7+ Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to increase by 32% between 2022 and 2032, making now an ideal time to transition into the field .

In this article, we will compare eight popular cybersecurity certifications and two certificates that are highly regarded in 2024. If you’re considering advancing your career in cybersecurity, earning credentials from industry leaders like the Google Cybersecurity Certificate can be a great start.

Do I Need a Cybersecurity Certification or Certificate?

If you have prior experience in cybersecurity and want to validate your knowledge, preparing for and passing a certification exam may be beneficial.

If you’d prefer to enhance your skills through an educational program and earn a credential upon completion, a certificate could be more suitable.

Those aiming to bolster their resume and skill set might consider obtaining both, as certificate programs often help prepare for certification exams.

8 Cybersecurity Certifications Companies Are Hiring For

While many cybersecurity roles require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related discipline, employers often prioritize candidates with certifications that demonstrate their expertise in industry-standard processes. There are hundreds of certification programs, ranging from general to vendor-specific and from beginner to advanced levels.

Before investing your time and money into a certification, it’s essential to choose one that will give you a competitive edge. Many U.S. job listings cite cybersecurity certifications as preferred or required qualifications, with these eight being frequently mentioned across LinkedIn, Indeed, and Simply Hired in October 2024.

All salary data represents average U.S. salaries from Glassdoor as of October 2024.

1. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification that verifies essential skills needed in any cybersecurity role. With this certification, you demonstrate the ability to assess organizational security, secure cloud, mobile, and IoT environments, understand risk compliance laws, and respond to security incidents.

Earning a Security+ certification can lead to roles such as:

• Systems Administrator – $89,915
• Help Desk Manager – $98,256
• Security Engineer – $157,496
• Cloud Engineer – $116,135
• Security Administrator – $112,841
• IT Auditor – $89,468
• Software Developer – $100,156

Requirements: No strict prerequisites, but it’s recommended to have a Network+ certification and at least two years of IT experience with a focus on security.

Cost: $404

For those new to IT, CompTIA suggests starting with the A+ Cyber Specialization, which covers foundational skills and prepares candidates for the CompTIA A+ exams—the initial step in the CompTIA certification path.

Visit Comptia

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2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP, offered by (ISC)², is one of the most prestigious certifications in the field. It confirms that you are proficient in IT security and capable of designing, implementing, and managing a cybersecurity program.

This advanced certification is ideal for experienced security professionals aiming for roles like:

• Chief Information Security Officer – $217,127
• Security Administrator – $81,959
• Security Engineer – $157,496
• Senior Security Consultant – $142,737
• Information Assurance Analyst – $114,004

Requirements: Five or more years of cumulative work experience in at least two of eight cybersecurity domains, such as Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, and Security Operations. A four-year degree counts for one year of experience, and part-time work and paid internships are also considered.

Cost: $749

The Path to CISSP: New to cybersecurity? You can take the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)² and earn full CISSP certification after gaining the required work experience within six years.

Visit CISSP to Learn More

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3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacking (read: what is ethical hacking), or penetration testing, involves legally probing an organization’s security systems to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do. The EC-Council’s CEH certification demonstrates your ability to think like a hacker and proactively identify and fix security weaknesses.

The CEH certification suits jobs like:

• Penetration Tester – $137,195
• Cyber Incident Analyst – $104,548
• Threat Intelligence Analyst – $163,428
• Cloud Security Architect – $234,881
• Cybersecurity Engineer – $159,846

Requirements: Two years of work experience in information security or completion of an official EC-Council training.

Cost: $950-$2,199 (varies by location)

Read more: How to Learn Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing

4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

CISA is a respected credential from ISACA that verifies expertise in assessing security vulnerabilities, implementing controls, and ensuring compliance. It’s ideal for professionals advancing in cybersecurity auditing.

The CISA certification is suited for roles like:

• IT Audit Manager – $112,241
• Cybersecurity Auditor – $162,067
• Information Security Analyst – $140,653
• Security Engineer – $157,496
• IT Project Manager – $121,042
• Compliance Program Manager – $115,994

Requirements: Five years of experience in IT, auditing, control, or security. Degrees can substitute for up to two years of experience.

Cost: $575 (members); $760 (non-members)

5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISM, another ISACA certification, focuses on managing information security, including governance and risk management. It’s a great choice for those transitioning from technical to managerial roles.

Suitable roles for CISM holders include:

• IT Manager – $108,606
• Information Systems Security Officer – $164,496
• Information Risk Consultant – $111,198
• Director of Information Security – $345,673
• Data Governance Manager – $133,639

Requirements: Five years in information security management, with possible waivers for other relevant certifications or degrees.

Cost: $575 (members); $760 (non-members)

Read more: Guide to CISM Certification

6. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

The GCIH validates your understanding of offensive operations, including attack detection and incident handling. It covers topics such as computer crime investigation and hacker tools.

Ideal roles for GCIH certified professionals:

• Security Incident Handler – $61,662
• Security Architect – $156,094
• Systems Administrator – $89,915

Requirements: No formal prerequisites, but knowledge of security principles, networking, and the Windows Command Line is recommended.

Cost: $979

7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

SSCP, from (ISC)², certifies your ability to design and maintain a secure IT environment, covering aspects like cryptography, network security, and incident response.

SSCP can lead to roles such as:

• Network Security Engineer – $117,349
• Systems Administrator – $89,915
• Systems Engineer – $138,065
• Security Analyst – $111,698
• Database Administrator – $103,888
• Cybersecurity Consultant – $197,194

Requirements: One year of paid work experience in a related field or a degree in cybersecurity.

Cost: $249

8. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GSEC is an entry-level credential from GIAC for those with basic knowledge in information systems. It validates skills in network security, cryptography, and cloud security.

Roles you can pursue with GSEC:

• IT Security Manager – $139,454
• Computer Forensic Analyst – $127,885
• Penetration Tester – $137,195
• Security Administrator – $81,959
• IT Auditor – $89,468
• Software Development Engineer – $200,524

Requirements: No formal prerequisites, but experience in IT or networking is beneficial.

Cost: $979-$1,299

Employer-Recognized Cybersecurity Certificates

While certifications verify your knowledge, certificates confirm the successful completion of a training program. Both can enhance your resume and boost your career prospects.

Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Google’s certificate focuses on hands-on skills with tools like SQL, Linux, and Python. It also covers AI training, which is in high demand.

Roles suited for this certificate include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst – $103,943
• Cybersecurity Specialist – $108,394
• Security Administrator – $112,841

Cost: $59 per month with Coursera Plus

Google Cloud Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Focused on cloud security, this program emphasizes Google Cloud technologies.

Roles:

• Cloud Security Analyst – $124,757
• Cloud Administrator – $128,335

Cost: $59 per month

How to Choose a Cybersecurity Certification or Certificate

Consider your experience level, the cost, and your career goals when selecting a program. Research potential employers to see which credentials they prefer.

How to Get Into Cybersecurity: First Steps

To break into cybersecurity, consider earning a degree or certifications that waive work requirements.

Consider Earning a Degree in Computer Science

While not mandatory, a degree can lay a solid foundation and make you eligible for certain certifications. Schools like the University of Pennsylvania offer programs tailored for non-CS backgrounds.

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