If you want to break into cybersecurity quickly and affordably, cybersecurity certifications can be your best shortcut — but are cybersecurity certifications worth it? In this article, we’ll cut through the noise and explore what these certifications are, how they compare to degrees, what they cost, and whether they actually help you get hired. Plus, I’ll share the best beginner certs, where to find affordable programs, and tips to maximize your investment.
What Is a Cybersecurity Certification?
As technology grows, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Both individuals and organizations need to protect their data, so the demand for cybersecurity professionals has soared.
Getting a cybersecurity certification is one of the best ways to build your skills and stand out in this field. In fact, most cybersecurity job listings require it, showing how crucial certifications are in hiring decisions. The IACSIT (International Association of Computer Science & Information Technology) shows that 78% of organizations consider certifications when choosing candidates.
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So, what is a cybersecurity certification?
A cybersecurity certification is basically your way of showing you know your stuff in this field. You take some courses, pass a test (or two), and learn about things like keeping networks safe, ethical hacking, and managing risks. It’s proof to employers that you’re ready to tackle real-world cybersecurity problems.
Let’s talk quickly about the benefits of cybersecurity certifications:
Boost your credibility and job prospects.
A certification proves to employers that you know what you’re doing. It can help you stand out and get noticed in a competitive job market.
Earn more.
Certified professionals often earn more than those without certifications—sometimes up to 20% higher, because employers value their proven skills and are willing to pay more.
Open doors to your career growth.
A certification shows your dedication to learning and improving. It qualifies you for promotions, leadership roles, and higher-paying jobs within your company or elsewhere.
Now, you might be wondering: How is this different from getting a college degree in cybersecurity? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Certifications are faster, cheaper, and more focused on hands-on skills.
- Degrees take longer, cost more, and go deeper into theory.
For quick job entry, certs win—degrees help more with long-term growth.
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Cybersecurity Certification vs Degree: What’s the Difference?
This is a classic debate. Both have their perks and drawbacks.
| Aspect | Cybersecurity Certification | Cybersecurity Degree |
| Time | Usually, a few weeks to months | Typically 2-4 years |
| Cost | $200 to $1,000+ (some affordable/free options) | $10,000 to $100,000+ (depending on school) |
| Depth | Focused on specific skills or tools | Broader, including theory and general education |
| Recognition | Valued by employers for practical skills | Valued for foundational knowledge and potential for leadership roles |
| Job Opportunities | Good for entry-level and some mid-level roles | Often preferred for advanced or specialized jobs |
| Flexibility | Can be earned online or self-paced | Often requires attending classes on a schedule |
| Career Path | Quick entry or skill boost | Foundation for long-term growth or advanced roles |
So, are cybersecurity certifications worth it? They can be. If you want a fast, budget-friendly way to get started or add specific skills to your resume, certifications are great. But if you’re looking for deep knowledge, academic experience, and possibly leadership roles later, a degree has its place.
How Much Do Cybersecurity Certifications Cost?
Heads up: The majority of the best cybersecurity certifications are costly. The costs are often justified by the skills you gain and the job opportunities that follow.
- Entry-level certs like Google Cybersecurity Certificate or CompTIA Security+ usually cost $100 to $400.
- Mid-level or specialized certs like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CISSP can run between $500 and $1,200 (sometimes more).
- Some advanced or vendor-specific certs (like those from Cisco or GIAC) can go up to $2,000+ depending on the program and materials.
Good news? You don’t have to go broke paying for the cybersecurity certification cost. There are affordable and even free options out there—especially if you’re just starting. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Google Career Certificates offer legit beginner programs at a fraction of the cost (sometimes with financial aid or free trials).
Are Cybersecurity Certifications Worth It for Getting a Job?
Do certifications actually help you land a job? What are the jobs with cybersecurity certifications?
Employers love certifications because they’re proof you know your stuff—without needing years of experience. For entry-level roles, certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Google Cybersecurity Certificate are often listed as preferred or even required qualifications.
Let’s talk more about this.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries out there. Official statistics reveal cybersecurity jobs (like Information Security Analyst roles) are expected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033—way faster than most careers. And guess what? Many of those entry-level roles are open to people with certifications, not just degrees.
Entry-level cybersecurity jobs often pay $60,000 to $80,000 a year, depending on where you live and what cert you have. Some roles pay even more, especially if you’ve stacked a few certs or have some IT experience already. For example:
If you’ve got a CompTIA Security+ certification, you’re in a pretty good spot when it comes to pay. In 2024, the average total compensation for Security+ holders is around $99,446—with a base salary of about $82,439.
Of course, how much you actually make depends on where you live, how much experience you have, and what kind of company you work for. But to give you an idea, here are some common job titles and what they typically pay:
- Cybersecurity Analyst – around $115,000
- Security Consultant – about $122,000
- Systems Administrator – close to $98,000
- Network Administrator – around $91,000
Here are more examples:
- Someone with a Google Cybersecurity Certificate could get a Junior Cybersecurity role or SOC analyst job in the $55K–$70K range.
- Add something like CISSP or CEH, and you’re easily looking at $90K+ roles after some experience.
So yes, online cybersecurity certification programs can definitely help you get into solid, well-paying roles—even early in your career.
Employers do care about certifications—especially in job listings. In fact, a lot of them list specific certs as requirements or strong preferences, like Security+, CISSP, or even Microsoft and AWS security credentials.
Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
Here’s a mix of the most expensive and affordable cybersecurity certifications that are in demand today.
1. ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
- Cost: ~$120–$150
- Best For: Students and total beginners
- Recommended Experience: None
- Description: Intro-level cert covering architecture, data security, and incident response.
