Cyber Security Certification Path

A cyber security certification can help you prepare to pursue certain entry-level positions in the cyber security field. Advanced certifications may help you work toward a promotion or meet certain qualifications for intermediate to advanced-level positions. Keep in mind that, for some jobs in the cyber security field, certification in a particular area may be a prerequisite for consideration or hiring.

Following a cyber security certification path can also help you continue your learning journey as you move up in your career.

Whatever your personal goals, cyber security certifications that you may consider pursuing at the beginner, intermediate and advanced stages of your career include:

An entry-level certification that speaks to your ability to perform basic IT tasks. Areas covered include networking, hardware, troubleshooting, operating systems and network tests.

A certification that demonstrates your capability to perform cloud computing tasks. It primarily covers your ability to set up, manage and troubleshoot cloud computing systems.

A certification that shows that you are capable of utilizing the Linux operating system. It mostly touches on how this operating system interacts with devices.

A certification designed to prove your knowledge of emerging technologies such as cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT).

A cyber security-focused certification that verifies your abilities as a penetration tester or ethical hacker, testing systems by using techniques similar to those malicious hackers might employ.

This cyber security certification proves your ability to perform basic cyber security defense tasks such as testing the strength of a network and system construction capabilities.

Focusing on your ability to proactively capture, monitor and respond to network traffic findings, this intermediate-level analyst credential emphasizes software and application security, automation, incident response, threat hunting and IT regulatory compliance.

Similar to the PenTest+ certification, this credential from the EC-Council verifies your ability to conduct penetration testing, which is also called ethical hacking, to exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks.

This cyber security certification is the defensive counterpart to the EC Council's Ethical Hacker credential. It proves your ability to set up secure networks and systems and is often pursued by network administrators.

Offered by ISC2, the CISSP credential is intended for experienced information security practitioners who want to advance to senior-level positions in the field.

Another offering from ISC2, the SSCP certification demonstrates advanced technical skills and knowledge to monitor, implement and manage IT infrastructure using ISC2-established best practices, policies and procedures. This credential is optimal for network security professionals responsible for the operational security of critical assets.

This certification verifies skills in auditing, controlling and securing information systems. The top CISA skills are vulnerability assessment and identification, information systems (IS) audit and assurance guidelines, governance and IT management and IS operations maintenance and service management.

Designed to train cybercrime and fraud investigators, the CDFE program from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) teaches discovery and advanced investigative techniques. The credential is intended for anyone encountering digital forensics in an investigation. 

With so many options, which cyber security certification path should you pursue? According to Indeed, employers may encourage, or even require, their new cyber security hires to earn certifications that are targeted to specific areas of cyber security. They describe 12 cyber security certifications for beginners, covering everything from cyber security fundamentals to specific topics such as penetration testing, networks, risk management and cryptography. Indeed’s list of recommended certifications includes several of the credentials we’ve outlined here.

Cyber security industry insiders recommend that beginners look for certifications that are widely recognized, require only one exam and have no minimum requirement for experience in the field.  Based on these criteria, a 3-step cyber security certification path for beginners would start with CompTIA’s Network+ and/or Security+, then move on to Cisco’s CCNA or CompTIA’s CySA+ and finish up with CompTIA’s Linux+ and/or PenTest+.