Read this list of remarkable and best Cyber Security Certifications to propel you toward your career goals and set you apart from other cybersecurity experts:
What is Cybersecurity certification and why pursue it?
Cyber Security Certifications demonstrate extensive skills and experience in the field. There are so many branches of cybersecurity you can get certified in, but the purpose is to display your knowledge on issues like system hacking and cyberattacks, which occur regularly.
Certification will also prove that you understand the best security approach and practices that can help maintain the security topology of an organization.
Table of Contents:
- Cyber Security Certifications – Top Rated
- List of the Best Cyber Security Certifications
- Comparison Table of Top Certifications for Cyber Security
- #1) Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
- #2) Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- #3) CompTIA Security+
- #4) Certified Information Systems Auditor
- #5) Certified Information Security Manager
- #6) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- #7) GIAC Security Essentials Certifications (GSEC)
- #8) GIAC Certified Incident Handler Certification (GCIH)
- #9) Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT
- #10) OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP)
- #11) CyberSecurity Fundamentals Certificate (ISACA)
- #12) CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Cyber Security Certifications – Top Rated
When you obtain a Cybersecurity certification it opens or connects you to cybersecurity job opportunities. This cybersecurity certification is the stimulus that you need to reach your career goals and make you stand out among many professional cybersecurity experts.
Many organizations are in desperate need of skilled cybersecurity professionals who can help them detect, respond, and prevent cyber-attacks. Part of their requirement for many of these cybersecurity roles is certifications for cyber security which stand to be what will create and give you an avenue to the job certifications for cyber security
How to Choose a Cybersecurity Certification
Consider the points below:
- Career Goal: What you want to set for your cybersecurity career goal will help you choose the type of cybersecurity certification you will need to write. The cybersecurity field is very large and has different specializations and areas of focus. You cannot do all and I will advise you to stick to one that interests you very much and be skillful and create a wide experience for yourself on it.
- Reviews and Ratings: Another thing you can do when choosing a cybersecurity certification is to get reviews and ratings about that certification online. The reputation of the certification also comes under this category, if you get a very high reputation for a particular certification you can decide to go for it.
- Pricing: You may also need to check the price tag in writing a particular exam, if you don’t have enough cash you may need to go for cheap cybersecurity certification first to build your Resume or CV.
- Employer: Another thing that may affect the cybersecurity certification you will choose is the particular company you intend to work with or your current employer, they may favor some particular cybersecurity certifications over others, and this behavior will affect your chosen certification.
- Free Training/Exam Materials: Some exam bodies provide platform for a free training and free exam materials but only pay for the exam for your certification. Some also provide free cyber security certifications. You can choose to start with such an examination body as this will ease the burden of paying for training and certification.
- Employment Opportunities: A cybersecurity certification that will provide you with employment opportunities can be prioritized as early certification you will need to have while others can follow.
- Examination Process: When a cybersecurity certification process is seamless can also count as a very good starting point for your cybersecurity career as the ease of writing the exam is guaranteed.
How to Get into Cybersecurity
Getting into Cybersecurity is not rocketing science, even a rookie in the IT world can decide to join the field. You can search and apply for entry-level cyber security certifications or cyber security certifications for beginners. The following explanation will show you how to get into cybersecurity.
#1) Do research on different cybersecurity fields
Google is your friend when it’s time for research work. You can google cybersecurity certification for the security career you want to pursue, make an effort to do research on it, and see how you can be successful in that specific cybersecurity field.
You can also check for the cyber security certifications cost and see the one that is affordable and globally accepted.
#2) Develop and Acquire Cybersecurity skills
After doing your research and you have figured out the specific cybersecurity role you would like to take, you can start developing the skills you need to excel in it. These skills are not far-fetched and very easy to acquire. You can train yourself on different operating systems, you can learn some commands and scripting, and it’s not a bad idea to learn Python or have coding skills.
#3) Write a Cybersecurity Certification
After deciding the aspect of Cybersecurity you want to stick with you can also check the right certifications for that aspect of cybersecurity this will create job opportunities because hiring managers are always seeking those with cybersecurity certifications and will show them that you have all the requirements and credential to deliver on the job.
#4) Learn Cybersecurity tools and software
There are varieties of cybersecurity tools globally that you can use for your daily cybersecurity functions and hiring managers are always looking for expertise on some of these tools. Some security tool vendors even offer free academy and tutorial videos where you can learn how to use their tools.
