Find The Best Cybersecurity Certifications For You

With the rapid advancement of technology, the significance of cybersecurity has never been more crucial. Both individuals and organizations now view cybersecurity as a fundamental concern, leading to an exponential increase in the demand for cybersecurity professionals. Attaining a Cybersecurity certification is an excellent method to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to progress in this field. The majority of job postings in cybersecurity require candidates to be certified, underscoring its importance in the hiring process. According to a survey conducted by the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology, 78% of organizations take Cybersecurity certification programs into consideration when making employment decisions. This blog will explore the advantages of cybersecurity certification for career advancement, presenting the most recent statistics and supporting facts.

What is Cybersecurity Certification program?

The cybersecurity certification program ensures that professionals in the cybersecurity field have their knowledge and skills validated through courses and exams. These assessments assess individuals’ proficiency in network security, ethical hacking, and risk management.

Benefits of Cybersecurity Certification program for Career Advancement:

Increased Credibility and Marketability: The cybersecurity certification program provides credibility to individuals seeking a career in the cybersecurity field. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to secure their systems and data. In a highly competitive job market, having a cybersecurity certification can set you apart from other candidates and increase your marketability.

As reported by CyberSeek, the United States currently has more than 524,000 open positions in cybersecurity, with many of these roles necessitating certification in this field. Moreover, the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology informs that 78% of organizations take cybersecurity certification into account when selecting new hires.

Better Salary and Compensation: Certified cybersecurity professionals are highly valued and sought after in the job market. Due to their specialized skill set and high demand, they often command higher salaries and compensation packages compared to their non-certified counterparts. In some cases, having a cybersecurity certification program can result in a salary increase of up to 20%. Obtaining a cybersecurity certification can lead to a higher earning potential.

The CyberSeek report indicates that cybersecurity professionals in the United States typically earn an average salary of $103,590. Nevertheless, individuals with cybersecurity certification tend to have higher earnings compared to those without certification.

Career Advancement Opportunities: Cybersecurity certification can also open up new career advancement opportunities. It demonstrates your commitment to your profession and your willingness to improve your skills and knowledge. With a certification, you may be considered for promotions, leadership roles, and higher-paying positions within your organization.

Not only does a cybersecurity certification program offer a route to entry-level roles, but it also assists individuals in advancing their professional journeys.

Obtaining a cybersecurity certification can make individuals stand out while applying for jobs or seeking promotion within an organization, as stated in the CyberSeek report. The report also reveals that 83% of cybersecurity positions demand a minimum experience of three years, and 35% necessitate a master’s degree.

According to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, it is acknowledged by 91% of hiring managers that certification serves as a reliable measure of an employee’s job performance.

Keeping Up with Changing Technology and Threat Landscape: The field of cybersecurity is continually evolving, with new technologies and cyber threats emerging regularly. Cybersecurity certification programs require individuals to stay up to date with the latest developments in the field, ensuring they are equipped to deal with new challenges and threats. This ongoing education can help individuals remain relevant in the cybersecurity field and make them valuable assets to their employers.

Professional Networking Opportunities: It can provide individuals with professional networking opportunities. Cybersecurity certification courses and exams bring together professionals from different organizations and industries, providing a platform for individuals to connect and exchange knowledge and ideas. These networking opportunities can lead to career opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.

Gaining a cybersecurity certification program offers numerous advantages for career growth in the field. It enhances marketability and job prospects, results in greater earning potential, offers a route for career progression, and showcases dedication to ongoing professional growth. In line with the increasing demand for cybersecurity experts, securing a cybersecurity certification is a remarkable method to attain a competitive advantage in the job market.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a cybersecurity career?

Working in the cybersecurity field brings various advantages, such as job stability, the potential for lucrative earnings, and the chance to be part of a dynamic and thrilling industry characterized by constant changes.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 31% growth in cybersecurity employment from 2019 to 2029, indicating a strong demand for cybersecurity experts and ensuring job stability. Moreover, professionals in this field can also enjoy lucrative salaries. Furthermore, a career in cybersecurity offers intellectually stimulating and demanding work, as the ever-evolving cyber threats necessitate innovative solutions. Additionally, cybersecurity professionals have the chance to work on prominent cases and safeguard critical infrastructure. Overall, a cybersecurity career offers a distinctive blend of secure employment, high earning potential, and thrilling challenges.

What is the importance of cybersecurity certification?

Having a cybersecurity certification is crucial as it offers concrete proof of an individual’s cybersecurity knowledge, abilities, and proficiency. This certification enables individuals to differentiate themselves from other job applicants and facilitates career growth within their current organizations. Employers frequently demand or favor certifications when recruiting or elevating cybersecurity experts.

Having certifications is crucial for organizations that must adhere to industry regulations or security standards. Various certifications enjoy recognition from regulatory bodies and enable organizations to fulfill their compliance obligations. Thus, it is essential for both individuals and organizations to possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to effectively safeguard against cyber threats.

Is a certificate in cyber security worth it?

Obtaining a certificate in cyber security can be beneficial for those seeking to enter or progress in the field. Nonetheless, it should be recognized that solely holding a certificate may not be sufficient for securing a job or advancing in the cyber security sector. Employers also highly regard practical experience, soft skills, and a solid work ethic. Therefore, prior to investing time and money in obtaining a certification, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the particular prerequisites and expectations of the desired position or industry.

