In-Demand Cybersecurity Certifications That Will Elevate Your Career

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, driving significant demand for experienced cybersecurity professionals to safeguard the digital assets of businesses.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the cybersecurity job market will grow 33% by 2033, making many eager to enter the lucrative field. However, with so many vying for a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to stand out to potential employers. Learn how earning a cybersecurity certification can benefit your job search and which industry certificates employers value most.

Can I Get a Job With a Cybersecurity Certification?

As an aspiring cybercrime fighter, cybersecurity certifications help demonstrate your readiness to potential employers. In fact, according to the AWS Global Digital Skills Study, candidates with credentials were 38% more likely to be hired.

Not only can cybersecurity certifications give you a leg up in the hiring process—they can also enhance your performance. The 2024 IT Skills and Salary report, which surveyed IT professionals around the world, found that:

• 60% of respondents said earning a certification improved the overall quality of their work

• 48% of respondents felt more engaged in their work

• 43% of respondents said they’re more productive

Vendor-Specific vs. Vendor-Neutral Cybersecurity Certifications

Deciding whether you want a vendor-specific or vendor-neutral certification is essential when pursuing cybersecurity certifications. Vendor-specific certifications help you understand each vendor’s requirements and tools. If you know your company works with a particular solution, such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services, a vendor-specific certification may help you rise up through the ranks.

Vendor-neutral certifications provide an understanding of broader cybersecurity principles and tools. These certifications are typically offered by industry organizations, such as CompTIA or (ISC)2. Vendor-neutral certifications are likely the best option if you want to learn about general cybersecurity principles and foundations rather than a specific tool or platform.

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certifications

With so many cybersecurity certifications available, which ones should you prioritize? The answer is simple: it depends on your career goals and market demand.

For example, will you work on the red or blue cybersecurity teams? Are there any infosec niches that you want to specialize in? Every situation is different, and so is the perfect mix of certifications.

Try earning the fewest certifications necessary to ensure you’re conveying advanced infosec skills. Focus on certificates that are industry-recognized and in demand by employers worldwide.

What Are the Best Cybersecurity Analyst Certifications to Earn?

Hundreds of cybersecurity certifications are available on the market, but not all carry the same weight. Here are the most in-demand cybersecurity certifications for professionals of all levels.

Entry-Level Cybersecurity Analyst Certifications

If you’re new to cybersecurity or a junior analyst, earning the following certifications can help bolster your resume:

1. CompTIA Security+

As the most popular entry-level certification, the CompTIA Security+ certification signals you know how to perform core security functions like cyber threat detection, risk mitigation, access management, and cloud environments. Many cybersecurity professionals highly recommend CompTIA Security+ as the first certification to pursue, as it can provide a springboard for intermediate roles.

• Requirements: A basic understanding of CompTIA Security+ completing the CompTIA training for the exam is recommended but not mandatory.

• Cost: $404

• Time To Completion: You have 90 minutes to answer approximately 90 multichoice questions. To acquire the certification, you need a minimum pass score of 750.

• Who Should Get It: Early-career cybersecurity professionals who wish to validate their cybersecurity skills.

• How To Get It: You can take the test online or at a dedicated test center.

2. (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The SSCP certification shows you have advanced technical skills to implement, monitor, and manage IT infrastructure using cybersecurity best practices. This globally-recognized certification is ideal for security professionals responsible for hands-on operational security.

• Requirements: At least one year of paid work experience in IT security, although this can be bypassed for cybersecurity degree holders.

• Cost: $249

• Time To Completion: The test takes four hours.

• Who Should Get It: People who are already in the cybersecurity field and are planning a long-term career in cybersecurity,

• How To Get It: This certification offers online instructor-led, classroom-based, online self-paced, and private on-site options.

3. ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals

The ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification is perfect for students and recent graduates seeking a deeper understanding of cybersecurity principles. This certificate will teach you about the threat landscape, security operations and response, information security fundamentals, and how to secure assets.

• Requirements: None.

• Cost: $120 for members, $150 for non-members.

• Time To Completion: The test takes two hours. You must score at least 65% to pass.

• Who Should Get It: Students, recent graduates, up-and-coming IT professionals, teams, and professionals wanting to upskill.

• How To Get It: Register at ISACA.org. You have 12 months to prepare for the exam.

Intermediate Cybersecurity Analyst Certifications

For mid-level cybersecurity professionals, these cybersecurity certifications can help you prepare for the next step in your career.

1. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

For mid-level professionals, CISA certification shows employers you can take a risk-based approach to planning, performing, and reporting on audits. 70% of cybersecurity professionals who obtain the ANAB-accredited certification have reported job improvement, and 22% have seen a pay increase.

• Requirements: At least five years of professional experience and having passed the CISA exam within the past five years.

• Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members.

• Time To Completion: 4 hours

• Who Should Get It: Mid-career cybersecurity professionals who want to validate their information systems auditing expertise.

• How To Get It: It’s available at either a PSI location or online.

2. CompTIA PenTest+

Prove you’re an expert in penetration testing and vulnerability management with the CompTIA PenTest+ certification. As the most comprehensive exam covering all stages of penetration testing, earning this credential will demonstrate knowledge of the latest techniques and trends.

• Requirements: None, although this certification is designed to follow up the CompTIA+ Security, so knowledge of those concepts is recommended.

• Cost: $404

• Time To Completion: The 165-minute exam comprises no more than 85 performance-based and multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 750.

• Who Should Get It: Professionals looking to get into penetration testing, security consultation, web app penetration testing, and vulnerability analysis.

• How To Get It: It’s available online or at a dedicated test center.

3. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The CCSP certification shows you have the technical understanding to design, maintain, and secure data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud. This globally recognized certification is ideal for leaders who utilize best practices for cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration.

• Requirements: At least five years of work experience in the field.

• Cost: $599

• Time To Completion: You have three hours to answer 125 multiple-choice questions and score 700 out of 1,000 points.

• Who Should Get It: Leaders in IT, cyber, information, and software security whose roles include applying best practices to cloud security architecture, design, and operations.

• How To Get It: Register online or by phone. All ISC2 exams are given at Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.

Advanced Cybersecurity Analyst Certifications

If you’re a seasoned cyber professional looking to break into management or become an expert-level practitioner, consider the following certifications:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Offered by (ISC)², the CISSP credential is one of the most in-demand certifications for advanced cybersecurity professionals with 5+ years of experience. It demonstrates you have the knowledge and skills to develop and lead a best-in-class cybersecurity program. The certification is ANAB accredited and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense.

• Requirements: At least five years of security analyst work experience in at least two of the certification's subject areas.

• Cost: $749

• Time To Completion: You have 3 hours to answer 100-150 questions and require a score of at least 700 out of 1,000.

• Who Should Get It: Security analysts and similar professionals who wish to upskill.

• How To Get It: Register online or by phone. All ISC2 exams are given at Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.

2. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

Designed for advanced-level cybersecurity practitioners with 10+ years of hands-on IT experience, CompTIA CASP+ is for technical professionals who want to develop, manage, and implement solutions rather than step into a management role. CASP+ is the only industry certification that is hands-on and performance-based.

• Requirements: At least 10 years of general hands-on IT experience and five years of broad hands-on security experience is recommended.

• Cost: $509

• Time To Completion: 165 minutes, pass/fail; no scaled score.

• Who Should Get It: Advanced cybersecurity professionals.

• How To Get It: Register online or by phone. All ISC2 exams are given at Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

As a CISM-certified professional, you’ll demonstrate your ability to assess risks, implement solutions, and proactively respond to cyber incidents. According to ISACA, the issuer of this credential, 70% of CISM-certified professionals have experienced on-the-job improvement, and 42% received a pay increase.

• Requirements: At least five years of information security experience, with at least three years of that term as an information security manager.

• Cost: $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-ISACA members.

• Time To Completion: Four hours to answer 150 multi-choice questions with a passing mark of 450 out of a scoring range of 200-800.

• Who Should Get It: Information security professionals who want to advance into a managerial position.

• How To Get It: It’s available at either a PSI location or online.

Vendor-Specific Cybersecurity Certifications

If your company uses a specific vendor, it may be helpful to earn a vendor-specific certification. Here are some of the popular cybersecurity vendors that offer in-demand certifications:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The industry-recognized certifications for AWS can help advance your professional career by validating your practical cloud skills. Cybersecurity professionals can follow the AWS Security learning path to obtain the AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification, demonstrating their ability to create and implement security solutions in the AWS Cloud.

2. Microsoft

Earning a certification from Microsoft shows you’re up-to-date with the latest technical requirements. Microsoft offers several role-based certifications for Security Engineers, Solution Architects, and more. Popular Microsoft certifications for cybersecurity professionals include Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate. Adding these to your resume will help you stand out in the hiring process.

3. Cisco

As a leader in cybersecurity, Cisco offers several trainings and certifications for professionals of all levels. Cisco certifications help you understand and address real-world security issues quickly and effectively. Currently, Cisco offers four cybersecurity certifications and training programs: CyberOps Associate, CyberOps Professional, CCNP Security, and CCIE Security.

Kickstart Your Career as a Cybercrime Fighter

At Fullstack Academy, we are committed to helping you gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials to land your first cybersecurity role and every job thereafter. The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp can prepare you to earn industry-recognized certifications to bolster your resume. Learn more about the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp and how it can prepare you for a fulfilling career.