Some vendors too offer free trials so you can gain first-hand experience on their tool before using their paid plan. So get yourself ready for the use of some of these tools because you never can tell which tool will come with a job opportunity for you.
#5) Gain Work Experience
Real-world experience on cybersecurity projects is the best and fastest way to learn cybersecurity. You may ask How can someone get work experience when you don’t have a job?
Search for internships online even when the offer comes without pay, you should gladly accept the offer because the program will prepare and train you for prospective employers.
#6) Grow your Professional Network
There is a huge Cybersecurity network globally so try to join some of them and connect to professionals on LinkedIn and any other network. We also have different Cybersecurity communities like OWASP that you can join and learn Cybersecurity stuff. This professional network will guide you on the best cybersecurity certification path you can follow.
Suggested Reading =>> Most Affordable And Free Online Cyber Security Degree Programs
#7) Update your CV and apply for entry-level cybersecurity positions
To secure a cyber security job update your CV or resume with all the skills you have acquired in cybersecurity and if you have certifications in cybersecurity, please add them. I will advise you to have different CVs and cover letters that will demonstrate your experience and skills in different advertised cybersecurity roles.
List of the Best Cyber Security Certifications
Here is the most popular list:
- Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- GIAC Security Essentials Certifications (GSEC)
- CyberSecurity Fundamentals Certificate (ISACA)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
Comparison Table of Top Certifications for Cyber Security
Certification | Best for | Prerequisites | Time for Completion | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
CISSP | CISO, IT manager, and security manager. | Five or more years of work experience in at least two of eight cybersecurity domains | 4 Hours | $749 |
comptiaCEH | Cybersecurity analysts, Network Engineers, Cybersecurity Consultants | Two years of work experience in information security or if you complete an official EC-Council training. | 4 Hours – 6 Hours | $1,050 – $1,119 |
OSCP | Penetration testers, Security professionals, Network administrators | Understanding of TCP/IP networking, Windows and Linux | 24 Hours | $999 – $2,499 |
CompTIA Security+ | SOC analysts, Cybersecurity consultants, Network Security Engineers, System Administrators | No Prerequisites but CompTIA recommends you have two years of work experience as an IT administrator | 90 Minutes | $392 |
CISA | Internal and external auditors | Five years of experience in IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance | 4 Hours | $575 – $760 |
Detailed Review:
#1) Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
Best and recommended for the Chief information security officer, director of security, IT manager, and security manager.
The CISSP is another advanced certification focused on experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives interested in both Network and Software development security. It validates your ability to effectively design, implement, and manage an effective cyber-security program for your organization.
This certification will help in advancing your career and increase your salary level.
Prerequisites:
- Before you can write the CISSP exam, you will need five or more years of work experience in at least two of eight cybersecurity domains. These include Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.
- If you have a four-year degree in computer science can serve as one year of experience. Part-time work and paid internships also count towards the experience.
How to apply/get this certification?
You can apply on ISC² and any of their partners. If you want to get certified you will need to score a minimum of 700 out of 1000 points to pass the exam. Once you receive notification that you have successfully passed the exam, you can immediately start the process of online certification application.
What this process will help you with is attesting to the fact that you truly have the professional experience you claim to have and that you are in good standing within the cybersecurity industry. It also contains the agreements to abide by the ISC2 Code of Ethics and privacy policy.
Features:
- It will help with your career growth and create more job opportunities for you.
- Getting CISSP certified comes with higher remuneration when compared with a non-certified person.
- When you have CISSP certification you have deeper skills and a better and broader understanding of cybersecurity.
- CISSP helps differentiate those with specialized knowledge, and experience and make good judgments when we talk of cybersecurity.
- Employers and organizations globally recognize CISSP certification holders as global information security leaders.
Self-study material:
ISC² offers different types of training for the CISSP certification, there is online self-paced training and private on-site training. You can also become a member and buy training, study, and apply for the exam.
You can also find some CISSP tutorials on YouTube and Udemy that will prepare you for the exam.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 4 hours |
No of Exam Questions | 125 – 175 |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and advance innovative items |
Passing Grade | 700 out of 1000 points |
Exam Language Availability | English |
Testing Center | ISC2 Authorized PPC and PVTC Select Pearson VUE Testing Centers |
Cost: $749
Website: CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional | ISC2
#2) Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Best for Network Security Engineers, System Administrators, System Engineers, Security Analyst, and Database Administrator. These are professionals responsible for the security of their organization’s critical assets.