The Best Cybersecurity Certifications

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally acclaimed certification that verifies fundamental skills for cybersecurity experts, making it a crucial credential. This certification serves as a gateway to intermediate positions and fulfills the requirements of DoD 8570 compliance.

Through real-life examples, students will acquire knowledge and skills in various areas such as architecture and design, implementation, operations and incident response, governance, compliance, and others, enabling them to effectively address complex issues.

Exam fee. $392
Time to completion. The exam is 90 minutes long and available both in person and online via Pearson VUE. Candidates who take CompTIA’s CertMaster Learn training course must complete 40 to 50 hours of self-paced materials.
Professionals who may benefit. Network and cloud engineers, IT project managers, security administrators, IT auditors, security engineers and analysts

Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

Having prior knowledge of Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 is advised for individuals who are interested in gaining a thorough understanding of Microsoft’s Security Compliance and Identity (SCI) solutions through this certification. Additionally, a background in network and/or cloud computing or IT is preferred.

Exam fee. $99
Time to completion. The exam has a 45-minute completion window. Preparation times vary. Microsoft offers two options for exam preparation: a free, four-part learning path series, which walks through exam essentials at your own pace, and a fee-based (approximately $600), six-hour virtual session facilitated by an instructor.
Professionals who may benefit. IT professionals seeking new credentials, cybersecurity students looking to complement their studies and anyone interested in Microsoft’s SCI solutions

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The cybersecurity field highly values this certification provided by (ISC)2 at an intermediate level. This recognition is beneficial for professionals who wish to gain expertise in security design, implementation, and management. Candidates aspiring to become CISSPs must possess a minimum of five years of experience to be eligible for the exam. However, those with less experience can opt for the Associate of (ISC)2 certification.

There are between 125 and 175 questions in the four-hour exam. (ISC)2 provides various options for exam preparation, such as classroom-based training, instructor-led online sessions, self-paced online modules, and private training.

Exam fee. $749
Time to completion. CISSP candidates must have at least five years of experience before taking the exam. A four-year degree satisfies one year of this required experience. The exam itself lasts four hours.
Professionals who may benefit. C-level executives and directors of information security; security systems engineers and analysts; security managers, architects, auditors and consultants

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)®

This ISACA certification is perfect for security professionals who wish to progress into managerial roles. It equips them with practical knowledge in information security governance, risk and incident management, as well as program development. Apart from passing the exam, aspiring CISM professionals are required to showcase their full-time industry experience and submit a completed application.

Exam fee. $575 for ISACA members, $760 for nonmembers
Time to Completion. Candidates must have completed five years of full-time security management work experience. The exam itself is four hours. Exam preparation times vary.
Professionals who may benefit. Mid-level information security professionals seeking managerial roles

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)®

This certification can be advantageous for professionals working in entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity positions, encompassing five domains: information systems auditing process, IT governance and management, information systems acquisition, development and implementation, information systems operations and business reliance, and protection of information assets. Similar to the CISM certification, candidates need to successfully complete the exam and apply for certification with appropriate industry credentials.

Exam fee. $575 for ISACA members, $760 for nonmembers
Time to Completion. The four-hour exam comprises 150 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control or security.
Professionals who may benefit. Information technology and information security professionals in auditing, control and assurance roles

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

This beginner-level certification in cybersecurity is an excellent credential for individuals starting out in the field. It goes beyond fundamental knowledge and provides practitioners with the necessary skills in active defense, cryptography, defensible network architecture, security policy, and web security, enabling them to take on IT systems roles.

Exam fee. $949 (includes exam and two practice tests)
Time to completion. The exam, which requires proctoring via ProctorU or Pearson VUE, lasts four to five hours and comprises 106 to 180 questions. Preparation time varies.
Professionals who may benefit. New and established information security professionals in managerial, operations, engineering, supervisory, administrative, analytical and auditing roles

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)®

Security professionals receive up-to-date instruction on the latest hacking trends with a CEH certification. The CEH v12 course, presented in a gamified style, encompasses 20 modules addressing ethical hacking fundamentals and solving practical hacking obstacles across various platforms, systems, and networks. Those interested in becoming CEH certified can choose to bypass the training and directly apply for the certification exam.

Exam fee. $950 to $1,199 depending on exam delivery format
Time to completion. The CEH exam lasts four hours. The EC-Council training costs $850 and takes five days to complete. Experienced candidates with at least two years of relevant work experience can apply to take the exam without attending training.
Professionals who may benefit. Information security analysts, administrators, managers, engineers, auditors, officers and administrators

Logical Operations CyberSec First Responder (CFR-410)®

The CFR program is perfect for security professionals who protect organizations from hackers. It is specifically tailored for professionals with practical experience in IT and cybersecurity, emphasizing a hands-on approach to mitigating cyberattacks. The certification exam can be taken either in person or online through Pearson VUE. There is no need for interested candidates to provide eligibility verification, documentation, or pay any application fees.

Cost. $350
Time to completion. The exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions and lasts120 minutes. Preparation time varies, but candidates may take a five-day training available at Logical Operations’ online store. This certification is recommended for professionals with at least two years of relevant experience.
Professionals who may benefit. IT professionals with experience in cybersecurity who are familiar with risk management, vulnerability assessments, organizational policies on cybersecurity and incident response processes.