Safeguarding sensitive data has become more critical than ever in today's ever-evolving digital landscape. With the increase in online data collection and data theft, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has shot through the roof.
Certifications are a gold standard of the booming cybersecurity industry. They help employers validate and vet potential job candidates, and provide up-and-coming professionals with the expertise needed to unlock a rewarding career path.
But with a huge range of certification providers, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. This article helps streamline your research by breaking down the top 10 cybersecurity certifications for 2024.
Whether you're a newbie just breaking into the industry or an experienced professional looking to level up, this guide will help you find the right cybersecurity certification.
1. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized entry-level certification that establishes a baseline of knowledge for cybersecurity professionals. It covers a broad range of topics, including network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data, and host security, access control and identity management, and cryptography.
Roles:
This certification is beneficial for a variety of roles, including:
- Security Analyst
- Systems Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Security Engineer
- Security Consultant
- Junior IT Auditor
Benefits:
Earning the Security+ certification demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity and validates your skills to potential employers. It can lead to career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential in the field. The certification is also compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: While there are no strict prerequisites, CompTIA recommends having the CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus.
- Duration: The exam is 90 minutes long and consists of a maximum of 90 questions.
- Cost: $392
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, offered by ISACA, is a globally recognized standard for professionals who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization's IT and business systems. It is designed for those with a deep understanding of IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity controls.
Roles:
The CISA certification is highly sought after for roles such as:
- Information Systems Auditor
- IT Audit Manager
- IT Security Officer
- Risk Manager
- Compliance Officer
- Cybersecurity Consultant
Benefits:
Holding a CISA certification demonstrates your expertise in IT auditing and control, which can significantly enhance your career prospects. CISA-certified professionals are often in high demand, command higher salaries, and have more opportunities for advancement. The certification also provides a strong foundation for career paths in information security management.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: To earn the CISA certification, you must pass the CISA exam, have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, assurance or security, and adhere to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics and Information Systems Auditing Standards.
- Duration: The CISA exam is four hours long and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: The exam fee varies depending on your ISACA membership status, ranging from $575 for members to $760 for non-members.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The globally recognized CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)², is a gold standard for seasoned security professionals. It validates expertise across a wide spectrum of cybersecurity domains, including risk management, security architecture, network security, access control, assessment, operations, and software development security.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert
Roles:
The CISSP certification is beneficial for roles such as:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Security Consultant
- Security Manager
- Security Architect
- Security Analyst
- IT Director/Manager
Benefits:
The CISSP certification is a mark of excellence in the cybersecurity field. It demonstrates a deep understanding of security principles and practices, which can lead to career advancement, increased earning potential, and greater recognition within the industry. CISSP-certified professionals are highly valued by organizations seeking to enhance their security posture.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: To earn the CISSP certification, you must have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). You can substitute one year of experience with a four-year college degree or regional equivalent or an additional credential from the (ISC)² approved list.
- Duration: The exam is three hours long and consists of 100-150 multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: The exam fee is $749.
4. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Offensive Security's OSCP certification is a highly respected, hands-on challenge for aspiring penetration testers. It emphasizes practical skills, requiring candidates to prove their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a real-world lab environment.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert
Roles:
The OSCP certification is particularly valuable for roles such as:
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
- Security Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Vulnerability Researcher
Benefits:
Earning the OSCP certification is a significant accomplishment that validates your skills as a penetration tester. It demonstrates your ability to think like an attacker and to apply offensive security techniques in a controlled environment. OSCP-certified professionals are highly sought after by organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity defenses.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the OSCP certification, but Offensive Security recommends having a strong understanding of networking, TCP/IP, operating systems, and basic scripting skills.
- Duration: The OSCP exam is a 24-hour hands-on penetration test.
- Cost: The cost of the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course, which is required for the OSCP exam, varies depending on the learning package chosen.
5. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco's CCNA certification is a widely recognized entry point for aspiring networking professionals. It validates essential knowledge and skills across network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity and services, security basics, automation, and programmability.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert
Roles:
The CCNA certification is beneficial for roles such as:
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Network Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Systems Administrator
Benefits:
Earning the CCNA certification demonstrates your competence in networking technologies and can open doors to various career opportunities. It is a valuable asset for those seeking entry-level positions in the networking field or those looking to advance their careers within existing roles. CCNA-certified professionals are highly sought after by organizations that rely on Cisco networking solutions.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the CCNA certification. However, Cisco recommends having at least one year of experience with computer networks and a basic understanding of IP addressing.
- Duration: The CCNA exam (200-301) is 120 minutes long and consists of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.
- Cost: The exam fee is $300 USD.
6. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification, offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), is a hands-on, technical certification that validates a professional's ability to perform security tasks in real-world scenarios. It covers a broad range of topics, including network security, cryptography, incident handling, and security administration.
Roles:
The GSEC certification is ideal for professionals working in roles such as:
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Security Administrator
- Systems Administrator
- Network Administrator
- IT Auditor
Benefits:
Earning the GSEC certification demonstrates a deep understanding of security concepts and the ability to apply them in practical situations. This can lead to increased career opportunities, higher earning potential, and recognition as a skilled security practitioner. GSEC-certified professionals are highly sought after by organizations seeking to strengthen their security teams.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: There are no specific prerequisites for the GSEC certification, but GIAC recommends having some experience in IT and networking.
- Duration: The GSEC exam is 5 hours long and consists of multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
- Cost: The exam cost is $2,499 when bundled with the corresponding SANS training course, or $1,999 for the certification attempt alone.
7. Governance, Risk and Compliance Certification (CGRC)
The Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC) certification, offered by (ISC)², is designed for professionals who work in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) roles. It validates their knowledge and skills in integrating security and privacy within organizational objectives. The CGRC certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of GRC principles and practices, including security and privacy governance, risk management, and compliance programs.
Roles:
This certification is beneficial for a variety of roles, including:
- GRC Analyst
- GRC Manager
- GRC Architect
- Cybersecurity Auditor
- Cybersecurity Compliance Officer
- Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance Project Manager
- Cybersecurity Risk & Controls Analyst
- Cybersecurity Third Party Risk Manager
- Enterprise Risk Manager
- Information Assurance Manager
Benefits:
Earning the CGRC certification demonstrates your expertise in GRC and your ability to align IT objectives with organizational risk management and regulatory compliance goals. This can lead to career advancement opportunities, increased earning potential, and greater recognition within the industry. The CGRC certification is a valuable asset for those seeking to advance their careers in GRC or transition into GRC roles.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: There are no prerequisites for the CGRC certification. However, (ISC)² recommends that candidates have a basic understanding of information security concepts and some experience in GRC roles.
- Duration: The CGRC exam is three hours long and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: The exam fee is $599.
8. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification, offered by ISACA, is a globally recognized credential for professionals who identify and manage IT and enterprise risk. It focuses on the design, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of information system controls.
Roles:
The CRISC certification is ideal for professionals working in roles such as:
- Risk Manager
- IT Risk Analyst
- Control Analyst
- Compliance Officer
- Security Consultant
- Business Analyst
Benefits:
Earning the CRISC certification demonstrates a strong understanding of IT risk management principles and practices. This can lead to increased career opportunities, higher earning potential, and recognition as a skilled risk professional. CRISC-certified professionals are valuable assets to organizations seeking to manage and mitigate IT risks effectively.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: To earn the CRISC certification, you must pass the CRISC exam, have at least three years of cumulative work experience in at least two of the four CRISC domains, and adhere to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) policy.
- Duration: The CRISC exam is four hours long and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: The exam fee varies depending on your ISACA membership status, ranging from $575 for members to $760 for non-members.
9. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
(ISC)²'s SSCP certification is tailored for IT professionals who safeguard their organization's critical assets through hands-on operational security. It emphasizes practical skills for implementing, monitoring, and managing IT infrastructure with security best practices. Covering seven domains, from access controls to incident response, SSCP ensures comprehensive knowledge of operational security.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert
Roles:
The SSCP certification is ideal for professionals working in roles such as:
- Network Security Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Security Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Security Consultant/Specialist
- Security Administrator
- Systems/Network Analyst
- Database Administrator
Benefits:
Earning the SSCP certification demonstrates your technical skills and knowledge in implementing, monitoring, and administering IT infrastructure using security best practices. This can lead to career advancement, increased earning potential, and greater recognition within the industry. SSCP-certified professionals are highly valued by organizations seeking to enhance their operational security.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: To earn the SSCP certification, you must pass the SSCP exam and have at least one year of cumulative, paid work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the SSCP CBK. You can substitute the experience requirement with a college degree or an approved credential from the (ISC)² prerequisite pathway.
- Duration: The SSCP exam is three hours long and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: The exam fee is $249.
10. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
EC-Council's globally recognized CEH certification is a sought-after credential for ethical hackers, penetration testers, and cybersecurity pros. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to uncover, evaluate, and neutralize vulnerabilities in systems and networks. CEH's extensive curriculum covers everything from reconnaissance to social engineering, malware analysis, network attacks, and web application security.
Roles:
The CEH certification is ideal for professionals working in roles such as:
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
- Security Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Security Auditor
- Site Administrator
- Information Security Officer
Benefits:
Earning the CEH certification demonstrates a strong understanding of ethical hacking methodologies and tools. This can lead to increased career opportunities, higher earning potential, and recognition as a skilled cybersecurity professional. CEH-certified professionals are highly sought after by organizations seeking to enhance their security posture and protect against cyberattacks.
At a Glance:
- Requirements: To earn the CEH certification, you must attend an official EC-Council training or have at least two years of information security experience. You must also pass the CEH exam.
- Duration: The CEH exam is 4 hours long and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.
- Cost: The CEH exam voucher costs $1,199.
How to Choose the Right Certification
With a kaleidoscope of options, choosing the perfect certification can feel like navigating a maze. But don't fret! Here are a few pointers to illuminate your path:
- Pinpoint Your Passion: Are you drawn to the thrill of ethical hacking, the meticulousness of auditing, or the strategic thinking of a security manager? Identifying your interests is the first step toward choosing a fulfilling path.
- Assess Your Experience: Are you a fresh face in the field or a seasoned pro? Some certifications, like the CISSP, require years of experience, while others, like Security+, are perfect starting points for newbies.
- Consider Your Career Goals: Do you envision yourself leading a security team, defending networks against attacks, or ensuring compliance with regulations? Your aspirations should align with the specific knowledge and skills each certification offers.
- Research and Compare: Dive into the details of each certification. Explore the topics covered, exam format, prerequisites, and career paths. Talk to professionals in the field to get their insights and experiences.
- Budget Wisely: Certification exams and study materials can be pricey. Factor in these costs when making your decision. Remember, investing in yourself is always a wise choice!
Conclusion
There you have it, intrepid cybersecurity enthusiasts! We've journeyed through the dynamic landscape of certifications, uncovering a diverse array of options to suit every skill level and career aspiration.
From the foundational CompTIA Security+ to the prestigious CISSP, these certifications are more than just letters after your name; they're a testament to your expertise, dedication, and commitment to defending the digital realm.
Remember, choosing the right certification is a personal journey. It's about finding the path that aligns with your passions, experience, and career goals. Take the time to research and compare, and don't hesitate to reach out to professionals in the field for advice.
As the digital world continues to evolve, so too will the demands and challenges of cybersecurity. By investing in your skills and knowledge through certifications, you're not only advancing your own career but also contributing to a safer, more secure online world for us all.
Finn founded Learnopoly to provide unbiased, in-depth online course reviews, helping learners make informed choices. With a decade in financial services, he developed strategic partnerships and business development expertise. After a frustrating experience with a biased course review, Finn was inspired to create a trusted learning resource.