SSCP certification will show you have the expertise and knowledge to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure using security best practices, policies, and procedures.
Prerequisites:
The SSCP is an intermediate cybersecurity certification that requires you to have one year of work experience in an IT security domain. Part-time work and internship can also count as part of your work experience.
However, this prerequisite can be skipped if only you have a bachelor’s or master’s in a cybersecurity degree.
How to apply/get this certification?
In order to be fully certified, you will need to:
Pass the certification exam: You need to score 700 out of 1,000 points to pass the exam. You can re-take the exam up to four times in a 12-month period,
Getting Endorsed: You will need to submit an online application for endorsement which can be done by a colleague or manager who is already (ISC)²-certified professional. You have the privilege to complete this endorsement within nine months.
You will also need to agree to the Code of Ethics by (ISC)² and pay the annual maintenance fee of $125-fee.
Features:
- Gain a deep understanding of some of the deep aspects of cybersecurity.
- Build a solid foundation as a security practitioner. It will prepare you to mitigate and respond to cyber-attacks.
- SSCP certification will help boost your career and create new cybersecurity career opportunities that you can quickly tap into.
- This certification will increase your confidence as a security practitioner.
- Employers and organizations globally recognize SSCP certification holders as global information security leaders.
Self-study material:
ISC² offers different types of training for the SSCP certification, there is online self-paced training and private on-site training. You can also become a member and buy training, study, and apply for the exam.
You can also find some SSCP tutorials on YouTube and Udemy that will prepare you for the exam.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 4 hours |
No of Exam Questions | 150 |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice |
Passing Grade | 700 out of 1000 points |
Exam Language Availability | English |
Testing Center | Pearson VUE Testing Center |
Cost: $249
Website: IT Security Certification | SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner | ISC2
#3) CompTIA Security+
Best for SOC analysts, Cybersecurity consultants, Network Security Engineers, System Administrators, Cyber Threat hunters, Information Security analysts, and Database administrators.
The CompTIA Security+ certification validates and proves that you have the necessary core skills in cybersecurity. This certification can be your first cybersecurity certification in the right direction into a rewarding and demanding cybersecurity career. Security+ is a first-level cybersecurity exam that is offered by CompTIA.
Prerequisites:
There are no requirements for taking the Security+ exam. But CompTIA recommends you have two years of work experience as an IT administrator with a focus on security. You can also decide to write the Network+ certification first but not compulsory.
How to apply/get this certification?
- First decide which Security+ exam you will take either SY0-601 or SY0-701 (To be launched on November 7, 2023).
- Register online and make payment to sit for the Security+ certification exam. You can decide to take the exam online or at a testing center (Pearson VUE).
- You need to score at least 750 out of 900 to pass the CompTIA Security Exam.
- You will also need continuing education units (CEUs) to renew your certification every three years. You can get these units via CertMaster CE which is a self-paced online course.
Features:
- When you are trained and certified on CompTIA Security+ you will get to detect various types of compromise and understand penetration testing and various vulnerability scanning concepts.
- It’s a Cybersecurity exam that a new person in the cybersecurity domain can write.
- This exam will open more cybersecurity opportunities for you as employers are seeking holders of CompTIA Security+.
Further Reading => Some Noteworthy Cybersecurity Training Courses
Self-study material:
- Several organizations offer exam preparation courses for this certification, example is Udemy and Coursera.
- You can take practice tests which can help you identify what areas to read more for the exam. CompTIA also offers a free practice test for the Security+ certification and you can equally find books and websites online that can tutor and prepare you.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 90 Minutes |
No of Exam Questions | 90 |
Exam Format | Multiple choice and performance-based |
Passing Grade | 750 out of 900 points |
Exam Language Availability | English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese, Spanish |
Testing Center | Pearson VUE Testing Center and Online |
Cost: $392
Website: Security+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications
#4) Certified Information Systems Auditor
Best for both internal and external auditors. it helps you showcase your expertise in planning, executing, and reporting on audit tasks. This certification is best for professional security experts who are transitioning into auditing, or auditors who are yet to be certified.
This certification from the professional association body ISACA helps showcase your expertise in discovering security vulnerabilities, designing and implementing security controls, and reporting on compliance.
