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Cybersecurity certifications for beginners and advanced professionals allow individuals to show their specialized knowledge of this tech field. Jobs in cybersecurity rarely require certification, but earning these credentials can help professionals advance their careers in cybersecurity and earn higher salaries.
This guide offers information on cybersecurity certifications for beginners and beyond. Read on to learn about experience requirements, common timelines, typical costs and the benefits of earning certification.
Cyber security is one of the fastest growing fields today. As more companies become digital, the need to protect data and systems from cyber attacks also increases. This creates a huge demand for cyber security professionals. However getting into cyber security can seem daunting for beginners with no prior experience. The good news is there are several entry-level cyber security certifications that can help launch your career.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know as a beginner looking to break into cyber security.
Why Get Certified in Cyber Security?
Here are some of the top reasons to get certified in cyber security:
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Get a job: Certifications can make your resume stand out and help you land that first job. Many cyber security roles require or prefer candidates with certifications.
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Upskill The certification process allows you to gain new skills and knowledge The exams test your understanding of key concepts.
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Higher pay: On average, certified professionals earn higher salaries than those without certifications.
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Advance your career: Certifications allow you to take on new responsibilities and move up into higher level roles.
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Prove your skills: Certifications validate your expertise to employers. They show you have the required skills and knowledge.
Entry-Level Cyber Security Certifications
If you are just starting out, these are some of the best certifications to launch your cyber security career:
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is one of the most popular entry-level cyber security certifications. It covers core security skills like threat management, attacks, risk mitigation, cryptography and access management.
Exam 90 minutes maximum of 90 questions
Prerequisites: Recommended CompTIA Network+ certification
Cost: $370 exam fee
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
The Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops certification validates your skills in monitoring networks to detect cyber threats. It focuses on identifying risks, using security technologies and investigating attacks.
Exam: 210-250 SECFND and 210-255 SECOPS; each 90 minutes with 50-60 questions
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $200 exam fee per test
(ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
The SSCP from (ISC)2 prepares you for roles in IT security. It covers risk mitigation, incident response, security operations and access controls. Hands-on experience is required.
Exam: 3 hours, 125 questions
Prerequisites: 1 year experience in IT security
Cost: $255 exam fee
GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
The GISF certification covers key topics like security concepts, communications security, asset security and identity management. It has a practical exam with simulated cyber attacks.
Exam: 5 hours to complete hands-on exam
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $369 exam fee
CompTIA CySA+
The CompTIA CySA+ validates your skills in threat detection tools, mitigating risks and responding to security incidents. It covers integrating security into IT systems.
Exam: 90 minutes, maximum of 85 questions
Prerequisites: Recommended Network+, Security+
Cost: $389 exam fee
EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES)
The ECES certification focuses on encryption methods and their implementation to protect data. Topics include cryptanalysis, cryptosystems, public key infrastructure and encryption algorithms.
Exam: 2 hours, 50 questions
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $100 exam fee
Choosing the Right Certification
With so many options, how do you choose the right certification? Here are a few tips:
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Look at job postings to see which certifications are most in-demand for the roles you want.
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Consider your existing skill level. Some certifications require experience while others are beginner friendly.
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Research the exam costs, requirements, and topics covered to find the best fit.
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Many certifications have recommended prerequisites or pathways. Follow these to progress smoothly.
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Focus on vendors like CompTIA, ISC2, ISACA or Cisco which are well-recognized in the industry.
Timeline for Earning Certification
Here is a typical timeline for earning an entry-level certification:
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1-3 months for self-study and prep if you already have some background. Longer if you are starting from scratch.
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1 month for instructor-led training bootcamps.
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1-2 months for online or classroom training courses.
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1-6 weeks to schedule the exam after completing prep.
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A few hours to 1 day for the actual exam appointment.
So in total you can earn certification in just 2-6 months if you study full-time or longer if doing part-time prep.
Cost of Cyber Security Certifications
The costs include:
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Exam fees – These range from $100 to $500 per exam. Popular certs like Security+ cost about $370.
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Training – Self-study options cost under $500. Bootcamps range from $1000-$3000. Classroom training can cost over $3000.
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Materials – Study guides, practice tests and training materials average around $50-$400.
So in total expect to spend $250-$2500+ depending on the certification and prep method.
