Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field with many job openings for skilled professionals. Getting the right certifications can help you start your career and prove your skills to employers. I’ve researched the top cybersecurity certifications for beginners to help you choose the best options.
The best entry-level cybersecurity certifications teach key skills and boost your job prospects. These certs cover topics like network security, ethical hacking, and security analysis. Some popular choices include CompTIA Security+, CEH, and GIAC Security Essentials. As you begin your cybersecurity journey, I’ll break down the top options.
1) CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is a top choice for cybersecurity beginners. It’s widely recognized and can open doors to entry-level positions in the field. This certification covers essential security concepts, making it ideal for those new to the industry. It tests knowledge of network security, compliance, and operational security.
Security+ is vendor-neutral, which means it’s not tied to any specific company’s products. This gives me a broad understanding of security principles that apply across different technologies.
To prepare for the exam, I recommend creating a study plan. Downloading the free exam objectives from CompTIA’s website is a good starting point. These outline what topics to focus on.
The certification is also known for its good return on investment. It’s often listed as one of the highest-paying certifications for cybersecurity beginners. For those with some IT experience looking to move into security roles, Security+ can be a smart next step. It builds on basic tech knowledge and adds crucial security skills.
2) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a great choice for cybersecurity beginners. It is widely recognized in the industry and highly valued by employers.
CEH covers a broad range of hacking techniques and tools. It teaches you how to think like a hacker to better defend against cyber attacks. The certification, offered by EC-Council, includes 20 learning modules covering over 550 attack techniques, giving you a solid foundation in ethical hacking.
I like that CEH provides hands-on experience in a controlled environment. You’ll learn to use the same tools and methods as malicious hackers, but for defensive purposes. Many top tech companies seek out professionals with CEH certification, which can lead to roles such as penetration tester, vulnerability assessor, and information security analyst.
CEH is constantly updated to keep pace with new threats. The latest version even includes content on artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. For those new to the field, I believe CEH offers a great mix of theory and practical skills. It’s a strong credential to boost your career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.
3) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP is a highly respected cybersecurity certification offered by (ISC)². It’s designed for experienced security professionals looking to validate their expertise.
To earn the CISSP, I need at least 5 years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. These domains cover areas like security and risk management, asset security, and security operations.
The CISSP exam is challenging. It’s a 3-hour test with 100-150 questions. I’ll need to study hard and understand complex security concepts to pass. While not ideal for total beginners, the CISSP can be a great goal to work towards. It’s recognized globally and can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.
Many employers value the CISSP highly. It shows I have a broad understanding of information security principles and practices. I should note that maintaining the CISSP requires ongoing education. To keep my certification active, I’ll need to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits each year.
4) Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate is a solid choice for cybersecurity beginners. It’s a great way to start building skills in security operations.
This certification covers key topics like IT infrastructure, security concepts, and threat monitoring. It teaches you how to spot and respond to cyber threats. The exam tests your knowledge of important security terms and practices. You’ll learn about malware, threat hunting, and zero trust security.
To get certified, you need to pass a 120-minute exam. It’s challenging but doable with the right preparation. One thing I like about this certification is its focus on practical skills. It prepares you for real-world security operations roles.
The cert is good for three years. You can renew it by retaking the exam or earning continuing education credits. In my view, the CyberOps Associate is a great stepping stone. It can help you start a career in cybersecurity or add security skills to your IT background.
5) GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is a great choice for beginners in cybersecurity. It covers key topics like network security, cryptography, and cloud security.
I find the GSEC valuable for those with some IT background looking to move into security roles. It tests practical skills needed to protect systems and handle security issues. GSEC is offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) organization. They’re well-respected in the industry for their rigorous exams.
To earn this cert, I’d need to pass a proctored test. The exam covers a wide range of security fundamentals. This broad focus makes it useful for many entry-level cybersecurity jobs.
