Best Cybersecurity Certifications: What Do You Need To Know?

In our increasingly connected digital world, cyber attacks and hacks are a ubiquitous reality. For those working in information technology (IT), a cybersecurity certification is a great way to build practical knowledge to protect against security threats.

Recognized qualifications also help maintain professional liquidity and company reputation. As outlined on this page, obtaining a reputable cybersecurity certification requires an investment, but it can also pay off.

What is a Cybersecurity Certification, and Why Pursue One?

Cybersecurity certifications demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience in topics such as hacking and cyberattacks. Certification also demonstrates an understanding of the company’s best practices and strategies for maintaining privacy and security.

Earning a certification gives IT professionals access to in-depth training modules and exam preparation materials. In addition to expertise, cybersecurity certification can bring credibility to an employee’s organization.

If you’re new to cybersecurity and not sure how to get started, our entry-level certification is for you. If you’re aiming for a more advanced position with a higher salary in cybersecurity, a certification can help you reach that goal by enhancing your cybersecurity resume.

How Long Does a Cybersecurity Certification Take?

Certification programs differ in terms of training and exam duration. Some accredited providers offer multi-day or multi-part modules that can be completed in person, online, or in a hybrid format. Many certifications do not require training or coursework, but candidates are encouraged to prepare on their own time.

The Best Cybersecurity Certifications

CompTIA Security+

Recognized as the world’s leading certification, CompTIA Security+ is a mandatory pre-requisite that validates the core competencies of cybersecurity professionals. This designation is considered a stepping stone to an intermediate level role and meets DoD 8570 compliance.

Students learn how to navigate problems through real-world examples and gain technical expertise in architecture and design, implementation, operations and incident response, governance, compliance, and more.

• Exam fee. $392
• Time to completion. The exam is 90 minutes long and available both in person and online via Pearson VUE. Candidates who take CompTIA’s CertMaster Learn training course must complete 40 to 50 hours of self-paced materials.
• Professionals who may benefit. Network and cloud engineers, IT project managers, security administrators, IT auditors, security engineers and analysts

Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

This certification is a great option for individuals who want a thorough understanding of Microsoft’s Security Compliance and Identity (SCI) solutions. Prospective students are recommended to be familiar with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. You should also have a background in networking or cloud computing or IT.

• Exam fee: $99
• Time to complete: The exam has a 45 minute completion time frame. Preparation time varies. Microsoft offers his two methods to prepare for the exam. A free, self-paced four-part learning path series and a paid (approximately $600) instructor-led six-hour virtual session with him.
• A professional who can work: IT professionals looking for new skills, cybersecurity students looking to supplement their studies, and anyone interested in his SCI solution from Microsoft.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

This intermediate-level certification is offered by (ISC)2 and is highly regarded in cybersecurity. This credential is intended for professionals seeking knowledge in security design, implementation, and management. Eligible Her CISSP requires at least five years of experience to be eligible for the exam. Those with less experience can earn the Associate of (ISC)2 certification.

The four hour exam consists of 125 to 175 questions. (ISC)2 offers multiple formats for exam preparation, including classroom training, instructor-led online sessions, online self-paced modules, and private training.

• Cost. $350
• Exam fee: $749
• Time to complete: A CISSP candidate must have at least five years of experience before taking the exam. A four-year degree completes her one year of this essential experience. The exam itself lasts her four hours.
• Professional who can work: C-level Information Security Executive and Director. Security Systems Engineers and Analysts. Security administrators, architects, auditors and consultants

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)®

Ideal for security professionals seeking promotion to manager-level positions, this ISACA certification provides tactical knowledge related to information security governance, risk and incident management, and program development. In addition to passing the exam, CISM candidates must demonstrate full-time industry experience and submit an application.

• Cost. $350
• Exam fee: $575 for ISACA members, $760 for non-members
• Time to complete: Candidates must demonstrate her five years of full-time work experience in safety management. The exam itself lasts her four hours.
• Exam preparation time: varies.

Professionals who may benefit. Mid-level information security professionals seeking managerial roles.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)®

Intermediate and entry-level cybersecurity professionals can benefit from this certification, which covers five areas: the information systems audit process; IT governance and management; Acquisition, development and implementation of information systems. Information system operations and business confidence. Protecting Information Assets As with the CISM certification, candidates must pass an exam and apply for certification with a relevant industry credential.

• Exam fee: $575 for ISACA members, $760 for non-members.
• Time to complete: The four-hour exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in the field of information systems auditing, control, or security.
• Professional who can work: Information technology and information security professionals in auditing, control and assurance roles.

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

This entry-level credential is a great entry-level cybersecurity certification for beginners. With this designation, practitioners go beyond basic knowledge and acquire the tactical skills to assume the role of IT systems that manage proactive defense, cryptography, defensible network architecture, security policy, and web security.

• Exam fee: $949 (includes exam and 2 practice exams)
• Time to complete: Exams that require tutoring from ProctorU or Pearson VUE last 4–5 hours and contain 106–180 questions. Preparation time varies.
• Professional who can work: New and established information security professionals in management, operations, engineering, monitoring, management, analysis, and audit roles

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)®

CEH certification provides cutting-edge training on the latest hacking trends for security professionals. Delivered in a gamified format, the CEH v12 course includes 20 modules that cover everything from ethical hacking fundamentals to solving real-world hacking challenges across platforms, systems, and networks. I’m here. Future CEHs can skip training and apply for admission to the certification exam.

• Exam fee: $950 to $1,199 depending on exam delivery format
• Time to complete: The CEH exam lasts 4 hours. The EC Council training costs USD 850 and lasts 5 days. An experienced professional with more than two years of relevant professional experience can apply for the exam without attending a training course.
• Professional who can work: Information Security Analysts, Administrators, Managers, Engineers, Auditors, Executives and Administrators.

Logical Operations CyberSec First Responder (CFR-410)®

This certification is ideal for security professionals who protect their organizations from hackers. With a practical approach to defending against cyberattacks, her CFR program is aimed at professionals with deep knowledge of IT and cybersecurity issues. Certification exams are delivered in person or online through Pearson VUE. Interested candidates are not required to submit credentials, documents or application fees.

• Exam fee: $350
• Time to complete: The exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions and is 120 minutes long. Preparation times vary, but candidates can take a five-day training course from Logical Operations’ online store. This certification is recommended for professionals with at least two years of relevant experience.
• Professional who can work: IT professionals with cybersecurity experience and familiar with risk management, vulnerability assessments, corporate cybersecurity policies, and incident response processes.