Which Cybersecurity Certification Should I Get First

The world of cybersecurity is growing at an astonishing pace, and so is the demand for skilled professionals. However, if you’re just starting out in this field, one of the biggest challenges you may face is figuring out which cybersecurity certification should you get first. 

With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right path that will set you up for success.

Certifications are more than just pieces of paper – they validate your skills, help you stand out to potential employers, and open the door to better job opportunities. But how do you decide which certification is best for you as a beginner?

In this article, we’ll help you answer the question: which cybersecurity certification should i get first? Exploring cybersecurity certifications for beginners. We will break down the essential certifications, provide clarity on their importance, and offer advice on how to choose the one that aligns with your career goals. 

Whether you are looking for free cybersecurity certifications for beginners or aiming for higher-paying roles, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.

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Which Cybersecurity Certification Should I Get First: Summary Table

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your First Cybersecurity Certification

When choosing your first cybersecurity certification, several factors should influence your decision. It’s essential to understand not only the content and requirements of the certification but also how it fits into your overall career aspirations. Here are the key considerations to help guide you:

1. Your Current Knowledge and Experience

One of the first things to assess is your current level of knowledge and experience in IT or cybersecurity. Many entry-level cybersecurity certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) from (ISC)², don’t require prior experience, but some basic understanding of IT concepts can be beneficial. 

If you’re new to the IT world, certifications like Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate or CompTIA IT Fundamentals can provide a solid foundation to build upon.

2. Your Career Goals

Cybersecurity is a broad field with multiple specializations. Before deciding which certification to pursue, it’s helpful to know what area you’re interested in. Do you want to work in network security, incident response, ethical hacking, or perhaps as a security analyst? Some certifications focus on foundational knowledge, while others are more specialized.

For instance:

• If you’re aiming for roles in general IT security, CompTIA Security+ might be the ideal starting point.
• If you’re interested in ethical hacking, you may want to look into certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• For those interested in threat detection and response, CompTIA CySA+ and Cisco CyberOps Associate offer more specialized tracks.

3. Industry Recognition and Credibility

Not all cybersecurity certifications are created equal. Some are more widely recognized and respected by employers, especially large organizations and government agencies. CompTIA Security+, for example, is globally recognized and often a prerequisite for entry-level roles in cybersecurity.

On the other hand, some newer certifications like the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity are gaining traction, but may not yet have the same level of recognition as more established credentials.

Make sure to research the cybersecurity certifications list and find out which ones are most sought after in the industry or by employers you’re targeting.

4. Cost and Accessibility

Cost is always a factor when deciding on a certification, especially for beginners who may not have a large budget for training or exams. Fortunately, there are a number of free cybersecurity certifications for beginners available, or certifications that are low-cost with financial assistance options.

For example:

• Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate offers a cost-effective pathway for those new to the field, with the option to learn at your own pace.
• The (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity certification is currently free for the first million people who register.

If you’re seeking a more in-depth, industry-recognized certification, options like CompTIA Security+ may require a larger investment, but the long-term benefits could outweigh the initial cost.

5. Certification Roadmap

While it might be tempting to rush into a certification, it’s important to consider how one certification will lead to the next. Think of certifications as building blocks that gradually increase your expertise. Start with foundational certifications and work your way up.

For example, the Cybersecurity Certification Roadmap could look like this:

1. Foundational Certifications (like CompTIA Security+ or (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity)
2. Intermediate Certifications (like CompTIA CySA+ or Cisco CyberOps Associate)
3. Advanced Certifications (like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH))

Each certification serves a unique purpose and adds a layer of expertise that will help you move toward higher-paying and more advanced roles.

READ MORE: Google Cybersecurity Certification Cost

Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

If you’re new to the world of cybersecurity, the right entry-level certification can set you on the path to a successful career. The certifications listed below are designed to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, providing you with the knowledge and skills required to secure your first role in the industry.

1. CompTIA Security+

Overview: One of the most recognized certifications in cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ provides a vendor-neutral foundation in security. This certification covers a broad range of security topics such as network security, cryptography, identity management, and security risk management.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

• No prerequisites: Open to anyone with basic IT knowledge.
• Global recognition: A widely recognized certification that will enhance your resume and make you stand out to employers.
• Foundational coverage: Covers the essential principles of cybersecurity, making it a perfect starting point for beginners.

