The 13 Best Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners

Unlocking the doors to a career in cyber security takes more than just basic knowledge of the subject. Whether you’re starting your journey with no experience, or coming from an existing background in tech, you need certifications that prove your knowledge and hands-on experience in getting the job done. 

Advantages of Earning a Cybersecurity Certification

Enhanced Career Opportunities: Certifications open doors to various roles and make you a more attractive candidate to employers by validating your expertise and commitment.

Increased Earning Potential: Certified professionals often earn higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and skills, leading to better job offers and advancement.

Up-to-Date Knowledge and Skills: Certifications ensure you stay current with the latest security trends, tools, and techniques, keeping your knowledge relevant.

Professional Credibility: Holding a recognized certification enhances your credibility and signals your proficiency and dedication to potential employers and peers.

Validation of Skills: Certifications provide structured learning and rigorous assessments that validate your technical abilities and problem-solving skills.

Access to Industry Resources: Certifications often grant access to valuable resources, including industry forums and networking opportunities, keeping you informed and connected.

Career Advancement and Growth: Earning certifications can accelerate your career advancement by demonstrating your commitment to professional development and opening new opportunities.

So, what are some cyber security certifications for beginners 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.

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.

At Coding Temple, we are proud to be a CompTIA Authorized Partner. Our partnership allows us to provide comprehensive preparation materials and exam vouchers in our Cybersecurity program to help you achieve your certification goals, ensuring that our students not only receive top-notch education but also gain industry-recognized credentials. 

 

2. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

As you are entering as a beginner in the world of cyber security, GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 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.

5. Google Cyber Security Certificate

With its global expertise, Google has built a Cyber Security 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. 

The program is designed to be flexible and practical, presenting a certification that can be attained within six months. This gives you a solid foundation for most cyber security knowledge needs.

The course curriculum includes comprehensive lessons on essential aspects of cyber security, such as threat analysis, network security, and incident response. 

The Google Cyber Security Certificate places a strong emphasis on current industry standards and best practices. You will be introduced to a wide range of security tools and technologies used by professionals in the field. 

 

6. Microsoft SC-900

The Microsoft SC-900 certification provides a foundational understanding of security, compliance, and identity (SCI) concepts. It covers the basic principles of SCI across cloud-based and related Microsoft services. 

The curriculum includes an overview of security methodologies, compliance features, and identity management in Microsoft solutions. This certification ensures you are well-equipped with the fundamental knowledge required to understand and manage security, compliance, and identity solutions.

The curriculum includes an overview of security methodologies, compliance features, and identity management in Microsoft solutions. The course also emphasizes practical skills, offering insights into how these principles are applied in real-world scenarios to secure Microsoft environments effectively.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the Microsoft SC-900 certification program includes hands-on labs and exercises that provide practical experience with Microsoft security tools and services.

7. Microsoft Cyber Security Analyst Professional Certificate

The Microsoft Cyber Security Analyst Professional Certificate 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.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including threat detection, incident response, vulnerability assessment, and risk management. 

The course also emphasizes the importance of staying current with evolving cyber security trends and best practices, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle the dynamic nature of cyber threats.

The program includes extensive hands-on labs and projects. which allow you to gain experience in using advanced security tools and techniques, such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and encryption technologies.

 

8. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

The GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) certification program 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. 

The course covers the latest techniques and tools used by professionals to identify and counteract cyber threats, from malware analysis to network defense strategies. This ensures that you are not only well-versed in theory but also proficient in applying practical solutions to real-world scenarios.

What sets the GCIH certification apart is its emphasis on practical, scenario-based learning. You will engage in hands-on labs and simulations that replicate actual incident response situations, giving you the opportunity to practice and refine your skills in a controlled environment. 

 

9. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst– Professional Certificate

The Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate by IBM is designed to provide a solid grounding in security analysis. It covers threat identification, risk management, and mitigation strategies. This certification focuses on building practical skills through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios.

The curriculum includes numerous labs and exercises that simulate real-world cyber security scenarios.

These practical components are designed to help you develop and hone the skills necessary to identify and address security threats effectively. Additionally, the program provides insights into the latest industry practices and tools used by cyber security professionals. 

 

10. EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT)

The EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) provides foundational knowledge and skills in network defense, incident response, and risk management. 

It is designed for individuals looking to start a career in cyber security with a focus on practical, hands-on skills.

The curriculum includes a variety of interactive labs and real-world exercises that allow you to apply theoretical concepts in a simulated environment. 

This hands-on approach ensures that you not only understand the principles of cyber security but also gain the practical skills necessary to handle real-world cyber threats effectively. Beyond technical skills, the CCT program also introduces you to the latest tools and methodologies used in the cyber security industry. 

11.  ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

The ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) covers a broad range of topics, including security operations, network security, and software development security. 

It is designed to provide a well-rounded introduction to the field and prepare individuals for more specialized roles.

The curriculum focuses on practical knowledge and skills, including threat detection, incident response, and secure network management. It also emphasizes integrating security into the software development lifecycle to protect against vulnerabilities. 

This broad approach ensures that learners gain both theoretical insights and hands-on skills, making it an ideal stepping stone for advancing to more specialized cyber security roles and certifications.

 

12.  EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU)

The EC-Council Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU) certification program covers a broad range of topics, including security operations, network security, and software development security. It’s made to provide a well-rounded introduction to the field and prepare individuals for more specialized roles.

The curriculum provides practical knowledge on protecting digital information and understanding common security threats. 

It includes lessons on securing networks, managing security operations, and incorporating security measures into software development practices. This broad approach ensures that learners are well-prepared for entry-level roles in cyber security

13.  Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification program is designed to provide foundational skills and knowledge in security operations. It focuses on real-time monitoring, detection, and response to cybersecurity threats, preparing you for a career in a security operations center (SOC). 

The curriculum covers critical aspects of cyber security operations, including network intrusion analysis and security monitoring. 

You will learn how to analyze network traffic, identify potential security breaches, and use various tools and techniques to detect and mitigate threats. 

Additionally, the program includes training on effective incident response strategies, ensuring you are prepared to handle and resolve security incidents efficiently.

 

Achievable Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

Having the right certification is like having the right encryption key to access a cache of data. It’s also one of many important steps you can take to launching your career in Cybersecurity. It unlocks huge career potential and can broaden your horizons far more than any other option. This is why working with Coding Temple can help you stay at the head of your industry.

As a top-rated cybersecurity bootcamp, Coding Temple provides a comprehensive curriculum with hands-on, real-world projects that equip students with the knowledge needed to obtain cybersecurity certifications for beginners. In doing so, it gives you many options for where to start your career. With a focus on accessible and accelerated learning, it can help you get where you want in life – backed by a job guarantee. So, apply now to start your journey.