There are many cybersecurity jobs that require more than just a university degree. Many employers are looking for a specific set of skills, and at least some degree of hands-on experience. Below are some of the most recognized cybersecurity certifications that will put you in a better position to either land your first job, or take your career to the next level.
Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Description: A CISSP certificate demonstrates that you have the ability to design, implement and monitor a cybersecurity program.
Related Jobs: Chief information security officer, security administrator, IT security engineer, senior security consultant, information assurance analyst.
Requirements: 5+ years of work experience in at least two of the following fields; risk management, network security, identity and access management (IAM), penetration testing, security operations, and applications security. A relevant degree, part-time work, or paid internship will also be taken into account.
Cost: $749.
Estimated Salary: $84,000 – $171,000.
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Description: The CISA certificate will demonstrate your ability to identify security vulnerabilities, implement access controls and adhere to compliance mandates.
Related Jobs: IT audit manager, cybersecurity auditor, information security analyst, IT security engineer, IT project manager, compliance program manager.
Requirements: 5+ years of hands-on security auditing experience, although this can be partially waived with a relevant degree.
Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members.
Estimated Salary: $95,000-$124,000.
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Description: A CISM certificate will demonstrate your knowledge of data governance, risk management, incident response, and more.
Related Jobs: IT manager, information systems security officer, information risk consultant, data governance manager.
Requirements: 5+ years of experience in information security management. This requirement can be partially waived with a university degree or some other relevant qualification(s).
Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members.
Estimated Salary: $94,000-$173,000.
4. Security+
Description: Security+ is a certification that gives participants the core skills they need to fill an entry-level cybersecurity role. This includes the ability to carry out risk assessments and audits, define access controls, and understand regulatory compliance requirements.
Related Jobs: Systems administrator, help desk manager, security engineer, security administrator, IT auditor.
Requirements: Anyone can take a Security+ exam although applicants are encouraged to obtain a Network+ certification first.
Cost: $370.
Estimated Salary: $76,000-$112,000.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Description: A CEH certificate will demonstrate your ability to lawfully hack organizations in an attempt to expose security vulnerabilities.
Related Jobs: Penetration tester, cyber incident analyst, threat intelligence analyst, cloud security architect.
Requirements: 2+ years of information security experience, or if you complete an official EC-Council training program.
Cost: $950 to $1,199, depending on the location.
Estimated Salary: $79,000-$149,000.
6. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Description: GSEC is an entry-level certification for those with a background in information systems and networking. The certificate will demonstrate your knowledge of network security, cryptography, incident response, and cloud security.
Related Jobs: IT security manager, computer forensic analyst, penetration tester, security administrator, IT auditor.
Requirements: There are no specific requirements to take the GSEC exam.
Cost: $2,499 (includes two practice tests).
Estimated Salary: $79,000-$136,000.
7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Description: Becoming an SSCP will demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and monitor an organization’s security systems. This includes implementing access controls, risk assessments, encryption, application security, incident response, and more.
Related Jobs: Network security engineer, system administrator, systems engineer, security analyst, database administrator, security consultant.
Requirements: 1+ years of paid work experience or a cybersecurity-related degree.
Cost: $249.
Estimated Salary: $76,000-$97,000.
8. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
Description: The CASP+ certification is designed for cybersecurity professionals who wish to improve their knowledge and skills, and take their careers to the next level without moving into a managerial position.
Related Jobs: Security architect, security engineer, application security engineer, technical lead analyst, vulnerability analyst.
Requirements: While there are no specific requirements for taking the CASP+ exam, participants should have at least ten years experience working in a relevant field.
Cost: $466.
Estimated Salary: $79,000-$154,000.
9. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
Description: A GCIH certification will demonstrate your ability to detect, respond, and defend against cyber-attacks. This includes learning about common attack vectors, hacker tools and exploit kits.
Related Jobs: Security incident handler, security architect, system administrator.
Requirements: There are no formal requirements for sitting the GCIH exam, although some previous skills/experience in a cybersecurity-related discipline is recommended.
Cost: $2,499 (includes two practice tests).
Estimated Salary: $76,000-$94,000.
10. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Description: The OSCP certification is aimed at those looking to become penetration testers. The exam focuses on your ability to successfully compromise a network using a variety of attack vectors, and produce detailed reports for each attack.
Related Jobs: Penetration tester, ethical hacker, threat researcher, application security analyst.
Requirements: There are no specific requirements for taking the exam, although some familiarity with penetration testing (Kali Linux) and/or other related fields is recommended.
Cost: From $999.
Estimated Salary: $82,000-$114,000.
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