This certification is among the most globally recognized certifications for careers in cybersecurity auditing. It covers different domains from planning audits to executing them and reporting the results
Prerequisites:
To take and pass this exam you will need at least five years of experience in IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance. But if you have a two or four-year degree this can be substituted for one or two years of experience.
How to apply/get this certification?
ISACA’S CISA certification exams are computer-based multi-choice questions and you can take it at authorized PSI testing centers globally or remotely proctored from your home or office.
There is no limit to CISA exam registration as it is continuous, so candidates can schedule for the exam anytime as early as 48 hours after payment of exam registration fees.
Taking and passing the CISA certification exam is one angle to your certification journey, to be fully certified you will need to complete the below:
- Pay the US$50 application processing fee
- Submit an application to demonstrate experience requirements
- Obey and adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics by ISACA
- Adhere to and follow the guidelines on the Continuing Professional Education Policy
- Compliance with the Global Information Systems Auditing Standards
Features:
- When your team has ISACA certifications it will show that they have relevant expertise in building, implementing, and managing different solutions built with organizational needs and goals in focus.
- ISACA’s CISA certification is globally accepted and recognized.
- CISA will create job opportunities and give you the credibility and confidence you need to move ahead in your career.
- It’s a certificate that will prove to employers that you’re ready to add value to their organization.
- It’s a certification required by many organizations and government agencies.
Self-study material:
ISACA has many study materials available online to help prep you for the exam, which include study manuals, self-paced online courses and practice questions.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 4 Hours |
No of Exam Questions | 150 |
Exam Format | Multiple choice |
Passing Grade | 450 |
Exam Language Availability | Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, English, German, French, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese |
Testing Center | Authorized PSI testing center or a remotely proctored exam from your home or office |
Cost: $392
Website: CISA Certification | Certified Information Systems Auditor | ISACA
#5) Certified Information Security Manager
Best as management certification that can move you from a team player to a leader. This certification is aimed at establishing you as a cybersecurity professional and you need to have experience before you can take the test and become certified. Most time mid-level managers who wish to move to a senior manager role can take the exam.
Certified Information Security Manager certification will help prepare you on how to assess risks, implement effective governance, and proactively respond to incidents. Security managers are more focused on making sure organizations comply with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements pertaining to security globally.
They are at the forefront of leading the overall security strategy of every organization. This certification is globally recognized and many organizations usually ask for it before employment.
Prerequisites:
To take the CISM exam, you need at least five years of experience in information security management either at a midlevel or senior level. You will need to have up to two years of general information security experience from the five years of experience. You can also waive one or two years with another good and valid cybersecurity certification or have a degree in information security.
How to apply/get this certification?
ISACA’S CISM certification exams are computer-based multi-choice questions and you can take it at authorized PSI testing centers globally or remotely proctored from your home or office. There is no limit to CISM exam registration as it is continuous, so candidates can schedule for the exam anytime as early as 48 hours after payment of exam registration fees.
Taking and passing the CISM certification exam is one angle to your certification journey, to be fully certified you will need to complete the below:
- Pay the US$50 application processing fee
- Submit an application to demonstrate experience requirements
- Obey and adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics by ISACA
- Adhere to and follow the guidelines on the Continuing Professional Education Policy
- Compliance with the Global Information Systems Auditing Standards
Features:
- When your team has ISACA certifications it will show that they have relevant expertise in building, implementing, and managing different solutions built with organizational needs and goals in focus.
- ISACA’s CISM certification is globally accepted and recognized.
- CISM will create job opportunities and give you the credibility and confidence you need to move ahead in your career.
- It’s a certificate that will prove to employers that you’re ready to add value to their organization.
- It’s a certification required by many organizations and government agencies.
Self-study material:
ISACA has many study materials available online to help prep you for the exam, which include study manuals, self-paced online courses and practice questions.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 4 Hours |
No of Exam Questions | 150 |
Exam Format | Multiple choice |
Passing Grade | 450 |
Exam Language Availability | Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, English, German, French, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese |
Testing Center | Authorized PSI testing center or a remotely proctored exam from your home or office |
Cost: $392
Website: CISM Certification | Certified Information Security Manager | ISACA
#6) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Best for Cybersecurity Analysts, Network Engineers, Cybersecurity Consultants, and those referred to as ethical hackers.
