What cybersecurity certifications are worth it?

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the tech industry, and we can confirm, it’s got a significantly high demand for skilled professionals. As a result of this, cybersecurity certifications have become increasingly popular as they can help individuals acquire the skills and knowledge needed to begin their career and also succeed in the field. Is investing in a qualification in cybersecurity worth it?

For the most part - yes, they are but only if theyre relevent to your specific career and will demonstrate key knowledge in a field, but it shouldnt be seen as a hard barrier to employment. We work with the most reputable employers of cybersecurity talent every day, we know what employers are looking for and what types of certifications are important. These certifications can also be a great way to keep up-to-date with the ever-changing world of cybersecurity. Whether you’re just starting out or already have years of experience, they are designed to suit everyone’s needs.  So, let’s explore some of the most valuable qualifications for different roles, the cost (in the US), time investment required, and why they're worth pursuing:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification is one of the most highly-regarded certifications in the cybersecurity field, and is recognized globally. It covers eight domains of information security, including risk management, security architecture, and cryptography. It's an ideal certification for professionals who want to work in roles such as security analyst, security manager, or security consultant. The certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the cybersecurity field, and the exam costs around $699.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH certification is designed for individuals who want to work in roles such as penetration tester or security analyst. It covers topics such as hacking techniques, network security, and cryptography. The certification requires at least two years of experience in the cybersecurity field and costs around $1,199 for the exam.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The CISM certification is ideal for professionals who want to work in roles such as information security manager or information security consultant. It covers topics such as information security governance, risk management, and incident management. The certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the cybersecurity field, and the exam costs around $699.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification is designed for individuals who want to work in entry-level roles in the cybersecurity field. It covers topics such as threat management, network security, and cryptography. The certification is widely recognized and is ideal for professionals who are new to the field of cybersecurity. The certification costs around $349 for the exam.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA certification is designed for professionals who want to work in roles such as information systems auditor or security consultant. It covers topics such as auditing, risk management, and governance. The certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the cybersecurity field, and the exam costs around $575.

Depending on your experience level and career goals, there are certifications available at different price points and time investments. If you need any more information about the above, or want to discuss a career in cybersecurity, drop us a message here and one of our consultants will get back to you.