Cost and Renewal: The exam costs around $392, and it requires renewal every three years through Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Best For: Individuals seeking a broad, foundational understanding of cybersecurity to kick-start their career.

2. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

Overview: The Certified in Cybersecurity certification from (ISC)² is an emerging credential designed specifically for those entering the cybersecurity field. It covers the essential principles of security, such as risk management, security operations, and network security.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

• Free for the first million registrants: Making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to enter the field at no cost.
• No prerequisites: This certification is designed for those with no prior experience in cybersecurity.
• Endorsed by a leading cybersecurity organization: (ISC)² is well-known for its industry-leading certifications, such as CISSP and SSCP.

Cost and Renewal: Currently free for the first million registrants, with an annual maintenance fee of $50 after passing the exam.

Best For: Beginners seeking a certification from a reputable organization that serves as a stepping stone for more advanced certifications.

3. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Overview: Offered through the Grow with Google initiative, this certification is aimed at those with no prior experience in cybersecurity. The program includes a mix of theoretical learning and hands-on labs to help you gain foundational knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

• Free trial and affordable: Priced at $49/month, with the option to complete it at your own pace.
• No prerequisites: Ideal for those new to cybersecurity and IT.
• Job readiness focus: The certificate prepares you for entry-level roles in cybersecurity, such as security operations centers (SOC) analyst positions.

Cost and Renewal: Subscription-based at $49/month; no renewal needed after completion.

Best For: Individuals who prefer a flexible, self-paced learning path with the backing of a trusted tech company like Google.

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4. CompTIA CySA+

Overview: The CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) certification focuses on skills needed for detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. It dives deeper into cybersecurity analytics, behavioral analytics, and threat intelligence than foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

• Vendor-neutral: Provides a solid understanding of security analytics, intrusion detection, and vulnerability management.
• Focuses on practical skills: Prepares you for roles that require hands-on expertise in threat detection and incident response.
• Recognized by employers: Often required for entry-level and mid-level security analyst roles.

Cost and Renewal: The exam costs around $392, and the certification is valid for three years. You’ll need 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to renew.

Best For: Aspiring cybersecurity analysts interested in threat detection, incident response, and security operations.

5. Cisco CyberOps Associate (CBROPS)

Overview: Cisco’s CyberOps Associate certification is designed for those interested in working in security operations centers (SOCs) and focuses on network security, incident response, and monitoring. Cisco certifications are highly respected in the industry.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

• Ideal for SOC roles: Prepares you for jobs that involve monitoring and responding to security incidents on enterprise networks.
• Recognized industry leader: Cisco is a leading name in networking and cybersecurity, and their certifications are highly respected.
• Hands-on experience: The certification includes a strong focus on real-world application through interactive lab-style questions.

Cost and Renewal: The exam costs around $300, and it requires renewal every three years through continuing education.

Best For: Individuals interested in a career in security operations, particularly those working with Cisco systems and technologies.

6. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Overview: The Certified Ethical Hacker certification, offered by EC-Council, is one of the most well-known ethical hacking certifications. It focuses on the tools and techniques used by ethical hackers to identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

• Widely recognized: The CEH is a widely respected credential in the cybersecurity industry and is frequently listed in job descriptions for ethical hackers and penetration testers.
• Hands-on skills: Focuses on practical skills such as penetration testing, network scanning, and exploitation techniques.
• Government and corporate demand: Many organizations and government agencies require ethical hackers with CEH certification.

Cost and Renewal: The exam costs approximately $1,199, and requires renewal every three years through Continuing Professional Education (CPE).

Best For: Those looking to pursue a career in ethical hacking, penetration testing, or cyber offense.

7. ISC2 SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)

Overview: SSCP is a certification offered by (ISC)² for those who want to build a career in hands-on cybersecurity. The certification focuses on systems and network security, security operations, and risk management.

Why It’s Good for Beginners:

• No prior experience needed: Great for newcomers with a basic understanding of IT and security.
• Reputable certification: Recognized by top employers, and it can serve as a stepping stone toward advanced (ISC)² certifications like CISSP.
• Focus on technical skills: The SSCP certification provides a solid technical foundation for roles in system and network security.

Cost and Renewal: The exam costs around $249, with annual renewal fees for maintenance.

Best For: Those looking to enter technical roles such as network security administration or security operations.

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Which Cybersecurity Certification Should I Get First?

Your choice depends on your career goals, current knowledge, and budget. If you’re looking for a broad foundation in cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is a great starting point. 