It is a very important certification for any security professional and they will need to be trained on a 20-module course which includes footprinting and reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, malware threats, social engineering, and many more which will help them master the foundations of ethical hacking.
CEH Certification is all about Ethical hacking which is also known as white hat hacking, or penetration testing that involves a lawful hacking of organizations to try and detect vulnerabilities before malicious actors will discover the vulnerability.
When you earn this certification, you will be able to demonstrate that you have skills in penetration testing, detecting cyber-attack vectors, and preventing cyber-attacks. This certification will help you think and act like a hacker and take a more proactive approach to any cybersecurity attacks.
This exam comes as Theory and practical we have just the CEH which has 125 multiple-choice questions and is 4 hours long while the CEH Practical is a 6-hour practical exam with 20 scenario-based questions.
You can decide to take one or both exams but each of the exams is designed to help you prove your skills and show any employer that you’re qualified for the job. When you have both certifications, you will earn the CEH Master designation.
Prerequisites:
You are eligible to take the CEH exam if you have two years of work experience in information security or if you complete an official EC-Council training.
How to apply/get this certification?
Certified Ethical Hacker (Practical)
- After you purchase the exam here you will be sent the exam dashboard code with instructions to schedule your exam.
Note: Please note that the exam dashboard code is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Certified Ethical Hacker (ANSI)
- Complete the official EC-Council training either at an Accredited Training Center through the iClass platform or at an approved academic center.
- A candidate who does not attend training must have a minimum of 2 years of work experience in the security domain.
- After attending the official EC-Council training you are required to pay the $100 application fee but sometimes it’s usually part of the training fee.
- After your application is approved you will be sent instructions on how to purchase a voucher from EC-Council. After making the payment EC-Council will then send the voucher code to schedule your exam. The voucher is valid for one year.
Features:
- CEH Certified Professionals received promotions
- Skills acquired during prep can help safeguard organizations
- CEH provides you with career growth
- It is the best Ethical Hacking Certification
- it has flexible learning options.
Self-study material:
There are CEH Course Kits to select and iLab you can use for your exam prep. There are various study materials online and practice questions. You can also join an online forum or community that can help you connect with other people who are preparing for the CEH exam
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | CEH ANSI – 4 Hours CEH Practical – 6 Hours |
No of Exam Questions | CEH ANSI -125 CEH Practical – 20 challenges |
Exam Format | Multiple choice or Practical |
Passing Grade | CEH ANSI – 70% or CEH Practical – 14 questions |
Exam Language Availability | English and Spanish |
Testing Center | PearsonVUE or EC-Council-approved proctor |
Cost: $1,050 – $1,119
Website: CEH Certification | Certified Ethical Hacker | CEH Course | EC-Council (eccouncil.org)
#7) GIAC Security Essentials Certifications (GSEC)
Best for: If you have a background in IT and want to move into Cybersecurity then GSEC Certification is the best option. It is aimed toward new Information Security Professionals with backgrounds in information systems and networking, IT Engineers, Penetration testers, and Auditors.
GSEC is an entry-level security credential for those with some background in IT. When you earn this credential, it will validate your skills in IT security areas like cloud security, incident response, and network defense.
Prerequisites:
There are no rules or any defined requirements for taking the GSEC exam. But first, you can start by gaining some IT experience in information systems and computer networking.
How to apply/get this certification?
- On the GIAC Platform Select the GSEC certification.
- Prepare for the certification exam.
- Schedule an appointment to take your GSEC Exam.
- After passing the exam you will be GSEC certified
Features:
- GSEC Certified Professionals received promotions.
- It will provide you with career growth.
- Its an entry-level certification for IT experts.
Self-study material:
You can find affiliate training online and you can further find other study materials online which also include the practice test.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 4 – 5 Hours |
No of Exam Questions | 106 – 180 |
Exam Format | Multiple choice |
Passing Grade | 73% |
Exam Language Availability | English |
Testing Center | PearsonVUE or ProctorU |
Cost | The exam cost $949 |
Website | GIAC Security Essentials Certification | Cybersecurity Certification |
Cost: $1,050 – $1,119
Website: CEH Certification | Certified Ethical Hacker | CEH Course | EC-Council (eccouncil.org)
#8) GIAC Certified Incident Handler Certification (GCIH)
Best for Incident handlers, Incident handling team leads, System Administrators, Security Architects, First responders, Security Practitioners.
