Which Cybersecurity Certification Should I Get First?

Best Cybersecurity Certification for Beginners in 2024

Cybercrimes and types of cyberattacks are growing at a rapid pace each day. Moreover, no industry is safe against cybercrime. Even highly recognized industries fall prey to hackers and cyber threats.

In addition, having a poor security system will lead to the loss of confidential data. Furthermore, these results in irreparable damage to the industry involved.

Firstly, cybersecurity professionals are responsible for protecting the confidential data of the organization. Secondly, this is one of the most popular careers which offer better opportunities as well as higher income. In addition, it plays an important job role in the industry.

Professionals or freshers with cybersecurity certification stands are highly preferred in various segments of industries.

Guaranteeing the safety and protection of the confidential information of the industry will allow its smooth operation. Thus, the need for cybersecurity professionals with cybersecurity certification across industries is increasing.

 

Cyber Security Certifications List 2024

Individuals pursuing a career in cybersecurity can boost their career prospects with the help of cybersecurity certifications. Firstly, there are a variety of cybersecurity certifications available to choose from.

Secondly, achieving cybersecurity certification can help you to learn additional skills and knowledge required in the field. Thirdly and most importantly, these certifications will allow you to keep yourself updated on the new technologies in the field. Here is the list of cybersecurity certifications you can choose first:

 

1) Network+ Certification

This is a beginner-level of cybersecurity certification. In addition, you can strengthen your basic knowledge with the help of this certification course. Therefore, this certification validates your skills and knowledge. It includes validation in networking, troubleshooting, and managing the wireless and wired networks.

You can develop your career in the IT sector with this certification. You will accumulate an in-depth understanding of modern technologies, such as cloud and visualization.

The job opportunities that you can get with this certification are as follows:

- IT Consultant

- Network Field Engineer

- Computer Technician

- Help Desk Technician

- System Engineer

- Network Analyst

- IT Manager

 

Prerequisites:

- You must acquire a minimum of 9 to 12 months of experience in networking.

 

Income:

The annual income of network+ certified professionals is between $59,804 to $70,538.

 

Exam:

Firstly, you are tested based on your skills and knowledge in networking concepts. For instance, in skills like troubleshooting, configuring, operating, and managing wired and wireless networks.

Secondly, it contains a total of 90 questions, and it lasts for ninety minutes. Thirdly and most importantly, it has multiple choice-based and practical skills-based questions.

The entire exam has a maximum score of 1000. So, you must score 750 or above to clear the exam successfully.

 

 Network+ Advantages:

- Add value to your resume and help you stand out from other ordinary candidates.

- It improves your career development and offers higher income.

- Provides you with a competitive advantage.

- It allows you to learn additional skills and knowledge in the field.

 

2) CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker Certification

You can improve your career level with CEH certification and gain various advantages. EC-council offers this Certification. As an ethical hacker, you are required to think like an actual hacker.

Therefore, it interprets the next step of the hacker to successfully protect your company against hackers. You must identify the vulnerabilities in a system using the same equipment as a hacker but legally.

Job opportunities that you might receive with this certification are:

- Network security specialist

- Penetration tester

- Security consultant

- Ethical hacker

- Auditor

- Network security specialist

 

Prerequisites:

The requirements which you must accomplish to qualify for this Certification are as follows:

- Have two years of work experience in information technology.

- Achieving Security+ Certification first might be more advantageous.

 

Income: 

The average salary of CEH-certified professionals ranges from $88,000 to $92,000.

 

Exam:

Firstly, you must answer a total of 125 questions in the exam. The type of questions present is multiple choice-based questions. Secondly, you will be given a total of four hours to finish answering those questions. There are no passing scores set for this examination.

Thirdly and most importantly, it is completely based on your practical skills. You do not require many academic skills for this examination.

 

CEH Advantages:

The advantages include;

- Gain a better understanding of the vulnerabilities and weaknesses present in a system.

- Improve your career level with the help of CEH certification.

- Learn how to think like a real hacker.

- Boosts up your income and job opportunities.

 

3) Security+ Certification

You must consider obtaining this CompTIA Security+ Certification among the lists of cybersecurity certifications first to develop your cybersecurity career level.

Furthermore, it verifies your foundational level skills required to implement security functions. In addition, this is the most crucial beginner-level cybersecurity certification.

In other words, you will be able to gain a basic understanding of vulnerabilities, cryptography, and risk management.

Achieving the security+ cybersecurity certification will allow you to gain various job opportunities that are listed below:

- Security Engineer

- Cyber Security Analyst

- Security Consultant

 

Prerequisites:

- I should have two years of experience in IT.

 

Income:

Security+ certified professionals have an average salary of $58,821 to $82,425.

