Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated every year, with over 50% year-over-year increases in cybercrime damage projected through 2025. As organizations race to strengthen their security, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to dramatically outstrip the supply.
Obtaining an information security certification is one of the best ways to break into the competitive cybersecurity field and significantly advance your career.
This definitive guide examines the top cybersecurity certifications that can equip you with the specialized, in-demand technical skills and practical experience needed to defend critical systems and data.
Why Get a Cybersecurity Certification?
Earning an accredited certification validates your expertise in specific security domains and technologies. Beyond just boosting your resume, key benefits include:
- Higher Salaries – Certified cybersecurity professionals earn upwards of 15-20% more on average, with higher level certifications commanding six figure salaries
- Improved Job Prospects – Many advanced cybersecurity jobs require or strongly prefer candidates with 1 or more relevant certifications
- Specialized Knowledge – Certifications build highly valued skills for roles like Security Engineer, ICS Security Expert, Incident Responder, and Auditor
- Accelerated Career Development – They pave the way for promotions to senior cybersecurity leadership positions
- Mandatory Continuing Education – Renewal requires staying updated on the latest cyber risks, breaches, and countermeasures
Put simply, targeted infosec certifications lead to profoundly better career opportunities, salaries, and outcomes.
Now let’s explore the top certification options for cybersecurity beginners looking to break in, as well as intermediate and advanced practitioners aiming to substantially level up their skills and earning potential.
Most Popular Beginner Cybersecurity Certifications
1. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is the ideal certification for those pursuing their first cybersecurity role or transitioning from a general IT occupation. It validates core skills in network attacks, threats, vulnerabilities, tools, risk management, architecture, and best practices needed to protect systems and infrastructure.
Key Details:
- Globally-recognized, vendor-neutral credential focused on foundation-level security skills
- No prerequisites
- 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Renewal every 3 years through continuing education
Preparation Tips:
- Recommended experience: 2+ years in IT administration or related roles
- Study via online self-paced courses and official exam guides
- Covers threats, attacks, data security, architecture, risk management
Over 300,000 professionals currently hold the Security+ certification, which is compliant with DoD Directive 8570 and approved by the US Defense Department.
2. CompTIA CySA+
Slightly more advanced than Security+, CompTIA’s Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification builds deeper technical capabilities to monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity incidents and breaches.
Key Details:
- Focuses on IT security analytics, vendor security solutions, and vulnerability management
- Prerequisites highly recommended: Network+ and Security+
- 85 multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Renewal every 3 years through continuing education
Preparation Tips:
- Recommended experience: 4+ years in IT administration with emphasis on security
- Master skills like: endpoint protection, SIEMs, penetration testing tools
- Practice interpreting output and data from key security technologies
Over 20,000 IT professionals currently hold the CompTIA CySA+ designation.
3. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Designed specifically for total beginners pursuing a career change, Google partnered with Coursera to create an entry-level cybersecurity program covering IT infrastructure, systems administration, networking, scripting, cryptography and modern security monitoring/response.
Key Details:
- Self-paced online certificate program
- No experience or prerequisites required
- Approximately 8 hours of coursework per week over 6 months
- Shareable certificate and badges to add to LinkedIn profile
- Tuition costs range from free to $49/month for full Coursera access
Preparation Tips:
- Foundational program preparing learners for associate-level cyber roles
- Builds awareness around computing infrastructure, Linux, Python, risk assessments
- Affordable, flexible, and practical online curriculum from a top tech leader
Over 75,000 professionals have now completed Google’s popular entry-level Cybersecurity Certificate.
Intermediate Cybersecurity Certifications
After getting an entry level certification under your belt complemented by at least 2 to 4 years of hands-on IT work experience, mid-career cybersecurity professionals can further level up their qualifications for more advanced (and lucrative) information security roles.
Here are 3 of the most respected intermediate cyber certifications:
4. EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The licensed penetration tester credential, CEH is globally-recognized for its intensive, hands-on cyber attack simulations and methodologies training. The new CEH (Practical) exam offers an exclusive 24-hour ethical hacking environment to directly showcase skills.
Key Details:
- Established, ANSI-accredited ethical hacking certification since 2003
- Identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems
- 125-150 multiple-choice questions plus the CEH practical (optional)
- Renewal required every 3 years through continuing education
Preparation Tips:
- 2 to 4 years of information security experience strongly recommended
- Self-paced or live instructor-led training options available
- Study hacking techniques like: footprinting, scanning, enumeration, exploitation
Over 48,000 cybersecurity professionals worldwide carry the respected CEH certification.
5. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM validates capabilities to strategically manage, architect, oversee and govern enterprise-wide cybersecurity programs.
Key Details:
- Prestigious certification for InfoSec/risk managers and technical professionals
- Minimum 5 years information security experience requirement
- 200 multiple-choice questions over 4 hours
- Renewal every 3 years with sufficient continuing education credits
Preparation Tips:
- Ideal for Security Engineers, Analysts, Technical Managers. and leadership roles
- Robust online self-study resources plus virtual classroom options
- Covers Governance, Program Mgmt, Information/Software Assurance, Incident Mgmt
Over 50,000 executives have earned the distinguished CISM designation thus far.
6. ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Globally recognized across industries, CISA prepares advanced information systems professionals to effectively assess vulnerabilities, ensure regulatory compliance, recommend safeguards, and institute tested security controls.
Key Details:
- Only ANSI-accredited certification for IT systems audit, assurance and controls
- Requires minimum 5 years relevant IS auditing, assurance or security experience
- 200 multiple-choice questions over 4 hour exam
- Renewal every 3 years with sufficient Continuing Professional Education credits
Preparation Tips:
- Created for experienced IT compliance auditors, risk professionals and consultants
- Exam prep courses, publications, mentoring and study tools offered by ISACA
- Assesses expertise across IT Governance, Systems Acquisition and many other domains
With over 150,000 holders, the CISA designation is a proven springboard for career advancement.
Certifications for Specialized Cybersecurity Domains
In addition to foundational vendor-neutral credentials, specialized certifications dive deeper into targeted IT security domains like cloud platforms, networks, clinical technology, ICS and more.
Here are key options to consider:
Cloud Security Certifications
Popular picks:
- AWS Certified Security Specialty – Architecting and securing cloud-based apps/infra on AWS
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate – Manage identity, data, apps, infrastructure security on Azure
- Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer – Design, deploy and manage Google Cloud security
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – ISC2 vendor-neutral cloud security skills validation
Application Security Certifications
Leading choices:
- Certified Secure Software LifeCycle Professional (CSSLP) – Build skills in apps code auditing and risk analysis
- GIAC Secure Software Programmer (GSSP) – Proven expertise in identifying and preventing code vulnerabilities
- Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE.NET) – .NET application vulnerabilities assessment
Network Infrastructure and Security Certifications
Top selections:
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security – Prove advanced skills securing Cisco switches, routers, appliances
- Juniper Networks Certified Specialist (JNCIS) – Configure and troubleshoot Juniper firewalls, VPNs and security tools
- Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) – Secure networks with Check Point firewalls, cloud security, management
- Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) – Architecting and administering next-gen Palo Alto firewalls
This list highlights just a sample of the many excellent domain-specific cybersecurity certifications worth evaluating.
Identify technical areas matching your experience and professional interests, then determine the top specialty credentials respected by employers seeking those niche skill sets.
The Growing Importance of Hands-On Skills
While passing multiple choice cybersecurity certification exams does validate important theoretical knowledge, real-world technical capabilities are what set top professionals apart.
That’s why hands-on cyber ranges and virtual simulated environments are becoming increasingly central to cyber education, training and skills assessment.
Purpose-built for infosec teams, cyber ranges provide ultra-realistic company networks, assets, users, vulnerabilities, threats and tools within a completely safe, offline virtual environment.
Benefits of hands-on cyber range training include:
Sharpen Offense and Defense:
- Launch sophisticated cyber attacks and practice mitigation/remediation
- Gain Blue Team skills detecting anomalies and containing incidents
- Develop Red Team talents exploiting systems, evading controls
Strengthen Technical Capabilities:
- Get exposure to diverse security tools like SIEMs, network analyzers, debuggers
- Analyze machine data and events to uncover threats
- Reverse engineer malware, intercept traffic, crack passwords
Build Confidence and Readiness:
- Apply concepts from certification prep to simulated missions
- Experience high-pressure crisis scenarios based on real cyberattacks
- Validate skills and get coaching from experts to improve
Leading options for hands-on cyber training include:
- Immersive Labs – Over 800 lab modules mapped to certs and MITRE ATT&CK
- Cybrary – Hands-on labs for ethical hacking, career paths and more
- Circadence NexGen – High-fidelity cyber range for government/enterprise teams
- Cyberbit Range – Hyper-realistic simulations modelled on major breaches
- Cybrary – Cloud-based hands-on labs for penetration testing, forensics, career development
Blend gaining certifications with frequent hands-on practice in order to fully develop the sophisticated technical capabilities demanded by employers.
