Choosing the right IT cybersecurity certification is an important decision for individuals looking to specialize in this field. It is crucial to select a certification that aligns with one’s career goals and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of modern cybersecurity practices. Factors such as industry recognition, curriculum relevance, and accreditation should be considered before making a choice. Additionally, individuals should evaluate their skill level, experience, and interests to find a certification that best suits their needs. The duration of certification programs vary, with some offering multi-day or multi-part modules that can be completed in person or online.
Popular IT Cybersecurity Certifications
Below are the most notable certificates to choose from:
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certificate is tailored for individuals in the field of security, including enterprise architects and system architects, who have an interest in enhancing their professional growth in relation to cloud-based cybersecurity. It showcases proficiency in various aspects of cloud security such as design, implementation, architecture, operations, controls, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Created by ISC2, this certification assesses individuals against an internationally recognized set of knowledge and skills. Obtaining the CCSP certification validates advanced technical expertise in effectively developing, managing, and safeguarding cloud-based data, applications, and infrastructure. This is done through the use of industry-approved practices, policies, and protocols established by certified professionals and cybersecurity specialists globally.
Price: The CCSP exam costs $599 in the United States.
Requirements: CCSP is meant for IT professionals who have at least five years of experience working in the industry, with three years specifically in information security and one year in one of the six CCSP domains.
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification verifies the skills and knowledge of cybersecurity professionals responsible for overseeing information systems and responding to security breaches. It confirms their proficiency in implementing, monitoring, and managing IT infrastructure while adhering to information security policies and procedures to safeguard data confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility.
Price: The SSCP exam costs $249 in the United States.
Requirements: Candidates aspiring to become an SSCP must possess a minimum of one year of paid work experience in at least one of the seven domains of the SSCP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). However, those who graduate with a degree in fields such as cybersecurity, computer science, systems engineering, IT, management of information systems, or computer engineering can follow a one-year prerequisite pathway. Valid experience includes work that necessitates information security expertise and direct application of that expertise.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification, provided by the ISC2, is a prestigious certification in the field of information security. It serves as a valuable tool for IT security experts who aim to enhance their careers or specialize further in cybersecurity. By March 2023, there are 159,679 members of the ISC2 who have achieved the CISSP certification. These professionals have the vital role of safeguarding data and confidential information, making them highly sought-after.
Price: The CISSP certification exam costs $749 in the United States.
Requirements: Applicants are required to possess a combined total of at least five years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains outlined in the CISSP CBK. If they hold a four-year undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification, they would satisfy one year of the experience requirement. Another option would be to obtain an additional credential from the list approved by (ISC)², which would also fulfill one year of the necessary experience.
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
The CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional) certification, provided by (ISC)2, is centered around ensuring application security throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). It acknowledges proficient technical expertise and knowledge required for implementing authentication, authorization, and auditing measures during the SDLC, employing industry best practices and protocols established by cybersecurity experts at (ISC)2. The CSSLP training and certification program encompasses secure software development, covering various areas such as identifying security requirements, implementing a secure SDLC, conducting manual testing, unit testing, functional testing, acceptance testing, and security testing, as well as code review and test automation.
Price: CSSLP certification exam fee is $599 in the United States.
Requirements: A candidate must possess at least four years of paid professional work experience in Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), encompassing one or more of the eight domains in the (ISC)² CSSLP CBK. Alternatively, the candidate can have three years of paid professional work experience in SDLC, covering one or more of the eight domains in the CSSLP CBK, along with a four-year degree in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), or a related field.
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification is a prestigious achievement that sets individuals apart and creates more opportunities for career advancement. Unlike other certifications, CAP is neutral and demonstrates superior competency in seven domains of analytics. The CAP exam covers all seven domains, including business and analytics problem framing, data, methodology selection, model building, deployment, and lifecycle management.
Price: The cost of CAP certification is $495 for INFORMS Members and $695 for non-members, with discounts available for organizations and a transition process from the aCAP certification.
Requirements: To obtain a CAP certificate, applicants must fulfill one of three requirements. They should either hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and possess a minimum of five years of practical experience, have a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field combined with at least seven years of experience, or possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field alongside a minimum of three years of experience. In addition, applicants need employer confirmation of their proficiency in ‘soft skills’ and a commitment to uphold the Code of Ethics. Finally, they must achieve a passing score on the CAP exam.
The Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP)
The HCISPP certification is a unique credential that encompasses both cybersecurity expertise and privacy measures. It denotes the capability to effectively implement, manage, and evaluate security and privacy controls in healthcare establishments, following the guidance provided by cybersecurity experts at (ISC)2. Unlike other certifications like CISSP, HCISPP is the only one specifically designed to combine cybersecurity skills with privacy best practices. The course duration is 3 days and it equips individuals with the necessary knowledge, practical experience, and proficiency in health information security and privacy best practices. If you are contemplating a career in the healthcare field, you may be faced with a choice between HCISPP and CISSP certifications.
Price: The HCISPP exam costs $599 in the United States.
Requirements: To become a HCISPP, candidates need at least two years of paid work experience in areas like security, compliance, and privacy. Experience in law can substitute for compliance experience, and information management experience can substitute for privacy experience. One of the two years of experience must be in healthcare. If a candidate doesn’t meet the experience requirements, they can become an Associate of (ISC)2 by passing the HCISPP exam.
Selecting the most suitable IT cybersecurity certification can greatly enhance one’s knowledge and skills in the field, as well as pave the way for a successful career in cybersecurity. It is important to carefully consider one’s goals, interests, and job requirements when choosing the right certification. Each certification offers unique benefits and an opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving world of IT cybersecurity and contribute to safeguarding organizations from potential cyber threats.
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