Certifications for cybersecurity build the skills needed for a thriving career in the field. With a cybersecurity certification, individuals demonstrate to colleagues and employers that they can tackle the biggest challenges facing information security today. Certifications for cybersecurity train learners in the largest tools and technologies used to detect, prevent, and thwart cybersecurity threats.
Cybersecurity certifications meet the needs of individuals looking to pursue careers in information technology, cybersecurity, or other related areas. They also build upon existing cybersecurity knowledge and facilitate career advancement.
These credentials accommodate individuals at all levels, which can make it difficult to choose the right cybersecurity certification. This guide explains what you need to know about the best cybersecurity certifications.
What Are Cybersecurity Certifications?
Entry-level cybersecurity certifications provide foundational information about the field while introducing students to the tools needed to work as cybersecurity professionals. Intermediate and advanced cybersecurity certifications build upon existing knowledge and may focus on specific skills, technologies, or professional roles.
Cybersecurity professionals can earn certifications to demonstrate specialization in areas like ethical hacking, information security management, and risk assessment.
In contrast to academic certificates, certifications reflect acknowledgment by a third party based on industry standards. Certifications differ from licensure for this reason, as well. Licensure comes from government agencies, while certification verifies that an individual meets industry standards set by a professional organization.
Where to Get Cybersecurity Certifications
Professional organizations, private companies, and industry vendors offer certifications in cybersecurity that vary in length, level, and format. Online cybersecurity certification training programs often allow students to complete assignments at their own pace in anticipation of culminating exams.
Colleges and universities may incorporate certification prep into their cybersecurity programs, aligning the curriculum with industry-recognized credentials. CompTIA, for example, provides instructional and learning materials to schools, nonprofit organizations, and government-funded agencies.
As a leader in certifications for cybersecurity, CompTIA offers programs in cybersecurity fundamentals, penetration testing, and advanced security. Additional certifying bodies include (ISC)², CompTIA, and Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC).
Certifications for Cybersecurity Experts
CompTIA
Along with core, data and analytics, infrastructure, and professional credentials, CompTIA offers three cybersecurity certifications.
The CompTIA Security+ certification covers essential skills needed to perform core professional security functions. This credential is ideal for individuals entering the field of cybersecurity. In anticipation of an exam, students learn to assess attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Certified individuals can create secure architecture, respond to security incidents, implement security protocols, and apply appropriate regulations.
The CompTIA CySA+ certification covers behavior analytics for combatting and preventing cybersecurity threats. The intermediate-level certification verifies that holders can analyze and interpret data, identify and address vulnerabilities, suggest preventive measures, and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
The CompTIA CASP+ certification is an advanced credential for security architects and senior security engineers. The certification emphasizes technical skills and leadership in threat management, risk mitigation, digital forensic analysis, and cryptographic solutions.
Cisco
Cisco groups its certifications into entry-level, associate, professional, and expert categories.
The CCNP security certification includes two exams. The first test covers core security infrastructure knowledge in network security, content security, and security visibility and enforcement. The second exam addresses emerging and industry-specific topics, allowing individuals to customize their certification. This certification accommodates individuals with about three years of experience in the field.
The CCIE security certification combines design skills and technical expertise for individuals who seek to design and deploy security solutions and technologies. The certification includes two exams: a qualifying core exam and an eight-hour hands-on lab assessment.
GIAC
GIAC provides technical and practical certifications in information security. Its programs unite industry, government, and military clients around the world.
Individuals can become certified forensic examiners with GIAC's digital forensics and incident response certifications. The forensic examiner (GCFE) certification covers browser forensics artifacts, cloud storage analysis, and digital forensic fundamentals. The GCFE exam includes 115 questions for candidates to complete in three hours.
Among GIAC's offensive operations certifications, learners can earn credentials in incident handling, penetration testing, and cybersecurity defense. The penetration tester(GPEN) certification validates the recipient's ability to conduct penetration tests using effective and current techniques and methodologies. As part of the exam, candidates participate in hands-on, real-world practical testing.
GIAC's cloud security certifications emphasize cloud security techniques and cloud penetration testing. Individuals looking to enter the field of cloud security can earn GCLD certification. This credential attests to the holder's abilities to evaluate cloud services, plan and deploy security protocols, and assess security risks.
GIAC also offers certifications in:
International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
EC-Council trains cybersecurity professionals to protect communities and economies in nearly 150 countries. The organization offers 27 cybersecurity certification programs.
