Unlocking the doors to a career in cyber security takes more than just basic knowledge of the subject. You need certifications that prove your knowledge and hands-on experience in getting the job done. So, what are some cyber security certifications for beginners that can do this to get you on the right path?
The following thirteen examples are some of the best choices for anyone looking to prove their cyber security skills. So, use these options to determine which tech career paths are best for you.
Table of contents
- Why You Should Choose a Cybersecurity Certification
- Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Certification
- 1. CompTIA Security+
- 2. (ISC)2 SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
- 3. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- 4. ISACA CSX-P
- 5. CompTIA PenTest+
- 6. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- 7. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- 8. Google Cyber Security Certificate
- 9. Intro to Cyber Security Certification – Security+ Boot Camp
- 10. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- 11. Microsoft Cyber Security Analyst Professional Certificate
- 12. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- 13. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- Tips for Studying for Your Certification
- After You Get Your Certification
- Coding Temple’s Cybersecurity Program
Why You Should Choose a Cybersecurity Certification
In today’s digital world, obtaining a cybersecurity certification is more than just a resume booster—it’s a career game-changer. Here’s why earning a certification is a crucial step:
Real-World Impact: Organizations across industries, from healthcare to finance, are experiencing an increase in cyber threats. For example, ransomware attacks alone saw a 150% increase from 2020 to 2021. Certified cybersecurity professionals are in high demand to mitigate these risks and protect sensitive data.
Job Market Advantage: The need for cybersecurity experts is skyrocketing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 35% growth in information security analyst jobs from 2021 to 2031. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH can help you stand out in this rapidly growing field.
Higher Earning Potential: Certified cybersecurity professionals earn significantly more than their non-certified counterparts. According to a Global Knowledge report, certified IT professionals earn 12% more on average, with certifications like CISSP and CEH leading to six-figure salaries.
Versatility Across Industries: Cybersecurity certifications open doors in various sectors. Whether you’re interested in government roles, tech companies, or the finance industry, certifications validate your skills and make you a valuable asset.
The tangible benefits of certifications extend far beyond your first job offer; they serve as long-term investments in your career.
Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Certification
Selecting the right certification depends on your career goals, background, and areas of interest. Here’s how to make the best choice:
- Assess Your Career Goals: Identify where you want to be in your cybersecurity career. If you’re aiming for entry-level roles in network security, CompTIA Security+ or Cisco’s CyberOps Associate may be ideal. For ethical hacking, consider the CEH or CCT certifications.
- Consider Your Background: If you’re transitioning from a different tech field, certifications that build on your existing skills, like ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), can provide a smoother learning curve.
- Review Time and Budget: Some certifications, like GIAC, may have higher costs and longer preparation times, while others, like Microsoft SC-900, are more affordable and accessible.
- Evaluate Skill Focus: Different certifications emphasize various skills:
| Related Skill | Certification |
|---|---|
| Network Security | CompTIA Security+, GIAC GSEC |
| Ethical Hacking | CEH, CCT |
| Incident Response | GCIH, CyberOps Associate |
| Cloud Security | Microsoft SC-900, Google Cyber Security Certificate |
Selecting a certification tailored to your aspirations will help you gain the skills needed for your desired role.
1. CompTIA Security+
When learning about cyber security, you want to know you have a good foundation of all the basics. CompTIA Security+ serves as an ideal starting point to ensure you achieve this.
Of all the professional certifications available, this one offers the broadest spectrum of skills. The course helps you develop a strong knowledge of concepts such as cryptography and identity management. It can act as a stepping stone in your cyber security career, getting you started on the right foot.
Going into a cyber security career with in-depth coverage of all the latest trends and techniques gives you a leg up in such a role. In many cases, it acts as a prerequisite for jobs that demand basic security clearance and knowledge. You can also use this as a first rung on the ladder toward getting many more complex certifications.
