How do you choose the best cybersecurity certification for your career goals?

2 Factor 2: Your specific domain and interest

Cybersecurity is a broad and diverse field that encompasses many different domains and specializations. Depending on your interest and goals, you might want to focus on a specific area of cybersecurity, such as network security, cloud security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, or risk management. For example, if you are interested in testing the security of systems and networks, you might opt for the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification, which teaches you how to use various tools and techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Alternatively, if you are interested in protecting data and applications in the cloud, you might choose the CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) certification, which demonstrates your skills and knowledge in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and compliance.

3 Factor 3: Your target market and industry

Another factor to consider when choosing a cybersecurity certification is your target market and industry. Different sectors and organizations may have different requirements and preferences for cybersecurity professionals, depending on their size, nature, and regulations. For example, if you want to work in the government or defense sector, you might need to obtain a certification that meets the standards of the DoD (Department of Defense), such as the CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) certification, which proves your ability to implement advanced security solutions and policies. Similarly, if you want to work in the healthcare or financial sector, you might benefit from a certification that addresses the specific challenges and regulations of these industries, such as the HCISPP (HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner) certification or the CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certification.

4 Factor 4: Your budget and time

Cybersecurity certifications are not cheap or easy to obtain. They often require a significant investment of money and time, both for preparing and taking the exams, and for maintaining and renewing your credentials. Therefore, you need to consider your budget and time constraints when choosing a cybersecurity certification. Some certifications are more expensive and time-consuming than others, depending on the exam fees, the number and format of the exams, the study materials, the prerequisites, and the recertification requirements. For example, the CISSP certification costs $699 for the exam fee, requires at least five years of relevant work experience, consists of a six-hour exam with 150 questions, and needs to be renewed every three years with 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits. On the other hand, the CompTIA Security+ certification costs $370 for the exam fee, does not require any work experience, consists of a 90-minute exam with 90 questions, and needs to be renewed every three years with 50 CPE credits.

5 Factor 5: Your career prospects and opportunities

Finally, you need to consider your career prospects and opportunities when choosing a cybersecurity certification. You want to choose a certification that will help you advance your career, increase your income, and expand your network. Therefore, you need to research the market demand, the salary potential, and the recognition of the certification you are interested in. You can use various sources, such as job boards, salary surveys, industry reports, and online forums, to find out which certifications are most sought-after, valued, and respected in the cybersecurity field. For example, according to the 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report by Global Knowledge, some of the highest-paying cybersecurity certifications in the US are the CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), the CRISC, the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), and the CISSP.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?