You won’t have to take courses and training unrelated to the profession, which helps you refine your cybersecurity skills with fewer distractions. They also prioritize giving you practical, hands-on practice over theoretical knowledge.
The better news is that they are much cheaper than whole degree programs, making them the best choice for career advancement and shifting career paths. Most of them cost $2,000 less for the whole program (exam, application fees, and training packages).
Whether you’re a professional trying to advance your career or a beginner who wants to shift careers, the best cybersecurity certifications will greatly benefit you. Here’s how:
Show Your Expertise & Commitment
They show you know your stuff and are serious about moving up. It proves you’re keeping up with the latest trends, making you a valuable asset to any employer.
Open Doors to New Opportunities
They are a must for higher-level positions or specialized roles. They can help you land new jobs and move up the career ladder.
Boost Your Pay
Certified professionals often earn more than those without, especially in cybersecurity, where certifications are seen as the standard for expertise.
Build Your Credibility
Those from trusted organizations give your credibility a boost. They prove that you know what you’re doing, so employers, clients, and colleagues find you credible and trustworthy.
Why Get Certified in Cybersecurity?
As we’ve said earlier, the tech sector is a hard market to get into. The competition gets even harder for specialized fields, especially cybersecurity. This specific area is multifaceted and requires more than sophisticated coding and programming skills. Having a good academic background isn’t enough; you must be at the top of your game!
To become a cybersecurity pro, you’ll need to handle some pretty complex and important tasks, like:
- Documenting security breaches and figuring out the damage.
- Collaborating with different departments to run system tests and find network weaknesses.
- Fixing those vulnerabilities to keep security levels high.
- Staying up to date with the latest IT security trends and best practices.
- Creating company-wide IT security guidelines.
- Running penetration tests.
- Helping coworkers with installing security software and understanding info security management.
These tasks are hard to learn. Yet, the benefits and rewards are big!
Cybersecurity jobs are expected to see a huge spike in demand soon, making it an appealing career choice. From 2023 to 2033, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 33% growth in cybersecurity jobs—way above the 3% average for all US jobs. In fact, the BLS predicts that information security analyst roles will have the fifth fastest growth rate of any occupation in the US during this time.
Cybersecurity positions are available across nearly every industry as companies need to protect their data and systems. It gives you plenty of options to align your career path with your specific interests in cybersecurity. The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers & Studies or NICCS has even created a tool that breaks down the field into 52 different job roles you could explore.
Here’s a summary of in-demand cybersecurity jobs and their average salaries:
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $98,716
- Ethical Hacker – $108,632
- Penetration Tester – $111,612
- Cloud Security Engineer – $117,989
- Cybersecurity Engineer – $117,847
- Application Security Engineer – $122,753
- Security Risk Manager – $127,077
- Information Security Engineer – $127,720
- Network Security Architect – $152,567
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – $201,628
Here are more facts showing how certifications help you advance your cybersecurity career path:
- Average Increase: Tech-certified professionals earn, on average, $12,000 more per year than those without certifications.
- Sectors with Greater Impact: In fields like cybersecurity, certifications such as ISO 27001 can boost salaries by up to 40%, while certified Scrum Masters can earn 25% more.
- Global Trend: LinkedIn data shows that profiles with certifications are 27% more likely to be considered for higher-paying roles.
Types of Cybersecurity Certifications and Their Career Paths
Aside from being divided into two divisions (professional and academic), cybersecurity certifications are also categorized into specific skills and expertise.
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certification
Some people are afraid to shift careers because they think learning something as complex as cybersecurity is impossible. But they could never be more wrong about this. Cybersecurity is very complex, but it doesn’t mean that you can never learn it. For tech graduates, these certificates will help you get your foot and build stronger credibility.
The following entry-level certificates will teach you the essentials of cybersecurity. They benefit both career switchers and tech graduates, especially those who haven’t worked in the field for a while. Here are the top entry-level certifications known for being among the top choices for beginners:
- CompTIA Security+: The CompTIA Security+ certification is a vendor-neutral, entry-level credential ideal for beginners in cybersecurity. It covers essential topics such as:
- risk management
- technologies and tools
- cryptography and PKI identity
- access management, threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP): This certification is available to individuals who become (ISC)² Associates. Recognized globally, this certification is valuable for IT professionals, especially cybersecurity professionals. The SSCP emphasizes the network aspects of cybersecurity and is one of many certifications offered by (ISC)² for cybersecurity professionals.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): The CNNA certification is especially beneficial for those working with Cisco systems, though it’s not specifically aimed at cybersecurity professionals. It demonstrates your proficiency with Cisco equipment, including troubleshooting skills.