2. (ISC)2 SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
The (ISC)2 SSCP is tailored for IT professionals looking to pivot into cyber security. It offers practical security management expertise. This can help a user install, administer, and track an IT system with little fuss.
The course emphasizes the importance of incident response and fast recovery of lost data. This teaches you how to prevent situations from escalating and also offers any company you work with a level of security insurance. It can prepare you for a professional career that allows you to handle real-world security challenges that may come your way.
As a globally recognized certification, it is ideal for those intending to work remotely or travel for their career. It also helps learners align with industry standards, boosting their marketability. As such, they can have more professional credibility when investigating the job market.
3. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
As you are entering as a beginner in the world of cyber security, this certification can help you show a high level of cyber security prowess. It focuses on the skills one needs to maintain an IT system, teaching about security auditing and how to deal with issues that arise.
Before the end of the course, you will have an in-depth level of both technical and non-technical areas of information security. You will also learn about the unique needs of more modern security concerns, such as those involved in mobile and cloud security. There is also a specific focus on wireless security defenses, which can impact many modern businesses.
Such hands-on security expertise helps people when it comes to applying for a role that needs distinct experience. The practical approach helps you develop skills needed in the modern cyber security field.
4. ISACA CSX-P
ISACA is a leading association for IT professionals. It allows a certificate holder to show a high level of recognizable expertise.
This specific certification focuses on real-time response to security issues in a way that aligns with NIST standards. It can bridge the gap between basic knowledge and practical skills, showing a holistic approach to cyber security.
The ISACA CSX-P course also prides itself on offering training related to modern cyber security threats that may appear. It discusses and teaches how to put in place mitigation strategies to prevent escalation of security problems.
After gaining this certification, you should be able to analyze emerging tools that appear in the marketplace. This gives you a good set of methods with which to determine the best steps to take in any IT protection role to offer the greatest level of security.
5. CompTIA PenTest+
When you start investigating cyber security careers, you will find several different niches. If you want to investigate penetration testing as a part of your security repertoire, you will want to look into this certification.
It has a focus on ethical hacking, as well as how to conduct vulnerability assessments. The course covers penetration testing, including network, application, and wireless pen tests.
The certification helps you understand both legal and compliance concerns when engaging in pen tests. It also ensures you comprehend industry regulations and standards when undertaking such tasks.
You will learn the balance between offensive security and planning organization policies to help a company. This can prepare someone for roles such as being a security analyst or a vulnerability tester. In such careers, corporate risk management is imperative and benefits from such learning.
6. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Much like the CompTIA PenTest+, this certification offers practical penetration test skills. These can help those seeking a career in ethical hacking and similar network security areas. Offering skills related to creating automated tests, the course will help you develop methods to run audits on larger systems.
Be aware, though, that the examination for this certification is famous for its intense nature. It lasts 24 hours and tests the ability to identify vulnerabilities in a system, as well as execute controlled attacks.
The final score in this course relates not only to the ability to detect these system faults but also to the creation of a comprehensive report. This should show your comprehensive knowledge of security issues. The mixture of time management and stress-handling in this test makes it a well-respected certification the world over.
7. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
This globally recognized certification offers a comprehensive training program. It focuses on network security and ethical hacking and also has specific areas of focus on both malware and social engineering.
Before you earn a certification, you will develop a strong understanding of hundreds of cyber security attack modules. This gives you a brilliant foundation on which to act as a security expert moving forward.
The course teaches you how to think and act like a hacker when analyzing any computer system. This can help you identify vulnerabilities that a user might try to exploit. On top of this, another important part of the course is learning how to program computer viruses, as well as the systems they use to avoid detection.
The course combines all these lessons with teaching about the latest hacking tools available. In doing so, it equips you with what you need to protect many modern systems.
8. Google Cyber Security Certificate
With its global expertise, Google has built a certificate that offers a very accessible path to success. While it does not focus on niche concepts, its full coverage of industry-standard tools and practices is invaluable.