The GCIH certification will validate your ability and skills to detect, respond, and resolve any computer security incidents. When you have GCIH certification you will have the expertise needed to manage any security incidents carried out by attack vectors and be able to defend against and respond to the attacks.
Prerequisites:
There are no specific or defined prerequisites for taking the GCIH exam but it is always a good thing to have an understanding of security principles, networking protocols, and the Windows Command Line.
How to apply/get this certification?
- On the GIAC Platform Select the GCIH certification.
- Prepare for the certification exam.
- Schedule an appointment to take your GCIH Exam.
- After passing the exam you will be GCIH certified
Features:
- GCIH Certified Professionals received promotions.
- It will provide you with career growth.
- It’s a certification for security first responders.
Self-study material:
You can find affiliate training online and you can further find other study materials online which also include the practice test.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 4 Hours |
No of Exam Questions | 106 |
Exam Format | Multiple choice |
Passing Grade | 70% |
Exam Language Availability | English |
Testing Center | PearsonVUE or ProctorU |
Cost: $949
Website: GIAC Incident Handler Certification | GCIH
#9) Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT
Best for professionals responsible for managing, advising, or assuring IT governance within an organization. It confirms that you have the expertise and skills in enterprise IT governance.
This certification from the professional association body ISACA helps individuals who are seeking to grow within their current organization or seeking a new career opportunity. When you have this certification, you will become a trusted advisor for IT Enterprises. You will be able to prove your expertise in IT enterprise governance at an executive level.
Prerequisites:
You will need a minimum of five years of experience managing, advising, and supporting the governance of all IT activities. But if you have a two or four-year degree this can be substituted for one or two years of experience.
How to apply/get this certification?
ISACA’S CGEIT certification exams are computer-based multi-choice questions and you can take it at authorized PSI testing centers globally or remotely proctored from your home or office. There is no limit to CGEIT exam registration as it is continuous, so candidates can schedule for the exam anytime as early as 48 hours after payment of exam registration fees.
Taking and passing the CGEIT certification exam is one angle to your certification journey, to be fully certified you will need to complete the below:
- Pay the US$50 application processing fee
- Submit an application to demonstrate experience requirements
- Obey and adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics by ISACA
- Adhere to and follow the guidelines of the Continuing Professional Education Policy
- Compliance with the Global Information Systems Auditing Standards
Features:
- When you have CGEIT you will experience on-the-job improvement.
- ISACA’s CGEIT certification is globally accepted and recognized.
- CGEIT will create job opportunities and give you the credibility and confidence you need to move ahead in your career and receive a pay boost.
- It’s a certificate that will prove to employers that you’re ready to add value to their organization.
- It’s a certification required by many organizations and government agencies.
Self-study material:
ISACA has many study materials available online to help prep you for the exam, which include study manuals, self-paced online courses, and practice questions.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 4 Hours |
No of Exam Questions | 150 |
Exam Format | Multiple choice |
Passing Grade | 450 out of 800 |
Exam Language Availability | English |
Testing Center | Authorized PSI testing center or a remotely proctored exam from your home or office |
Cost: The registration fee is $575 USD for members and $760 for non-members
Website: CGEIT Certification | Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT | ISACA
#10) OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP)
Best for any Infosec professional who is transitioning into penetration testing, Pentesters who need certification as proof, those interested in becoming a penetration tester, Security professionals, Network administrators, and any other technology professionals.
Candidates who complete the OSCP course and pass the exam will earn the OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP) certification which requires you to successfully attack and penetrate various live servers or workstations in a safe lab environment.
This OSCP certification is highly technical when compared to other hacking certifications and when you have this cert it will affirm the fact that you have practical penetration testing skills that every organization wants.
Prerequisites:
All Candidates are required to have a solid understanding of TCP/IP networking, How to operate Windows and Linux operating systems, and experience with scripting using bash or python.
How to apply/get this certification?
You will register for the PEN-200 course and online lab as an Individual, Team, or Organization which will help prepare you for the 24-hours OSCP penetration testing certification exam. After writing the exam you are required to write a professional report describing your exploitation process for each target.