One thing I like about GSEC is that it teaches skills for maintaining secure IT systems. This hands-on knowledge is key for new security pros. Many employers recognize the certification, which can give job seekers an edge when applying for beginner cybersecurity positions.
6) Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
The SSCP certification is a great choice for beginners in cybersecurity. It’s offered by (ISC)², a respected organization in the field. This certification covers key areas like access control, risk management, and incident response. It’s designed for IT professionals who want to expand their security knowledge.
I think the SSCP is valuable because it focuses on practical skills. It teaches you how to implement and monitor security best practices in real-world situations.
To get certified, you need to pass an exam and have at least one year of work experience. The exam tests your knowledge across seven domains of cybersecurity.
With an SSCP certification, you can boost your career prospects. It can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries in the cybersecurity field. The SSCP is also a good stepping stone to more advanced certifications. It provides a solid foundation in security concepts that you can build on later.
7) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification is a top choice for cybersecurity pros seeking management roles. It’s offered by ISACA, a well-known organization in IT governance. CISM focuses on four key areas: information security governance, risk management, program development, and incident management. These skills are crucial for leading security teams and strategies.
To get CISM certified, I need five years of information security work experience, three of which must be in security management. I’d also have to pass an exam with 150 multiple-choice questions.
The CISM can lead to high-level positions like Information Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which often pay over $100,000.
While CISM isn’t typically for beginners, it’s a great goal to work towards. I can start by gaining experience in entry-level security roles and studying CISM topics. This certification can be a powerful boost to my career as I grow in the field.
8) Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
I recommend this certification for beginners interested in Microsoft’s security solutions. It covers the basics of security, compliance, and identity in cloud-based services.
The exam tests knowledge of fundamental concepts across Microsoft’s offerings. It’s suitable for business stakeholders, IT pros, and students alike.
This cert is a great starting point for those new to cybersecurity. It provides a solid foundation in key areas like data protection and access management. The course material is designed to be accessible. It introduces core ideas without diving too deep into complex technical details.
Passing this exam shows employers you understand essential security principles. It’s a valuable credential for entry-level roles or career changers.
I find this certification particularly useful for grasping Microsoft-specific security tools. It can be a stepping stone to more advanced Microsoft security certs later on.
9) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA is a well-respected certification for cybersecurity professionals focused on auditing, control, and security of information systems. ISACA, a global organization for IT governance professionals, offers it.
I think CISA is a great choice for those interested in the auditing side of cybersecurity. It shows employers you have expertise in assessing vulnerabilities and implementing controls.
To get CISA certified, you need to pass an exam and have relevant work experience. The exam covers topics like information systems auditing processes, IT governance, and protection of information assets.
While CISA isn’t typically a beginner cert, it can be a good goal to work towards. Many see it as a way to advance their careers in IT auditing and security management. CISA has been around since 1978 and is recognized worldwide. This long history gives it a lot of credibility in the industry.
If you’re thinking about CISA, I recommend getting some hands-on experience first. Working in IT or security roles can help prepare you for the certification process.
10) Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC is a certification offered by ISACA that focuses on risk management in information systems. It’s a great choice for beginners looking to specialize in this area of cybersecurity.
The CRISC exam covers four main domains: IT risk identification, IT risk assessment, risk response and mitigation, and risk and control monitoring and reporting. These topics give a solid foundation in managing IT-related risks.
One big advantage of CRISC is its global recognition. Many organizations and government agencies now require this certification for certain positions. It can really boost your career prospects in cybersecurity.
The exam is available in four languages, including English, making it accessible to a wider range of candidates worldwide. To get certified, you need to pass the exam and have relevant work experience. ISACA gives you five years to meet the experience requirements after passing the test.
Various training options are available. These include self-study materials, online courses, and instructor-led classes. Prices vary, but expect to invest around $800-$1200 for exam prep courses.
I think CRISC is a valuable certification for beginners interested in the risk management side of cybersecurity. It provides practical knowledge that’s highly sought after in the industry.