Emerging Advanced Cybersecurity Certifications
For experienced cybersecurity engineers and technical leaders driving strategy for privacy, infrastructure resilience and threat management, a number of recently introduced advanced designations confirm specialized skills in these crucial areas of focus:
CEH Practical Certification Exam
Key Details:
- Launched in 2021, the CEH hands-on practical exam confirms applied ethical hacking skills
- 6-hour performance-based evaluation in a cloud-based range
- Add Practical badge onto credential after passing infosec knowledge exam
Ideal For: Penetration testers, infrastructure security architects, and technical cybersecurity leaders
CompTIA PenTest+
Key Details:
- vendor-neutral certification focused exclusively on penetration testing methodologies and tools
- updated exam launched 2021 covering latest vulnerabilities and techniques
- complements Security+ and CySA+ with extensive focus on Red Teaming
Ideal For: Penetration testers, ethical hackers, and technical cybersecurity leaders
GIAC Cybersecurity Certifications
Key Details:
- Specialized, role-based GIAC cybersecurity certs available in over 30+ areas
- Renowned for deep technical focus on skills like forensics, cloud security, pentesting
- Require passing proctored exams at SANS security events
Ideal For: Technical IC investigators, incident responders, security engineers across domains like cloud, critical infrastructure and more
Cybersecurity Formal Education Pathways
While hands-on certifications provide tactical technical training, multi-year degree programs impart broader concepts and contextual disciplines valuable for high-level cybersecurity leadership.
Here is a summary of higher ed options:
Bachelors Degrees
- Bachelors of Science degrees in cybersecurity or computer information systems focus on secure software development, systems engineering, risk management and governance.
Masters Programs
- Master’s degrees offer concentrations in information assurance organizational cyber leadership, preparing grads as CISOs, directors and policy advisors.
SANS Technical Institute – Graduate Cybersecurity Degrees
- Respected pioneer SANS offers several accredited Master‘s degrees aligning with GIAC certifications for senior engineers and technical cybersecurity managers.
While not formally required by most employers, pairing certifications with degrees maximizes theoretical and practical facets of cybersecurity, signaling well-rounded expertise.
Many top professionals advise pursuing degrees later in one‘s career in order to apply higher level concepts taught, while gaining more value from the substantial tuition investment.
Choosing the Right Certification Path
With so many credential options, determining the optimal cybersecurity certifications for your situation requires some due diligence.
Carefully assess your current career stage, technical talents, interests and professional targets using the methodology below:
1) Gauge Starting Point Realistically
First, objectively take stock of your current experience level. Are you just breaking into the field supporting basic IT infrastructure? Or guiding complex security architectures decisions for global enterprises?
Set ego aside to make an honest appraisal of existing working knowledge as that determines where to focus initial certification efforts.
2) Map Certifications to Target Job Role
Next, identify 2-3 actual cybersecurity occupations matched to your passions and talents. Explicitly map those to positional duties and certificates targeting closely associated required proficiencies.
For example, aiming for a Cloud Security Engineer job? Pursue credentials like AWS Security, CCSP, Azure Security Engineer to tailor abilities precisely.
3) Commit Time to Hands-On Practice
All certifications require dedication to learn core concepts. But afar more vital – and often overlooked – component is diligently applying those ideas daily via hands-on practice. Build websites and then mercilessly hack them with Kali Linux for example.
4) Weigh Value Against Costs in Time + Tuition
Finally, determine if desired credentials deliver sufficient career and financial value given costs – like training materials, exam fees, and time spent away from work or family.
While top payers reimburse employees to get certified, self-funded students must decide if cybersecurity is a personally rewarding long-term professional destination warranting thousands in investments.
Carefully weighing these factors will lead to high-ROI cybersecurity certifications matched closely to your individual talents and interests.
Final Thoughts
The cyberthreat landscape will only intensify requiring world-class certified professionals across a spectrum of specializations to defend our digital infrastructure and information assets.
Hopefully this guide has outlined a breadth of certification options for those either pursuing exciting new careers in cybersecurity or elevating their existing ones to new heights through demonstrated skills and leadership.
Now get hands-on, study hard and good luck with your cybersecurity certifications pursuits!
Additional Resources:
- ISC2 Certification Exam Outlines – https://www.isc2.org/exams
- Certification Salary Estimates – https://www.globalknowledge.com/us-en/salary-calculator/
- CyberSeek Career Pathway Guide – https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html