For those with a focus on threat detection and security operations, CompTIA CySA+ and Cisco CyberOps Associate are ideal choices. If you want to explore ethical hacking, CEH is a well-respected credential to pursue.

Cybersecurity Certification Roadmap

Building a career in cybersecurity is a journey, and certifications are key milestones that help you gain the expertise needed to advance in the field. A well-structured certification roadmap can help you progress from beginner to advanced levels while ensuring you acquire the right skills at the right time.

Step 1: Start with Foundational Certifications

For those just entering the field, foundational certifications are the starting point. These certifications provide the core knowledge required to understand the basic principles of cybersecurity, such as securing networks, systems, and data.

• CompTIA Security+ is typically the first certification you should aim for. It introduces you to fundamental topics, including threat management, cryptography, and network security. It’s the perfect starting point for individuals who are new to cybersecurity.
• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity is another great entry-level certification, offering a strong foundation in the basic security concepts. It’s designed for beginners and doesn’t require previous experience in IT or cybersecurity, making it a great option for those just starting out.

These foundational certifications will help you understand the landscape of cybersecurity and build the groundwork for more specialized roles.

Step 2: Move on to Intermediate Certifications

Once you’ve acquired the basic knowledge and experience, the next step is to pursue certifications that focus on specific areas within cybersecurity. These intermediate certifications dive deeper into subjects like threat detection, security operations, and risk management.

• CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) is an excellent choice for those interested in security analysis and incident response. It focuses on real-world scenarios and prepares you for roles like security operations center (SOC) analyst or security analyst.
• Cisco CyberOps Associate is ideal if you’re interested in working in a security operations center (SOC), where you’ll monitor and respond to security incidents. This certification helps you develop skills needed to work with Cisco technologies and understand enterprise-level security operations.

At this stage, you should have a clearer idea of which areas of cybersecurity interest you most, and intermediate certifications will help you gain hands-on skills in those domains.

Step 3: Advance with Specialized Certifications

With your intermediate certifications in hand, you’re now ready to pursue more specialized certifications that align with specific cybersecurity roles. These advanced certifications demonstrate a deeper level of expertise and are often required for higher-paying positions in the industry.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a popular certification for those interested in penetration testing and ethical hacking. This certification equips you with the skills to find and fix vulnerabilities in systems before malicious hackers can exploit them.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is one of the most respected certifications in cybersecurity. It’s an advanced-level credential for professionals looking to move into managerial or leadership positions. CISSP focuses on security management, risk management, and advanced security techniques.

These specialized certifications will help you advance in your career, enabling you to take on more complex roles with higher responsibilities and, often, higher pay.

Step 4: Pursue Expert-Level Certifications

At the pinnacle of the cybersecurity career ladder, expert-level certifications represent a deep level of specialization and often require years of experience to obtain. These certifications validate your ability to design and implement complex security solutions across large organizations.

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is ideal for professionals looking to specialize in cloud security, a rapidly growing field within cybersecurity. With more organizations migrating to cloud environments, this certification demonstrates your expertise in securing cloud platforms and services.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is another expert-level certification that focuses on information security management, risk management, and governance. It’s perfect for those seeking leadership positions such as security managers, directors, or consultants.

These expert-level certifications are typically aimed at individuals who have significant experience in cybersecurity and are looking to advance into senior or executive positions.

Step 5: Continuous Learning and Certification Renewal

Cybersecurity is a fast-evolving field, with new threats and technologies emerging all the time. To stay current, you’ll need to pursue continuous learning and certification renewal. Many cybersecurity certifications, such as CISSP or CompTIA Security+, require ongoing education and recertification every few years.

Some certification providers offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to help you maintain your certification status. For example, ISC2 and ISACA require you to accumulate CPEs by attending webinars, conferences, or completing additional training to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in cybersecurity.

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Why a Roadmap Matters

A clear certification roadmap allows you to strategically advance your career without getting overwhelmed by the numerous certifications available. It helps you stay focused on your goals, ensuring you’re gaining the right knowledge and skills at each stage of your career. 

By following a well-thought-out roadmap, you can map out your long-term career growth and achieve success in cybersecurity.

Highest Paying Cybersecurity Certifications

In cybersecurity, certification can be a key factor in securing high-paying roles. While salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specific job responsibilities, certain cybersecurity certifications are consistently associated with higher pay due to their advanced nature and specialized expertise.