Renewing Your Certification
Most certifications require renewal every 3 years. This involves:
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Earning continuing education credits through classes, conferences etc.
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Paying a renewal fee (Usually less than initial exam fee).
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Passing a shorter recertification exam for some certs.
Renewal demonstrates you are staying updated on the latest cyber security trends and technologies.
Earning a beginner level certification is a great way to launch your cyber security career. Certifications open doors to exciting and good paying jobs. They allow you to gain specialized skills and practical experience. With employer demand far exceeding supply of cyber security professionals, it’s the perfect time to get started.
Cybersecurity Certification vs. Cybersecurity Degree
Aspiring professionals may be unsure whether to pursue cybersecurity certifications for beginners or full degrees in the field. The following section compares both pathways.
The time it takes to earn a certification varies, especially when comparing cybersecurity certifications for beginners and those for experienced professionals. For example, some certifications require only an exam, which might take a few hours to complete. However, the time it takes to prepare for an exam can be much longer. Some certifications set experience requirements as well, which can take years to fulfill.
The cost of a cybersecurity certification ranges from about $250 to around $980. Certifications with lab requirements may cost $1,500 or more.
Generally speaking, cybersecurity employers do not require certification for employment. However, possessing these credentials can help you stand out against the competition. Most cybersecurity positions require formal education beyond certification alone, but beginners who only have certifications may land certain entry-level cybersecurity jobs to develop experience.
Established professionals can earn certifications to advance professionally. For example, while chief information security officers (CISOs) do not need formal credentials for this role, earning the EC-Council’s Certified CISO credential demonstrates dedication and knowledge to employers.
Associate degrees typically take two years of full-time enrollment to complete, and bachelor’s programs generally require four years. Beyond undergraduate education, a master’s in cybersecurity takes around two years after completing a bachelor’s degree. A Ph.D. in cybersecurity generally lasts for four to seven years.
Education costs vary significantly depending on degree level, the school’s public vs. private status, and whether students pay in-state or out-of-state tuition.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, annual tuition and required fees for public two-year institutions average $3,564. For a bachelor’s degree, tuition costs an average of $9,596 per year at public schools and $37,222 for private colleges. For master’s degrees, students at public institutions paid an average of $11,554 per year, while private school enrollees paid $20,015.
Given the cost, is a cybersecurity degree worth it? For many, the answer is yes. Employers for some roles—such as security analyst, security specialist and incident responder—tend to prefer candidates with cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees. Still, associate-level applicants can find entry-level roles in the field. Cybersecurity jobs for individuals with master’s degrees include CISO, computer network architect and IT auditor.
What Is Cybersecurity Certification?
Cybersecurity certification is a process in which an individual earns a formal credential by demonstrating their professional abilities in a particular area of the field. Typically, candidates must pass a test to earn certification. Some credentials include experience requirements in addition to an exam.
In cybersecurity, experienced professionals can pursue credentials including the following:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)®
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)®
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Cybersecurity certifications for beginners include:
- Security+
- GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
These certifications each apply to a different subset of cybersecurity. Earning one of these credentials allows you to advance professionally and pursue specialized roles in the cybersecurity field.
Top 3 Cyber Security Certifications for beginners | Roadmap
What are the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners?
Here are 11 cybersecurity certifications for beginners: 1. Certified Ethical Hacker The Certified Ethical Hacker certification requires two years of experience to take the exam, so it’s not entry-level but it is accessible for those in the early stages of their career.
Can you get a cybersecurity job without a certification?
Most cybersecurity positions require formal education beyond certification alone, but beginners who only have certifications may land certain entry-level cybersecurity jobs to develop experience. Established professionals can earn certifications to advance professionally.
Why do you need a cybersecurity certification?
Cybersecurity certifications for beginners and advanced professionals allow individuals to show their specialized knowledge of this tech field. Jobs in cybersecurity rarely require certification, but earning these credentials can help professionals advance their careers in cybersecurity and earn higher salaries.
How do I become a cybersecurity specialist?
To take advantage of opportunities in cybersecurity, you’ll need the best cybersecurity programs and certifications. Start with CompTIA Security+. Once you have this certification, consider other vendor-neutral designations along the CompTIA Cybersecurity Specialist Career Pathway, such as:
