Cybersecurity Certifications: Which One Should You Get First?

Why Cybersecurity Certifications Matter

🎯 Industry Recognition – Certifications show employers you have the knowledge and skills for the job. Many job listings require or prefer candidates with certifications.

🎯 Competitive Edge – A certification can set you apart from other applicants, especially if you’re new to cybersecurity.

🎯 Higher Salaries – Certified professionals often earn more. A CISSP-certified expert, for example, earns an average of $130,000+ per year according to (ISC)².

🎯 Compliance & Regulations – Many industries (government, finance, healthcare) require certified professionals to meet regulatory standards.

Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

If you're just starting, these foundational certs will build your knowledge and open doors to entry-level roles.

🛡️ CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) – Best for general cybersecurity knowledge

• Covers network security, threats, risk management, cryptography

• Required for many DoD jobs (Department of Defense 8570 compliance)

• Recommended for: SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, Help Desk to Cyber transition

• 📖 Get Security+ Study Guide Here

💡 CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) – Best for entry-level blue team roles

• Focuses on threat detection, SIEM, security monitoring

• Recommended for: SOC Analyst, Threat Hunter, Security Engineer

🔐 Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Best for those interested in penetration testing

• Covers hacking techniques, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors

• Recommended for: Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester

Advanced Cybersecurity Certifications

Once you gain experience, you may want to specialize in a specific area.

🔍 CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – Best for leadership & management roles

• Covers risk management, security architecture, compliance

• Requires 5+ years of experience (or an associate level if you're new)

• Recommended for: Security Manager, CISO, Governance/Risk professionals

🛠️ OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Best for penetration testers

• Hands-on certification with real-world hacking challenges

• Requires strong Linux, scripting, and exploit development skills

• Recommended for: Red Team Operator, Penetration Tester

☁️ CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) – Best for cloud security careers

• Focuses on securing cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

• Recommended for: Cloud Security Engineer, DevSecOps

⚖️ CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) / CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) – Best for GRC professionals

• Ideal for those working in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC)

• Recommended for: Security Auditor, Risk Manager

Choosing the Right Certification for Your Career Path

Still unsure? Here’s a quick guide:

✅ Want to break into cybersecurity? → Start with Security+
✅ Interested in threat detection? → Go for CySA+
✅ Love ethical hacking? → Get CEH or OSCP
✅ Aiming for leadership? → Pursue CISSP
✅ Want to work in cloud security? → Choose CCSP or AWS Security Specialty
✅ Prefer risk management & compliance? → Go for CISA or CRISC

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Certification Prep Tips

📚 Use the Right Study Materials – Official study guides, practice exams, and online courses (Udemy, Cybrary) are great resources.

🛠️ Get Hands-On Experience – Labs like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and practice environments help reinforce knowledge.

📅 Create a Study Plan – Set a study schedule and stick to it. Breaking content into small chunks makes learning easier.

📝 Take Practice Exams – These help identify weak areas and boost confidence before the real test.

👥 Join Study Groups & Forums – Engaging with others studying for the same exam can keep you motivated and provide insights.

Need a Full Cybersecurity Career Guide?

Certifications are just one piece of the puzzle. If you want a full roadmap on cybersecurity career paths, certifications, and job strategies, check out The Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity Careers: A Professional’s Roadmap for the Digital Security Age.

📖 Get your copy here: The Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity Careers

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity certifications can accelerate your career, boost your credibility, and open new opportunities. Start with a foundational cert like Security+, then specialize based on your interests.

The key is to keep learning, gain hands-on experience, and stay engaged with the cybersecurity community.

What certification are you aiming for next?