Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and if you’re considering a career change, now is the perfect time to do so. With its broad reach and ever-expanding problem-solving focus, cybersecurity is a uniquely important field that can lead to endless opportunities. Certifications are a great way to prove your skills and knowledge to your hiring manager. Here are five excellent certifications to help kickstart your cybersecurity career.
- 1. Microsoft Certified Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals:The Microsoft Certified Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification is entry-level for students, business users, and those starting with cloud-based security topics. It includes identity and access management, information protection and governance, security, and compliance. Passing this exam, which costs $99, is required to achieve this certification. Microsoft recommends utilizing hands-on guided Microsoft Learn content, attending Microsoft events, doing practice tests, and shadowing people who work in security, compliance, and identity management.
- 2. ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals:ISACA offers two certificates, one each for Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), that grant intermediate and advanced credentials. The Cybersecurity Fundamentals certification, on the other hand, covers four cybersecurity-related domains and is aimed at entry-level IT professionals. The exam costs $155 for ISACA members and $199 for nonmembers, and the certificate does not require prior experience or qualifications.
- 3. CompTIA Security+:Perhaps the most well-known entry-level security certification is the CompTIA Security+, which covers a wide array of security and information assurance topics, including:
• Network security
• Threats and vulnerabilities
• Access control
• Cryptography
• Risk management
• Application, host, and data security
The certification meets U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570.01-M requirements—an essential item for anyone looking to work in IT security for the federal government—and complies with the Federal Information Security Management Act. CompTIA recommends candidates have two years of experience and obtain the Microsoft Certified Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals before taking the Security+ exam. At $370, this exam includes a delivery-based exam fee and requires comprehensive study using online/offline certifications. The Security+ credential, once achieved, is valid for three years.
- 4. GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF):GISF gives clear certifications toward system administrators, managers, and information security officers who need a solid overview of computer networks, security policies, incident responses, and cryptographic principles.
For entry-level IT roles, you need to know more than the CompTIA Security exam. GISF certifications exams generally require candidates to only hold a general understanding of skills, but hands-on experience and networking training programs like OSCP experience is recommended.
The GISF exam cost is $1,949, although GIAC holds no previous exams on this certification, so the price range is high since it encompasses high-level techniques. The GISF, almost comparable to the CompTIA Security Certificate (CASP), is an intermediate-level certification that takes a step beyond other basic IT roles.
- 5. (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP):The SSCP offers entry-level information technology skills, with the Advanced Directed SSCP filling the entry-level role. The SSCP exam covers seven common body of knowledge domains, including identity, cryptography, and recovery. It works similarly to Security+ with networking and attack topics, and usually requires one year of work experience. Passing the SSCP will require more preparation and proactive study, but the certification is typically chosen for building entry-level certification programs. The exam costs $249, and (ISC)² provides unique study materials for purchase on its website.
While ISC² certifications can be expensive, the SSCP offers a longer preparation stage than other exams as part of Professionalism in (ISC)² programming courses. Completing these preparatory stages ensures candidates have acquired new knowledge and skills to develop the sought-after abilities that current and prospective employers seek in their workforce.
With the demand for cybersecurity professionals soaring, certifications are a logical way to verify your skills and knowledge and give your resume that competitive edge. These certifications help launch your cybersecurity career and offer new preparation tips.
