The field of cybersecurity is growing as organizations around the globe face increasing threats from malicious entities. With it, the need for skilled manpower is also on the rise. Here is where cybersecurity certifications play a crucial role.
Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity career or looking to advance into a more specialized role, earning the right certification can provide valuable skills and open the door to various job opportunities. However, with so many certification options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. In this article, we’ll review some of the top cybersecurity certifications, detailing the skills they provide, their difficulty, cost, job prospects, and recommendations for specific career paths.
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Website: CISSP by (ISC)²
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Cost: $749
- Job Prospects: Information Security Manager, Security Consultant, IT Auditor, Security Analyst
The CISSP certification is one of the most recognized and respected certifications in cybersecurity, especially for those aiming for leadership positions. It covers a broad range of topics, including risk management, security operations, software development security, and asset security. It’s ideal for professionals with a few years (ideally 5+) of experience who want to demonstrate their knowledge of enterprise-level security strategy.
Who is it for?
This certification is perfect for professionals targeting managerial roles in cybersecurity. To earn CISSP, candidates must have at least five years of experience in at least two of the eight domains outlined in the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). This makes it an advanced certification suited for individuals looking to progress to high-level roles.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Website: CEH by EC-Council
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Cost: $950 (for the exam); Training packages may vary in cost
- Job Prospects: Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, Security Engineer
The CEH certification is a must-have for those aiming to specialize in offensive security. This certification teaches individuals how to think and act like hackers, giving them the ability to identify vulnerabilities in systems before malicious actors exploit them. It covers everything from network scanning to password cracking and social engineering.
Who is it for?
The CEH is geared toward IT professionals with basic security knowledge who want to get into ethical hacking or penetration testing. It’s an intermediate-level certification and one of the most popular choices for those aiming to explore this exciting and dynamic area of cybersecurity.
3. CompTIA Security+
- Website: CompTIA Security+
- Difficulty Level: Entry-Level
- Cost: $392
- Job Prospects: Junior Security Analyst, IT Security Administrator, Systems Administrator
CompTIA Security+ is often considered the best entry-level certification for those just getting started in cybersecurity. It provides a comprehensive overview of key topics such as threat management, cryptography, identity management, and network security. Unlike some certifications, Security+ does not require prior experience, though a basic understanding of networking is helpful.
Who is it for?
If you are new to cybersecurity and looking for a starting point, Security+ is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for individuals aiming for entry-level security positions. The certification validates core security skills required for various IT security roles and lays the foundation for more advanced certifications later in your career.
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Website: CISM by ISACA
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Cost: $575 for ISACA members; $760 for non-members
- Job Prospects: IT Security Manager, Risk Management Consultant, Compliance Officer
CISM focuses on security management and is designed for professionals responsible for managing, designing, and assessing enterprise-level security protocols. Unlike technical certifications like CEH, CISM is more strategic, focusing on governance, risk management, and compliance.
Who is it for?
If you are targeting an information security management role, such as a security director or compliance officer, CISM is a great certification to pursue. You need at least five years of experience to be eligible, with three years in security management specifically.
5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Website: CCSP by (ISC)²
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Cost: $599
- Job Prospects: Cloud Security Architect, Cloud Administrator, Cloud Engineer
Cloud computing is becoming increasingly important for businesses, and CCSP certifies your ability to secure cloud environments. It covers cloud architecture, cloud security design, and risk mitigation strategies in cloud environments. CCSP is one of the leading certifications for cloud security professionals, particularly those with experience in general security or IT.
Who is it for?
This certification is highly recommended for those who are working in cloud-focused IT and want to specialize in securing cloud platforms. If you have a solid understanding of cybersecurity and cloud architecture, CCSP will help you validate your skills and knowledge.
6. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Website: GSEC by GIAC
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Cost: $2,499 (includes training package)
- Job Prospects: Security Consultant, Security Analyst, Incident Responder
The GSEC certification from GIAC is a technical certification that demonstrates your ability to implement and manage security procedures and technologies. It covers topics such as network security, cryptography, and incident response, making it a valuable credential for individuals who work hands-on with security systems and need a broad but technical knowledge base.
Who is it for?
GSEC is a good certification for individuals with a technical background in IT who want to branch into cybersecurity. It’s especially useful for hands-on roles such as security analyst or incident responder. GSEC is more technical than CompTIA Security+ but does not require prior work experience, making it an accessible option for those willing to invest in the cost and study time.
7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Website: CISA by ISACA
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Cost: $575 for ISACA members; $760 for non-members
- Job Prospects: IT Auditor, Compliance Officer, Security Consultant
CISA is a globally recognized certification for professionals who audit, control, and ensure IT and business systems’ security and integrity. It covers information system auditing, control, and assurance, making it an excellent option for those interested in the compliance and auditing aspects of cybersecurity.
Who is it for?
CISA is ideal for IT auditors, risk managers, and individuals who are responsible for compliance and governance in information systems. If your career focus is on ensuring the integrity of business systems and auditing processes, CISA provides the skills and credibility needed.
8. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Website: OSCP by Offensive Security
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Cost: Starting at $1,499 (includes 90 days of lab access)
- Job Prospects: Penetration Tester, Red Team Member, Security Consultant
The OSCP certification is one of the most respected in the ethical hacking community. It is a hands-on, rigorous exam where candidates must perform a live penetration test in a controlled environment. The exam focuses on real-world problem-solving, requiring candidates to demonstrate the ability to exploit vulnerabilities and document their findings.
Who is it for?
If you’re serious about becoming a penetration tester, OSCP is the gold standard. The certification is challenging, requiring solid technical knowledge, practical experience, and strong problem-solving skills. This certification is ideal for those already familiar with cybersecurity basics who want to prove their offensive security capabilities.
Which Certification is Right for You?
- For Beginners:
Start with CompTIA Security+. It provides a strong foundation in core cybersecurity principles and is affordable, making it accessible for those just entering the field. - For Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testers:
The CEH is a great starting point, but if you’re aiming to become a top-tier penetration tester, consider pursuing OSCP later in your career for its in-depth, hands-on approach. - For Security Managers and Leaders:
The CISSP or CISM is ideal for professionals looking to move into management or executive-level roles in cybersecurity. These certifications focus on the broader strategic and operational aspects of cybersecurity, making them perfect for leadership positions. - For Cloud Security Specialists:
As cloud computing continues to grow, CCSP is a must-have for professionals aiming to secure cloud environments. It’s an excellent choice if you’re already working in IT or cybersecurity and want to specialize in cloud security. - For Auditors and Compliance Specialists:
If you’re more interested in auditing and ensuring systems comply with regulatory requirements, CISA is an excellent certification for getting into IT auditing and governance.
Each certification offers a unique path to success, depending on your career goals. Not sure what career line to pursue yet check out our detailed article on “How to Start Your Career in Cybersecurity (2025): Roles, Salary, Experience, and More” Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance in a specialized area of cybersecurity, earning one (or more) of these certifications can significantly boost your credibility and job prospects.