Here are some of the highest-paying cybersecurity certifications that can help you maximize your earning potential:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious certifications in the cybersecurity field. Issued by ISC2, CISSP is often required for senior-level security professionals, including Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), security directors, and IT security managers.

• Why It Pays Well: CISSP demonstrates expertise in managing and securing IT infrastructure, as well as advanced knowledge of security policies and protocols. It validates a professional’s ability to design, implement, and manage a comprehensive security program.
• Average Salary: CISSP-certified professionals can earn anywhere between $100,000 and $150,000 per year, with higher salaries possible in managerial or specialized roles.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification focuses on ethical hacking techniques, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments. CEH professionals are experts at identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

• Why It Pays Well: Ethical hackers play a crucial role in defending organizations against cyberattacks, and their skill set is highly valued in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. Because of the specialized nature of penetration testing and vulnerability management, these professionals can command high salaries.
• Average Salary: CEH-certified professionals can earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, with the potential for even higher earnings based on experience and industry.

3. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

As more businesses migrate to cloud platforms, the need for cloud security professionals continues to rise. The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), offered by ISC2, focuses on securing cloud environments, including data, applications, and infrastructure.

• Why It Pays Well: The rapid adoption of cloud technology means there is a growing demand for experts who can secure cloud-based systems. CCSP certification demonstrates expertise in cloud security concepts, including governance, risk management, and compliance in the cloud.
• Average Salary: Professionals with the CCSP certification can earn between $100,000 and $140,000 per year, with higher salaries available in senior or consulting roles.

4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification, offered by ISACA, focuses on managing and overseeing enterprise-level security programs. CISM is ideal for professionals seeking roles in security management, governance, or risk management.

• Why It Pays Well: CISM-certified professionals are often tasked with overseeing the security strategy of an entire organization, which requires advanced knowledge of risk management, compliance, and security operations. As a result, these roles are highly compensated.
• Average Salary: CISM-certified professionals can expect to earn between $110,000 and $150,000 annually, with potential for even higher salaries in leadership positions.

5. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification is designed for professionals who are looking to move into senior-level roles such as security architect or senior security consultant. It covers a wide range of topics, including enterprise security, risk management, and advanced security solutions.

• Why It Pays Well: CASP+ is an advanced certification that requires a broad understanding of security technologies and strategies. It is ideal for professionals looking to step into leadership roles where they will be responsible for managing complex security systems and infrastructure.
• Average Salary: CASP+ professionals can earn between $90,000 and $120,000 annually, with potential for more in higher-level or specialized roles.

6. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security certification focuses on network security and is ideal for individuals working with Cisco networking equipment. The certification covers topics like VPNs, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).

• Why It Pays Well: As network security becomes increasingly complex, having expertise in securing network infrastructures is critical for organizations. Cisco’s reputation in the networking space makes the CCNA Security a valuable credential for professionals seeking network security roles.
• Average Salary: CCNA Security professionals typically earn between $80,000 and $100,000 annually, with the potential for higher salaries in senior or specialized network security roles.

7. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification, offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), is aimed at professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of information security concepts, including security policy, risk management, and cryptography.

• Why It Pays Well: While GSEC is considered an entry-level certification, it is highly regarded in the industry. It serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications and provides a solid foundation for roles in security analysis, operations, and compliance.
• Average Salary: GSEC-certified professionals can expect to earn around $80,000 to $110,000 annually, with higher salaries as they gain experience and move into more specialized or advanced roles.

Conclusion

Earning a high-paying cybersecurity role depends not only on experience but also on your certifications. By choosing the right certifications based on your career goals and expertise, you can unlock lucrative opportunities in various cybersecurity domains, from ethical hacking to cloud security and network protection.

While certifications like CISSP and CEH offer substantial earning potential, it’s important to remember that salary is just one factor in career development. Each certification you earn contributes to your overall expertise and makes you a more valuable asset to employers in the cybersecurity industry.

FAQ

If you’re ready to take the next step in your cybersecurity journey? You can do that with an expert beside you to guide you through without having to stress much. Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Tolulope Michael, a cybersecurity professional with over a decade of field experience. This will allow you to gain personalized insights and guidance tailored to your career goals.

Visit tolumichael.com now to book your session. This is your opportunity to embark on your cybersecurity career with confidence. Don’t miss out!