What are the best cybersecurity certifications?

In today’s digital world, IT professionals and aspiring IT professionals must consider cybersecurity in all aspects of their careers.

With the constant threat of cyberattacks and the ever-increasing need for trained professionals to defend against them, earning a cybersecurity certification can help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge while demonstrating their expertise to potential employers.

There are multiple basic cybersecurity certifications that beginning IT professionals can use to earn an entry-level security position, or that experienced IT professionals can use to make a career change. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best of those certifications, how to earn them, and the best career path to take advantage of these certifications.

Let’s get started.

Best Cybersecurity Certifications for IT Professionals

Here are a few of the most popular and widely recognized cybersecurity certifications available for individuals looking to advance their careers.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP certification [1] is one of the most highly-regarded cybersecurity certifications in the industry. It validates an individual’s expertise in cybersecurity and covers a range of security topics, from security and risk management to asset security, security engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.

To achieve CISSP certification, you need to pass the CISSP exam, which consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that cover the eight CISSP domains. The exam is four hours long, and to qualify for the exam, you must have at least five years of professional work experience in the information security field, or four years of experience plus a college degree.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

CEH certification [2] is designed for individuals who want to learn how to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks. It covers a range of topics such as network security, reconnaissance, scanning and enumeration, system hacking, social engineering, and web application hacking.

To achieve CEH certification, you need to pass the CEH certification exam, which consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. The exam is four hours long, and to qualify for the exam, you must have at least two years of professional experience in the information security field or have completed certified pre-exam training from an accredited institution.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ certification [3] is an entry-level certification that covers foundational security concepts and best practices. It covers a range of topics, from threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, technologies and tools, security architecture and design, identity and access management, risk management, and cryptography.

The CompTIA Security+ certification covers incident response as part of its exam objectives. It includes topics such as identifying incidents, responding to incidents, and reporting incidents.

To achieve CompTIA Security+ certification, you need to pass the Security+ exam, which consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. The exam is 90 minutes long, and there are no specific prerequisites for taking the exam.

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)

CAS-004 (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) [4] is a cybersecurity certification offered by CompTIA. It is an advanced-level certification that is designed for cybersecurity professionals with several years of experience in the field.

CAS-004 certification covers a wide range of application security topics, including risk management, enterprise security architecture, research and analysis, and integration of computing, communications, and business disciplines. The certification also emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the practical application of cybersecurity concepts in real-world scenarios.

CAS-004 is intended for cybersecurity professionals who are responsible for the design, implementation, and management of cybersecurity solutions in enterprise environments. The certification is recognized by employers in the IT industry and is a validation of an individual’s advanced-level cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security Certification

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security certification [5] is an entry-level certification focusing on the field of network security. It is designed for network security professionals who are responsible for securing Cisco networks.

The CCNA Security certification requires passing one exam, the 210-260 Implementing Cisco Network Security (IINS) exam. The exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of network security concepts, VPNs, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and other related technologies.

The CCNA Security certification is a prerequisite for more advanced Cisco certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification. It is an excellent starting point for those who want to pursue a career in network security, and it validates the foundational skills required to secure Cisco networks.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

CISA certification [6] is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in auditing, controlling, monitoring, and assessing an organization’s information technology and business systems. It covers a range of topics such as information system auditing, malware, cloud computing, governance and management of IT, information system acquisition, development, implementation, and information system operations, maintenance, and support.

To achieve CISA certification, you need to pass the CISA exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam is four hours long, and to qualify for the exam, you must have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security, or have completed prerequisite training from an accredited institution.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISM certification [7] is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in information security management. It covers a range of topics such as information security (infosec) governance, risk management, program development and management, incident management, and compliance.

To achieve CISM certification, you need to pass the CISM exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam is four hours long, and to qualify for the exam, you must have at least five years of professional experience in information security specialist management or have completed pre-exam training from an accredited institution.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

OSCP certification [8] is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in penetration testing—or pentest—and ethical hacking. It covers a range of topics such as information gathering, network scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and post-exploitation.

To achieve OSCP certification, you need to pass the PEN-200 exam, which is a practical exam that requires you to identify vulnerabilities in a given network and exploit them to gain access to the network’s systems. The exam is 24 hours long, and you must submit a report detailing the vulnerabilities you found and the methods you used to exploit them.

Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

ISACA is an international professional association that provides guidance and certifications in the areas of IT governance, risk management, security, and audit. The organization was founded in 1969 and has members in more than 180 countries.

We’ve already looked at several ISACA certifications above, including the CISA and CISM, but ISACA also offers certification in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) and Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). These certifications are recognized globally and are highly valued by employers in the information technology and information security fields.

ISACA also provides guidance and standards [9] for information security and audit professionals, including the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT) framework, which is used by organizations to align IT strategy with business goals and objectives.

ISACA offers training, conferences, and networking opportunities to its members to help them stay current with the latest trends and developments in IT governance, risk management, security, and audit. It also advocates for the development and adoption of policies and regulations that promote the use of IT in a safe and secure manner.

Vendor-Neutral vs Vendor-Specific Certifications

If you’re looking for a certification that covers foundational cybersecurity topics that can be applied across all systems, the following certifications are vendor-neutral:

1. CompTIA Security+

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

4. SANS GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) [10]

These certifications are not specific to any particular vendor or technology and cover fundamental concepts of cybersecurity that are applicable across different technologies and platforms.

In contrast, certifications that are vendor-specific—such as Cisco CCNA Security, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)—focus on specific vendor products and technologies.

Both vendor-neutral and vendor-specific certifications have their own advantages and can be valuable depending on the career path and job requirements that an individual is working toward. However, vendor-neutral certifications are generally more flexible and may be more appropriate for entry-level professionals or those looking to work with multiple vendors or technologies.