- CompTIA A+: The A+ certification demonstrates your ability to customize, install, operate, and maintain PCs. While it doesn’t focus specifically on cybersecurity, PCs are integral to many business systems, making this certification valuable. CompTIA A+ is broad in scope, allowing you to apply it across a range of IT roles and offering flexibility for your career path.
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): The GSEC is a foundational cybersecurity certification, similar to the GISF but slightly more advanced. Earning the GSEC demonstrates your understanding of cybersecurity basics and their application to real-world scenarios.
Mid-level Cybersecurity Certification
Let’s say you already have a few years of cybersecurity experience, making you a great candidate for mid-level cybersecurity certifications. The following certifications are great for career advancements, helping you step into leadership and management roles:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): If you already have at least two years of experience in the field, you are qualified to sit for the CEH exam. The whole point of becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker is that by learning how hackers think and operate, you’ll be in a better position to stop them from breaking into your company’s systems. It’s a vendor-neutral certification, so it applies to all sorts of cybersecurity situations.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This certification is best for those who want to move up to management roles. By becoming a CISM, employers will know that you are skilled at risk management, governance, and incident response. It’s the best one for professionals who want to lead security teams and oversee company-wide cybersecurity strategies.
Advanced Cybersecurity Certification
For the cybersecurity experts out there looking to take things to the next level, these certifications are for you:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional: One for the big leagues, the CISSP certification is for you if you’re aiming for a senior role in cybersecurity or management. It is the gold standard! It’s a tough certification to earn, but it’ll open doors to high-level positions like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or security architect.
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Want to prove you can actually break into systems and fix the vulnerabilities? OSCP is one of the hardest certifications to achieve but is incredibly respected in cybersecurity jobs, especially in the penetration testing community. If you’re serious about ethical hacking and penetration testing, OSCP is a badge you’ll wear with pride.
How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification
The best way to increase your cybersecurity salary potential and job opportunities is to choose one that aligns with your current level and your future goals.
Here’s a quick guide to make sure that you’ll choose the best one for you:
#1. Your Career Goal
Certifications are designed to lead to specific career paths. You must really think about what you want. Take a look at Cybersecurity Career Pathway and choose which career you want to pursue.
For example, if you want to pursue an analyst role, then you must focus on networking certifications. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a role in penetration testing or ethical hacking, you’ll want to focus on certifications that teach you how to think like a hacker, such as CEH or OSCP.
#2. Your Skill Level
You cannot pursue something you have zero knowledge of. You need to assess how much knowledge you have of the field. Start with something you know your cybersecurity skills can complete. Afterward, you can use it to advance to a more challenging cybersecurity certification.
#3. Consider Industry Demand and Employer Preferences
Look at job listings for employers you’re interested in or job titles you plan to apply for to see which certifications are often required.
Cost and Accessibility: Finding an Affordable Certification
You must also consider the cybersecurity certification cost. Usually, entry-level certifications are cheaper than advanced-level ones. Here are the average costs of certifications based on level:
- Entry-level: $200-$500
- Mid-level: $500-$1000
- Advanced-level: $1,000-$3,000
Other factors you need to consider include study materials, training packages, membership fees, and retake fees if you fail (which we hope you don’t).
The cost might feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—plenty of financial aid and scholarship programs are available. While it’s hard to list all the opportunities, looking for “essay-based” scholarships or those that focus on specific fields like cybersecurity or IT is a good place to start. Many organizations offer scholarships for students or professionals pursuing certifications in tech-related careers. You can also check with certification providers; some offer discounts or financial assistance programs.
How to Prepare for a Cybersecurity Certification Exam
It is best to prepare intensively before taking the certification exam to avoid retake fees.
Here are two good tips on how to get certified in cybersecurity:
- You should utilize certification courses and training options. Some of the top providers are Coursera, EC-Council, Udemy, and SANS Institute. These websites usually offer free or low-cost online cybersecurity. But if you’re pursuing advanced-level certifications, you’d most likely need to pay for more specialized training.
- The best way to prepare to pass certification exams is to apply what you’ve learned in the real world. Virtual labs are online platforms that let you practice and learn skills in a hands-on, simulated environment.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Future
The only way to gain cybersecurity certification benefits is to know which suits your profile best. When deciding, always keep these things in mind:
- Career Goals: Choose a certification that aligns with your desired job role (e.g., ethical hacker, analyst).
- Skill Level: Start with entry-level certifications and advance as you gain more experience.
- Cost and Accessibility: Consider the certification costs and available financial aid options before committing.
A well-chosen certification will help you achieve your career goals. On the other hand, a poorly chosen one can only lead to disappointment.