With the many cybersecurity certificate options available, choosing the right certification can be a bit overwhelming. However, earning any of these certifications will help you stand out among your peers and can significantly enhance your career prospects in cybersecurity. Stay abreast of the latest developments, keep honing your skills, and continue to learn – because, in cybersecurity, there is always room to improve.
What to Consider When Choosing a Cybersecurity Certification
Cybersecurity is a growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals. When exploring the different options, we recommend evaluating your career aspirations, experience, and areas of interest. If you are interested in a career in cybersecurity, consider the following when choosing a certification to pursue:
- Consider your career goals. What type of cybersecurity work do you want to do? If you want to be a security analyst, you will need a different certification than if you want to be a penetration tester.
- Consider your experience level. If you are new to cybersecurity, you may want to start with a foundational certification like Security+. If you have more experience, you may be able to skip to a more advanced certification like the CISSP.
- Consider your budget. Cybersecurity certifications can be expensive. Be sure to factor in the cost of the exam, as well as the cost of any training materials or courses.
The 8 Best Cybersecurity Certifications to Advance Your Career
Security+
If you’re just getting started, Security+ is a foundational cybersecurity certification that covers the basics of information security. It is a great choice for anyone new to cybersecurity or wanting to brush up on their skills.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Network Administrator: $62,900
- Systems Administrator: $67,250
- Security Administrator: $69,320
- Security Analyst: $75,400
- Security Specialist: $79,400
- Security Engineer: $108,900
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification is ideal for professionals who design and manage enterprise information security programs. It focuses on the management and governance of IT security rather than the technical aspects and is often pursued by those aiming for leadership or consulting roles. CISM certification requires five years of work experience in information security management. However, waivers are available for those who hold other related certifications or degrees.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Information Security Analyst: $85,400
- Cyber Security Engineer: $112,800
- Information Security Officer: $118,200
- Security Manager: $126,500
- Security Architect: $134,500
- Information Technology (IT) Director: $141,300
- Chief Information Security Officer: $181,400
Our relevant course: Information Security Management Course
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The OSCP is a unique and respected certification that validates a professional's ability to perform a penetration test using a highly technical, hands-on approach. Offered by Offensive Security, the certification is achieved after passing a rigorous 24-hour exam, where the candidate must successfully hack and exploit various systems in a controlled environment. While it's not for the faint of heart, the OSCP is highly valued by employers and is excellent for those interested in offensive security roles such as penetration testers.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Information Security Analyst: $85,400
- Security Consultant: $92,400
- Penetration Tester: $97,500
- Cyber Security Analyst: $99,200
- Security Engineer: $108,900
- Cyber Security Engineer: $112,800
- Cyber Security Specialist: $130,500
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP is the world's most widely recognized cybersecurity certification. It is a vendor-neutral certification covering a wide range of cybersecurity topics, making it a good choice for anyone seeking a general cybersecurity certification.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Information Security Analyst: $85,400
- Cyber Security Analyst: $99,200
- Security Engineer: $108,900
- Information Security Manager: $124,300
- Chief Information Security Officer: $181,400
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification for ethical hackers or white hat hackers. Ethical hackers use their skills to test networks and systems to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Information Security Analyst: $85,400
- Penetration Tester: $97,500
- Cyber Security Analyst: $99,200
- Security Engineer: $108,900
- Cyber Security Engineer: $112,800
- Information Security Manager: $124,300
- Penetration Tester: $97,500
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
The GCIH is a certification for incident handlers responsible for responding to and mitigating cybersecurity incidents.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Information Security Analyst: $85,400
- Cyber Security Analyst: $99,200
- Information Security Engineer: $108,100
- Cyber Security Engineer: $112,800
- Information Security Manager: $124,300
- Information Security Engineer: $108,100
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The CCSP is a certification for cloud security professionals responsible for securing cloud-based systems and applications.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Information Security Analyst: $85,400
- Cyber Security Analyst: $99,200
- Security Engineer: $108,900
- Cyber Security Engineer: $112,800
- Security Architect: $134,500
- Security Director: $161,000
CGEIT
ISACA's Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) certification is important as it is a globally recognized certification that validates knowledge and skills in IT governance. This can make individuals a more valuable asset to organizations and give them a competitive edge in the job market.
The CGEIT certification is a valuable credential for IT professionals who are looking to advance their careers. It can help them qualify for senior-level IT governance, risk management, and compliance positions. It can also help them improve their organization's IT governance. The CGEIT certification can help improve the organization's IT governance by providing individuals with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and manage an effective IT governance framework.
Potential Positions and Salaries:
- Chief Data Officer: $132,000
- Information Technology (IT) Director: $141,300
- Chief Information Officer (CIO): $163,300
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great cybersecurity certifications available. With so many great cybersecurity certifications available, you will surely find one that is right for you.
Ready to earn some of these certifications for yourself? Check out our variety of Cybersecurity Courses that train and prepare you for the respective certifications after completion.