It has both a flexible and practical syllabus, presenting a certification one can attain within six months. This gives you a good foundation for most cyber security knowledge needs.
9. Intro to Cyber Security Certification – Security+ Boot Camp
Courses such as this one are on offer by several online course providers. They offer a recognized certification and can help you build a solid understanding of cyber security basics. Many beginner-friendly courses, such as the Cybersecurity Bootcamp, can help you get off the ground in your understanding of the subject matter.
10. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
This prestigious certification has global recognition. It goes in-depth into many security topics. This allows you to gain a significant understanding of technical and managerial knowledge.
Successful candidates will learn about not only security and risk management but many other topics too. These include, but are not limited to:
- Software development security
- Communication and network security
- Identity and access management (IAM).
11. Microsoft Cyber Security Analyst Professional Certificate
This certification helps build a strong understanding of several different cyber security domains. It bridges theory and practice, building on your foundational knowledge with hands-on techniques. This focus on practical skills ensures that learners can apply their knowledge well in real-world scenarios.
12. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
As well as a wide level of basic security knowledge, this certification also offers a strong focus on security audits and assurance. This gives you a leg-up over others when it comes to analyzing existing systems. For this reason, the CISA has global recognition and is an asset for any IT cyber security expert.
13. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
This course allows one to gain a strong understanding of cyber security basics. At the same time, it also focuses on incident-based situations. It offers good preparation for real-world issues that may occur, giving you experience you would not otherwise receive.
Tips for Studying for Your Certification
Create a Study Plan – Break down your study material into manageable sections and set daily or weekly goals. Make sure to leave ample time for review before the exam.
Utilize Online Resources – Leverage platforms like Cybrary, Udemy, and Coursera for online courses, and use practice exams from PrepAway or MeasureUp to simulate the real test environment.
Join Online Communities – Cybersecurity forums, Reddit threads, and LinkedIn groups can provide valuable insights, tips, and study materials. Engaging with others also allows you to ask questions and share resources.
Use Multiple Study Methods -Combine video tutorials, textbooks, hands-on labs, and practice exams. Diverse study methods enhance understanding and retention.
Manage Exam Anxiety – Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation before your exam. Arrive early on test day to avoid last-minute stress.
These strategies will help you maximize your study time and increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
After You Get Your Certification
Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Highlight your new certification prominently to attract recruiters. Be sure to mention any hands-on experience you gained during your training.
Start Job Hunting
Focus on entry-level roles such as cybersecurity analyst, network security associate, or IT support specialist. Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and CyberSecJobs to find openings.
Network Strategically
Attend cybersecurity meetups, conferences, and online forums. Networking with industry professionals can open doors to job referrals and mentorship opportunities.
Pursue Continuous Learning
The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Stay updated by taking additional courses, attending workshops, or pursuing advanced certifications.
Consider a Specialization
After gaining some experience, look into more advanced certifications like CISSP or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) to deepen your expertise.
Taking these steps will help you leverage your new certification and build a successful cybersecurity career.
Coding Temple’s Cybersecurity Program
Coding Temple’s Cybersecurity Program goes beyond certifications by providing a comprehensive learning experience:
Industry-Leading Instructors
Learn from professionals with real-world experience who bring practical insights into the classroom.
Hands-On Projects
Engage in projects that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios, from penetration testing to incident response, ensuring you’re ready for the job market.
Job Placement Assistance
Benefit from career support services, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and access to Coding Temple’s extensive employer network.
Flexible Learning Options
Choose from part-time or full-time courses to fit your schedule, with both online and in-person options available.
Exam Preparation Resources
As a CompTIA Authorized Partner, Coding Temple offers exam preparation materials, vouchers, and guidance to help you succeed.
With a strong curriculum and dedicated career services, Coding Temple prepares you for cybersecurity certifications and helps you launch a rewarding career. So, apply now to start your journey to greatness.