 

Exam:

Firstly, you will learn about new network attack methods and defenses. Secondly, you will be tested on your skills to protect the networks, apps, and devices. They are also in charge of measuring the risks or errors present in a system or network.

You have to answer 90 questions within ninety minutes. Thirdly and most importantly, the marks required to pass the exam are around 750 out of 1000.

This certification level of cybersecurity certification can be taken in various languages such as Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese.

 

Security+ Advantages:

- Offers numerous job opportunities.

- Provides better income.

- Chance to develop skills.

 

4) CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional Certification

You can select this Online CISSP Certification to develop your career to the next level. This option of cybersecurity certification will allow you to verify your skills in designing, performing, and managing the security software.

Furthermore, you will obtain the skills needed to protect your company successfully against hackers and cybercrimes. (ISC)2 offers this Certification to candidates all over the world. In conclusion, you will have to understand each of the domains of CBOK completely.

Obtaining this Certification will offer you various job opportunities such as:

- Security systems administrator

- IT security engineer

- Senior IT security consultant

- Chief information security officer

 

Prerequisites:

You must meet the requirements of the exam to apply for the certificate. Firstly, you must achieve work experience of five years in two domains out of eight domains of the CBOK guide. Secondly, one year of this experience can be exchanged with a four-year college degree.

 

Income:

It is the highest paying certification for IT experts. For instance, the annual income of certified CISSP certification is around $116,573.

 

Exam:

Firstly, you will be given a total of 250 questions to solve within six hours. This exam contains a mixture of creative and multiple choice-based questions. Secondly, you need a score of 700 marks out of 1000 marks to pass the exam. You will receive your Certification after clearing the exam.

 

CISSP Advantages:

- Validates your skills in the field.

- Improves your skills and knowledge in IT security.

- Increases your income.

 

 

5) LPT – Licensed Penetration Test

This type of cybersecurity certification is a professional-level certification. This is offered by the EC council.

Furthermore, you can receive this Certification after learning all the cybersecurity methods. In conclusion, this is considered one of the best certifications for cybersecurity candidates.

The job opportunities available with this Certification are:

- Cyber Security Engineer

- Licensed Penetration Tester

- Senior Security Consultant

 

Prerequisites: 

If you want to apply for this certification, you must fulfill the requirements needed. Firstly, you should have experience of at least two years as a penetration tester.

Secondly, you should obtain an EC-Council Security Analyst certification. Thirdly, you must also achieve the GAIC Penetration Tester or Offensive Security Certified Professional certifications.

 

Income: 

LPT-certified professionals receive an average salary of $41,500 to $93,300.

 

Exam: 

Firstly, you will have to demonstrate mainly your practical skills in this exam. Secondly, you will have to learn about penetration testing thoroughly. It includes penetration testing and procedures.

Thirdly and most importantly, you will gain scores as per your report. You will have to renew this certification every two years from the date of the exam

 

 LPT Advantages:

- Enhances your penetration testing skills.

- Offers respect within your company.

- Provides better career opportunities.

 

6) CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional 

This CCSP Certification among the cybersecurity certifications is highly popular worldwide. It allows you to stand out among the rest. Furthermore, it validates your skills and knowledge in cloud security design.

 

Prerequisites:

You must have five years of work experience in information technology. However, three years should be in information security. Firstly, you should have experience in one or more domains out of the six domains.

Secondly, you must have permanent work experience with regular pay. Lastly, you should have a work experience of around 35 hours a week or four weeks. If you have part-time experience, it must not be lower than 20.

However, it cannot be higher than 34 hours.

You can open the path for many job opportunities with this Certification, such as:

- IT Auditor

- Cybercrime Investigator

- Penetration Tester

- Incident Respondent

 

Income:

The salary for this certification is one of the highest paying. For instance, it ranges between $84,000 to $124,482.

 

Exam:

Firstly, you will be tested on your cloud security designing skills in this exam. It is a difficult examination. It requires more dedication and hard work.

Secondly, you will get 125 multiple choice-based questions. However, you must solve these questions within four hours. This Certification can be taken up in English. Scoring 700 marks out of 100 are needed to pass the exam. 

 

CCSP Advantages:

- Receive recognition and respect within your company.

- Validates your cloud security skills and knowledge.

- Development of your career.

 

Conclusion

The escalating rate of digitalization and information technology equally increases the possible chances of cyber-crimes. Millions of small to large-scale organizations demand professionals with developed skills and cybersecurity certification.

Hence, the best way to get into the cybersecurity domain is to obtain a cybersecurity certification and show the skillsets in demand for it.

One of the popular cybersecurity courses is the CISA® Certification Course. If you need more information on the certifications given in this article or other cyber security certifications, online, live, or in classroom mode, chat with our course expert. You can also subscribe to our newsletters and ebook for the latest insights and trends.