Features:
- It’s a practical base certification
- You will have access to recently retired OSCP exam machines
- You will be introduced to the latest hacking tools and techniques
- You will receive training from experts behind Kali Linux
- You will learn the “Try Harder” method and mindset
Self-study material:
OffSec has the PEN-200 course and the online lab that will prepare you for the OSCP penetration testing certification. There are many study materials online that can also help prepare you for the exam.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 24 Hours |
No of Exam Questions | Different Exploitation Task |
Exam Format | Hands-on |
Passing Grade | 70 Points out of possible 100 Points |
Exam Language Availability | English |
Testing Center | Proctored by OffSec |
Cost | Between $999 – $2,499 |
Website | PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux | OffSec |
Cost: Between $999 – $2,499
Website: PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux | OffSec
#11) CyberSecurity Fundamentals Certificate (ISACA)
Best for Students, Current Graduates, New IT Professionals, and Individuals who want to change careers.
This certification will help candidates demonstrate their understanding of the principles behind cybersecurity and the important role cybersecurity professionals play in protecting enterprise data and infrastructure.
Prerequisites:
No prerequisite. Anyone at any level can sit for it.
How to apply/get this certification?
You can apply via the ISACA Website and the exam is a computer-based multi-choice question and you can take it at authorized PSI testing centers globally or remotely proctored from your home or office.
Self-study material:
ISC² offers different types of training for the CISSP certification, there is online self-paced training and private on-site training. You can also become a member and buy training, study, and apply for the exam.
You can also find some CISSP tutorials on YouTube and Udemy that will prepare you for the exam.
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 2 hours |
No of Exam Questions | 60 (36 multiple choice questions with each awarded one mark and 12 performance-based questions with each awarded two marks) |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice and performance-based questions |
Passing Grade | 65% or higher |
Exam Language Availability | English |
Testing Center | Authorized PSI testing center or a remotely proctored exam from your home or office |
Cost: Member: US$120 Non-Member: US$144
Website: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate | ISACA
#12) CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
Best for SOC manager, Security Architect, Security Engineer, and chief information security officer.
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner certification is designed for experienced and advanced cybersecurity professionals.
Prerequisites:
CompTIA recommends candidates sitting for this exam should have a minimum of 10 years of hands-on IT experience and at least five years of hands-on security experience.
How to apply/get this certification?
You can apply for the CompTIA CASP+ in any country. Buy a voucher for a specific country or region from Pearson VUE, the CompTIA Store, or a CompTIA Authorized Partner.
Features:
- The CASP+ exam covers both security architecture and engineering, unlike other certifications.
- The CASP+ exam is not an exam for newcomers into security careers or managers. It’s hands-on and performance-based certification at an advanced level.
- Globally the CASP+ exam is the most up-to-date advanced-level cybersecurity certification.
Self-study material:
- eLearning with CertMaster Learn
- Interactive Labs with CertMaster Labs
- Study Guides in e-book form for CASP+
- CompTIA Authorized training partners
Exam Details:
Length of Exam | 165 Minutes |
No of Exam Questions | 90 |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice and performance-based |
Passing Grade | This test has no scaled score; it’s pass/fail only |
Exam Language Availability | English, Japanese and Thai |
Testing Center | Pearson VUE Testing Center and Online |
Cost: $494
Website: CASP+ (Plus) CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many cyber security certifications that are good and come with great salary expectations but when we say one is the highest paying will usually call for debate. However, according to different surveys online, the following certifications are among the highest-paying Cyber Security certifications:
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offensive Security (OSCP)
You need to check which certification can help advance your current skill and career and you are capable of paying the exam fee. One of the most popular and globally accepted certifications for cybersecurity entry-level roles is the CompTIA Security+.
Cyber security certifications are generally worth it only when you pick the right certification for yourself. Security certifications will always come with a salary increase and when you have the right credentials at the right time can open job opportunities and make you more attractive to both recruiters and hiring managers.
Yes, when you have the right cybersecurity certification can help you land the right job. No matter how beginner the certificate may look, it will help you to secure an entry-level role.
Conclusion
Immediately after collecting your certification what is left is to use it to advance your career by showing it to your employer and adding it to your CV. If you need an entry-level cert search for one from the most popular and also search for jobs that list the certification as a requirement.
Make use of the available community for professionals with such certification and network with them.
Remember that these certifications have a renewal fee you pay yearly or every two years and you must continue with your professional education (CPE) by gathering points via training and community service or volunteering to support info security.
So keep in mind that you have to continue to maintain your certification and be updated with current trends pertaining to cybersecurity.