Table of contents
- Why you are wondering which certification to choose today
- Best cyber security certifications: why they really matter
- CompTIA A+: a solid foundation to start from
- CCNA: understanding networks to protect them
- CEH: getting into the attacker’s mindset
- CISSP: the reference certification for security
- CISM: when security becomes management
- CIPP and privacy: where security meets data protection
- Other cyber security certifications to consider
- How to choose the right certification for you
Why you are wondering which certification to choose today
Are you attracted to the world of cyber security, but you don’t really know where to start?
Have you read job postings that require certifications you’ve never heard of, or maybe you know too many and they all seem the same?
Are you wondering whether investing time and money in a cyber security certification is truly useful for your professional future, or if it’s just marketing hype?
These questions are more than legitimate. The field of information security is growing every year, but so is confusion. The job market is looking for skilled professionals, yet it’s not always clear which skills are actually required and which certifications are recognized worldwide.
This article was created to solve exactly this problem. Here you’ll find a clear, realistic, and practical guide to the best cyber security certifications, explained without slogans or unrealistic promises.
The goal is not to sell you a dream, but to help you choose a high-level certification that fits your experience, your goals, and your professional path.
Best cyber security certifications: why they really matter
In the IT world, not all certifications carry the same weight. A cyber security certification is useful only if it meets three fundamental criteria:
- it is demanded by the market, recognized by companies, and proves real skills.
Cyber security certifications are not shortcuts. They don’t replace experience, but they make it visible. In a field where many skills are not immediately verifiable, a certification helps recruiters and companies quickly understand your level.
When we talk about the best cyber security certifications, we refer to paths that truly cover information security, operating systems, networks, risk management, and governance. Some are designed for beginners, while others require at least five years of experience in the information security field.
CompTIA A+: a solid foundation to start from
CompTIA A+ is often underestimated, but it represents one of the best entry points into the IT world and cyber security. It is not a certification exclusively focused on security, but it provides the technical foundations without which security remains theoretical.
This certification covers hardware, software, operating systems, basic networking, and troubleshooting. Why is this important for security? Because you can’t protect what you don’t understand. Knowing how a system works is the first step toward defending it.
In the job market, CompTIA A+ is especially valued for junior roles, help desk, IT support positions, and for those who want to build a progressive career in the information security field. It is an accessible, practical certification and fits well within a continuous learning path.
CCNA: understanding networks to protect them
Cisco’s CCNA is a historic certification that is still highly in demand today. Even though it was not created as a pure security certification, it is essential for anyone who wants to work in cyber security.
A large portion of cyber attacks exploit network vulnerabilities. CCNA teaches you how routing, switching, protocols, and network infrastructures work. Without this knowledge, concepts like firewalls, IDS, VPNs, or network segmentation remain abstract.
Within the context of the best cyber security certifications, CCNA is often a strategic step, especially for technical roles such as network security specialist or security analyst. It is highly valued by structured companies and remains recognized worldwide.
CEH: getting into the attacker’s mindset
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), issued by EC-Council, is one of the most well-known certifications in offensive security. Its main value lies in a shift in perspective: learning to think like an attacker in order to defend systems more effectively.
The Certified Ethical Hacker CEH covers attack techniques, common vulnerabilities, penetration testing tools, and realistic scenarios. It is not a magic certification, but it is useful for those who want to truly understand how attacks happen.
In the information security field, CEH is often required for junior blue team and red team roles. However, it’s important to approach it with solid fundamentals, because without knowledge of operating systems and networks, it can easily become just theory.
CISSP: the reference certification for security
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is considered by many to be the gold standard among cyber security certifications. It is an advanced-level certification, recognized worldwide, and it is not designed for beginners.
To obtain the Systems Security Professional CISSP, candidates must demonstrate at least five years of experience in the information security field. Its focus is not only technical, but also strategic: governance, risk management, information security, policies, architectures, and compliance.
In the job market, CISSP is often required for senior roles, security leaders, security managers, and consultants. It proves not only technical expertise, but also a broad vision and decision-making capability.
CISM: when security becomes management
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification designed for those who work, or want to work, in security management. Unlike CISSP, it is less technical and more focused on decision-making processes.
The Certified Information Security Manager CISM focuses on governance, incident management, risk management, and alignment between security and business objectives. It is ideal for professionals moving toward managerial roles.
This is also a high-level certification that requires real-world experience. In the job market, it is often requested for roles such as information security manager or IT security manager.
CIPP and privacy: where security meets data protection
In recent years, privacy has become an integral part of information security. The Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) certifications address this growing need.
The Information Privacy Professional CIPP is particularly relevant for professionals working with GDPR, compliance, and personal data management. It is not a purely technical certification, but it is increasingly required in corporate and legal environments.
In the information security field, privacy is no longer optional. This is why CIPP certifications are increasingly considered among the best complementary cyber security certifications.
Other cyber security certifications to consider
Beyond the main ones, there are other cyber security certifications that can strengthen your profile. These include certifications in cloud security, incident response, SOC analyst roles, and application security.
The choice should never be random. A certification is valuable only if it aligns with your role, your experience level, and your continuous learning journey. Collecting certifications without real experience adds little real value.
How to choose the right certification for you
There is no universal answer. The best cyber security certifications are those that solve a concrete problem: improving your employability, strengthening your skills, or helping you grow professionally. Before choosing, it’s essential to evaluate your current level, the time you can dedicate to studying, and the role you aim for in the information security field.
If you are at the beginning, start with the basics to build a solid understanding of networks and operating systems. If you already have technical experience, aim for advanced certifications that are recognized worldwide. If you are already working in a company, choose a certification aligned with your career goals and the demands of the job market.
Cyber security is not a sprint, but a long-term journey made of study, practice, and continuous learning. Certifications are strategic tools, not shortcuts.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a cyber security certification?
It is an official credential that proves skills in the information security field. - What are the best cyber security certifications for beginners?
CompTIA A+ and CCNA are excellent starting points. - Is CISSP suitable for beginners?
No, it requires at least five years of experience. - Is CISM a technical certification?
It is more management-oriented than purely technical. - Is CEH really useful?
Yes, especially if you already have solid networking and operating system knowledge. - Do certifications guarantee a job?
No, but they significantly improve opportunities in the job market. - Do cyber security certifications expire?
Many require updates and continuous learning. - Are these certifications recognized worldwide?
Yes, the certifications mentioned in this article are. - Do you need a degree to earn a certification?
No, experience is often more important. - How many certifications do you need?
Fewer, well-chosen, and coherent certifications are better.