The certified ethical hacker (CEH) credential suits individuals entering the world of cybersecurity by covering network scanning, vulnerability analysis, server hacking, and firewall evasion. At the end of training modules, each candidate completes a hacking challenge.
As an advanced certification, EC-Council's certified chief information security officer (CCISO) credential emphasizes leadership in information security. The course covers five CCISO domains by presenting scenarios derived from real-world experiences.
EC-Council's certified encryption specialist(ECES) certification introduces novices and cybersecurity practitioners to cryptography. Learners explore ciphers, algorithms, and other encryption fundamentals, along with best practices for penetration testing and encryption.
ISACA
ISACA was founded in 1969 to provide a centralized resource for electronic data processing professionals.
ISACA's certified information security manager (CISM) certification verifies an individual's expertise in information security governance, program development management, and incident and risk management. To become certified, candidates must pass the CISM exam and have relevant work experience related to the exam content.
ISACA's cybersecurity practitioner (CSX-P) credentials cover five security functions: identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery. Candidates acquire the skills to assess, identify, and resolve cybersecurity threats through live, proctored, virtual activities and the culminating exam.
Additional certifications offered through ISACA include:
(ISC)²
Since its founding in 1989, (ISC)² has been at the forefront of standardization and certification in the cybersecurity industry.
The entry-level certified in cybersecurity (CC) program covers nontechnical and technical skills needed to enter a career in the field. This certification covers security principles, disaster recovery, access control concepts, and network security.
The certified information systems security professional (CISSP) certification suits experienced cybersecurity practitioners, managers, and executives. The certification indicates mastery of security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, and communication and network security. Additional topics include identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.
Additional certifications from (ISC)² include:
How to Choose Between Cybersecurity Certifications
Choosing a cybersecurity certification requires consideration of skill level and prerequisites, program length and intensity, and test style and length.
Entry-level certifications offer essential knowledge and skills and do not require previous coursework or experience, making them ideal for novices. Intermediate and advanced certifications often require previous credentials and a specific number of years of professional experience.
Prep time is also a crucial consideration. Some certifications provide intense, accelerated training programs. Others simply offer resources and guides for candidates to study and complete on their own time.
Test format and length may factor into certification choice, as well. Individuals who thrive in practical environments can pursue certifications with hands-on exams, while others may prefer multiple-choice questions.
Multiple credentials may be ideal, depending on your career goals. By earning certifications in different technologies and platforms, individuals demonstrate their breadth of expertise to current and potential employers.
Additional factors to consider:
Renewal period
Initial cost and cost of renewal
Global, national, or regional validity
Benefits of Getting Certified in Cybersecurity
Individuals with experience in information technology can gain a wider breadth of knowledge related to the field by earning a cybersecurity certification. They also develop additional skills that can lead to new professional opportunities.
Practicing cybersecurity professionals also benefit from certifications by becoming experts in subsets of the field. They can pursue certifications in cybersecurity architecture, engineering, or management to advance their careers. Additional options include earning a certification in cloud security, ethical hacking, or application security, which involve training in a niche area within the larger cybersecurity world.
Employers may require candidates to have cybersecurity certifications, but companies that use specific software prefer relevant certification for that platform. Entities that use Amazon Web Services (AWS), for example, may look for individuals with AWS cybersecurity experience.
Certifications for Cybersecurity Careers
Additional Resources
Questions About Certifications in Cybersecurity
You do not have to get certifications to work in cybersecurity. However, certifications demonstrate knowledge and skills applicable to working in the field.
Reviewed by: Darnell Kenebrew
Darnell Kenebrew
Darnell Kenebrew is a first-generation graduate of San Francisco State University's class of 2020. He graduated with a bachelor's in computer science, which helped him kick off a career in tech and pursue roles within data and engineering.Currently, he's a data analytics engineer at Meta and an executive captain for COOP Careers — a nonprofit for overcoming underemployment. Kenebrew strongly believes in giving people a chance and that everyone should have an equal opportunity within the job market. He believes that COOP Careers helps this equality materialize.Kenebrew is passionate about how the industry is shaped by data and how data can be leveraged in many aspects of business decisions to meet goals. In addition, he's passionate about inclusion, community, education, and using data for good. He hopes that he can pivot business decisions to make a positive, meaningful impact and that his work will positively impact end-users, as well as meet business goals.Darnell Kenebrew is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.Page last reviewedAug 31, 2022