- Note: One of the top entry-level cybersecurity certifications, especially for budget-conscious students. Great starting point.
2. CompTIA A+
- Cost: ~$492 (for both exams)
- Best For: New IT professionals
- Recommended Experience: None, but basic computer familiarity helps
- Description: Covers PC hardware, software, troubleshooting, and basic security.
- Note: Not security-focused but useful for IT newbies with flexible career options.
3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cost: ~$300
- Best For: Aspiring network/security pros
- Recommended Experience: Basic networking knowledge is recommended
- Description: Focuses on Cisco networking, troubleshooting, and some security.
- Note: Useful for jobs involving Cisco systems and network infrastructure.
4. CompTIA Network+
- Cost: ~$358
- Best For: Beginners in networking
- Recommended Experience: Basic IT or networking knowledge is helpful
- Description: Covers network setup, management, and basic security protocols.
- Note: Good stepping stone before cybersecurity-specific certs.
5. CompTIA Security+
- Cost: ~$392
- Best For: Cybersecurity beginners
- Recommended Experience: 1–2 years in IT is recommended but not required
- Description: Covers risk management, access control, cryptography, and threat detection.
- Note: Widely recognized and highly recommended entry-level cybersecurity cert.
6. CompTIA PenTest+
- Cost: ~$392
- Best For: Beginners interested in ethical hacking
- Recommended Experience: 2–3 years in networking or security preferred
- Description: Teaches penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and automation.
- Note: Affordable ethical hacking cert with no hard prerequisites.
7. (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- Cost: ~$249 (exam only)
- Best For: IT pros and cybersecurity beginners
- Recommended Experience: 1+ year in one or more IT domains
- Description: Validates practical skills in system and network security.
- Note: Respected cert for hands-on tech roles, very accessible.
8. (ISC)² Associate
- Cost: ~$749 (exam fee applied to full CISSP later)
- Best For: Career starters aiming for advanced certs
- Recommended Experience: No experience required for Associate, but required for CISSP
- Description: Lets you take advanced (ISC)² exams without the required experience first.
- Note: Great way to get your foot in the door while gaining experience.
9. GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
- Cost: ~$949+
- Best For: Beginners wanting solid depth
- Recommended Experience: None officially, but basic IT knowledge helps
- Description: Covers risk management, policies, and defense basics.
- Note: More comprehensive intro cert, with a higher price tag.
10. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cost: ~$1,200+ (exam only); ~$2,000 with training
- Best For: Ethical hacking beginners with some experience
- Recommended Experience: 2 years of IT security experience or approved training
- Description: Learn hacker techniques to protect systems better.
- Note: Popular but requires experience or an official course.
11. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Cost: ~$2,499 (course + exam)
- Best For: Intermediate IT pros moving into security
- Recommended Experience: 1–2 years of IT experience recommended
- Description: Covers Linux/Windows security, network defense, cryptography, and more.
- Note: Top-tier beginner-to-intermediate cert with solid reputation but higher cost.
Where to Find Affordable Online Certification Programs
Learning resources and materials for pursuing cybersecurity certifications for beginners can be expensive. So, where can you find affordable options that still offer great value?
1. Coursera
- Partners with top universities and companies.
- Offers financial aid for many certificates.
- Examples: Google Cybersecurity Certificate, IBM Cybersecurity Analyst.
- Subscription-based model (~$39 to $79/month) or one-time payment.
2. edX
- Hosts courses from universities like MIT and Harvard.
- Offers free audit options; certificates cost $50 to $300.
- Offers professional certificate programs in cybersecurity.
3. Udemy
- Large course library, including cybersecurity.
- Often has heavy discounts (sometimes as low as $10-$20).
- Quality varies; check reviews carefully.
4. Cybrary
- Focused on cybersecurity and IT training.
- Offers free content plus premium subscriptions.
- Good for certifications like CompTIA Security+ prep.
5. LinkedIn Learning
- Subscription-based, often included with premium LinkedIn accounts.
- Good for beginner courses and skills building.
- Certificates may be added to your LinkedIn profile.
You can also look for affordable courses through EC-COUNCIL, the organization behind the popular Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. They offer a lot of free resources like webinars, tutorials, and courses that can help you prepare without spending a lot.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Certification
Here are a few major tips on how to maximize the value of your certification to pursue a well-paying cybersecurity career path:
1. Network, network, network.
- Join online cybersecurity communities (Reddit, LinkedIn groups).
- Attend local meetups or virtual events.
- Ask professionals for advice or mentorship.
2. Stack certifications.
- Start with a beginner cert (like Security+), then build up to specialized ones.
- Employers love seeing progression and dedication.
3. Keep learning continuously.
- Cybersecurity changes fast. Stay updated with blogs, podcasts, and news.
- Consider taking workshops or advanced courses after certification.
4. Use your certification as a stepping stone.
- Some certifications can help you get credits toward a degree program.
- If you plan to pursue a cybersecurity degree later, certifications show you’re serious and prepared.
5. Build a portfolio.
- Work on hands-on projects or labs.
- Try bug bounties, open-source security, or personal projects.
- Showcase these alongside your certification on your resume or LinkedIn.
Bottom Line: Are Cybersecurity Certifications Worth It?
So, are cybersecurity certifications worth it? Yes!
Certifications are an excellent way to prove your skills without years in the field. They’re faster and more affordable than degrees. Plus, Many employers are open to hiring certified beginners if you can show enthusiasm and practical knowledge.
They can also supplement your education and give you a leg up. Ultimately, these certifications show a commitment to your career growth.