8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications [2024 Updated]

Cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032, making it an excellent time to transition into the field [1].

Use the following article to compare eight popular cybersecurity certifications and two certificates in 2024. If you're ready to start preparing for your next role in cybersecurity, consider earning credentials from a tech industry leader by enrolling to earn the Google Cybersecurity Certificate.

Do I need a cybersecurity certification or certificate?

If you already have some cybersecurity experience and need credentials to reflect that knowledge, you'll likely benefit from studying for and taking a certification exam. If you want to sharpen your skills through an educational program and earn credentials upon completion, a certificate may be the best fit for you. Those who intend to strengthen their resume and their skill set may consider both, as certificate programs are often used to prepare for certification exams.

8 cybersecurity certifications companies are hiring for

While many cybersecurity professionals hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, companies often prefer candidates with certifications to validate their knowledge of industry standard processes and techniques. There are hundreds of programs and exams available, from general to vendor-specific and entry-level to advanced. 

Before you spend your money and time on a certification, it’s crucial to find one that gives you a competitive advantage in your career. A number of US job listings require cybersecurity certifications or experience that can be gained through a certification program. The following eight cybersecurity certifications were featured in a large number of job listings across LinkedIn, Indeed, and Simply Hired as of October 2024.

All base salary represents average US salaries sourced from Glassdoor in October 2024

1. CompTIA Security

CompTIA Security is an entry-level security certification that validates the core skills needed in any cybersecurity role. With this certification, demonstrate your ability to assess the security of an organization, monitor and secure cloud, mobile, and internet of things (IoT) environments, understand laws and regulations related to risk and compliance, and identify and respond to security incidents.

Earning your Security certification can help you in roles such as:

• Systems administrator - $89,915

• Help desk manager - $98,256

• Security engineer - $157,496

• Cloud engineer - $116,135

• Security administrator - $112,841

• IT auditor - $89,468

• Software developer - $100,156

Requirements: While there are no strict requirements for taking the Security exam, you’re encouraged to earn your Network certification first and gain at least two years of IT experience with a security focus.

Cost: $404

If you’re just getting started in information technology (IT), CompTIA recommends that you get your a Cyber Specialization first. You’ll build foundational skills in cybersecurity while preparing to pass the CompTIA A exams—the first step in the CompTIA certification path. 

Read more: 10 Essential IT Certifications

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification from the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)² ranks among the most sought-after credentials in the industry. Earning your CISSP demonstrates that you’re experienced in IT security and capable of designing, implementing, and monitoring a cybersecurity program.

This advanced certification is for experienced security professionals looking to advance their careers in roles like:

• Chief information security officer - $217,127

• Security administrator - $81,959

• Security engineer - $157,496

• Senior security consultant - $142,737

• Information assurance analyst - $114,004

Requirements: To qualify to take the CISSP exam, you’ll need five or more years of cumulative work experience in at least two of eight cybersecurity domains. These include Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.

A four-year degree in computer science satisfies one year of the work requirement. Part-time work and paid internships also count.

Cost (US): $749

The path to CISSP

If you’re new to cybersecurity and lack the necessary experience, you can still take the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)². Once you pass the exam, you’ll then have six years to build the relevant experience for full CISSP certification.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red team, involves lawfully hacking organizations to try and uncover vulnerabilities before malicious players do. The EC-Council offers the CEH Certified Ethical Hacker certification. Earn it to demonstrate your skills in penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention.

The CEH certification helps you to think like a hacker and take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. Consider this certification for jobs like:

• Penetration tester - $137,195

• Cyber incident analyst - $104,548

• Threat intelligence analyst - $163,428

• Cloud security architect - $234,881

• Cybersecurity engineer - $159,846

Requirements: You can take the CEH exam if you have two years of work experience in information security or if you complete an official EC-Council training.

Cost:  $950-$1199 depending on testing location

Read more: 4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your Career

4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

This credential from IT professional association ISACA helps demonstrate your expertise in assessing security vulnerabilities, designing and implementing controls, and reporting on compliance. It’s among the most recognized certifications for careers in cybersecurity auditing.

The CISA is designed for mid-level IT professionals looking to advance into jobs like:

• IT audit manager - $112,241

• Cybersecurity auditor - $162,067

• Information security analyst - $140,653

• Security engineer - $157,496

• IT project manager - $121,042

• Compliance program manager - $115,994

Requirements: You need at least five years of experience in IT, information systems auditing, control, security, or assurance. A two or four-year degree can be substituted for one or two years of experience, respectively.

Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members

5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

With the CISM certification, also from ISACA, you can validate your expertise in the management side of information security, including topics like governance, program development, and program, incident, and risk management.

If you’re looking to pivot from the technical to the managerial side of cybersecurity, earning your CISM could be a good choice. Jobs that use the CISM include:

• IT manager - $108,606

• Information systems security officer - $164,496

• Information risk consultant - $111,198

• Director of information security - $345,673

• Data governance manager - $133,639

Requirements: To take the CISM exam, you need at least five years of experience in information security management. Satisfy up to two years of this requirement with general information security experience. You can also waive one or two years with another certification in good standing or a graduate degree in an information security-related field.

Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members

Read more: Guide to CISM Certification

6. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

Earning the GCIH validates your understanding of offensive operations, including common attack techniques and vectors and your ability to detect, respond, and defend against attacks. The certification exam covers incident handling, computer crime investigation, hacker exploits, and hacker tools.

This certification is meant for anyone working in incident response. Job titles might include:

• Security incident handler - $61,662

• Security architect - $156,094

• Systems administrator - $89,915

Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for taking the GCIH exam, though it’s a good idea to have an understanding of security principles, networking protocols, and the Windows Command Line.

Cost: $979

7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

With this intermediate security credential from (ISC)², you can show employers that you have the skills to design, implement, and monitor a secure IT infrastructure. The exam tests expertise in access controls, risk identification and analysis, security administration, incident response, cryptography, and network, communications, systems, and application security.

The SSCP is designed for IT professionals working hands-on with an organization’s security systems or assets. This credential is appropriate for positions like:

• Network security engineer - $117,349

• Systems administrator - $89,915

• Systems engineer - $138,065

• Security analyst - $111,698

• Database administrator - $103,888

• Cybersecurity consultant - $197,194

Requirements: Candidates for the SSCP need at least one year of paid work experience in one or more of the testing areas. This can also be satisfied with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a cybersecurity-related program.

Cost: $249

8. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

This certification from the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an entry-level security credential for those with some background in information systems and networking. Earning this credential validates your skills in security tasks like active defense, network security, cryptography, incident response, and cloud security.

Consider taking the GSEC exam if you have some background in IT and wish to move into cybersecurity. Job roles that use the skills demonstrated by the GSEC include:

• IT security manager - $139,454

• Computer forensic analyst - $127,885

• Penetration tester - $137,195

• Security administrator - $81,959

• IT auditor - $89,468

• Software development engineer - $200,524

Requirements: There are no specific requirements to take the GSEC exam. Set yourself up for success by gaining some information systems or computer networking experience first.

Cost: $979-$1,299

The path to GSEC

GIAC also offers the Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) as its entry-level certification for those new to IT. If you’re still gaining experience with networking and information systems, this could be a good place to start.

Employer-recognized cybersecurity certificates

While a certificate indicates your successful completion of training, a certification verifies that you've passed an exam. Both can be powerful additions to your resume and experience, increasing your confidence in the workplace and competitiveness in the job market.

Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate focuses on gaining hands-on experience with industry standard tools such as SQL, Linux, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and Python programming. Led by Google experts, it also includes AI training, a skill that's rocketed into high demand amongst employers within the last few years. Examples of job roles you can use this certificate program to prepare for for include:

• Cybersecurity analyst - $103,943

• Cybersecurity specialist - $108,394

• Security administrator - $112,841

• Junior cybersecurity engineer - $112,340

Requirements: There are no specific requirements to enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate program. It is self-paced and beginner-friendly.

Cost: Included in Coursera Plus subscription for $59 per month

Google Cloud Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

The Google Cloud Cybersecurity Certificate program emphasizes cloud computing coursework and experience using Google Cloud technologies such as the Google Compute Engine. You'll gain fundamental cybersecurity and AI expertise with a focus on cloud-based security, cloud network security, and cloud perimeter protection. Examples of job roles you can use this certificate program to prepare for for include:

• Cloud security analyst - $124,757

• Junior cloud security engineer - $87,590

• Cloud administrator - $128,335

Requirements: There are no specific requirements to enroll in the Google Cloud Cybersecurity Professional Certificate program. It is self-paced and beginner-friendly.

Cost: Included in Coursera Plus subscription for $59 per month

How to choose a cybersecurity certification or certificate

Earning a certification in cybersecurity can validate your hard-earned skills and help you advance your career. Here are some things to consider when choosing which certification is right for you.

• Your level of experience: Start with a certification that matches your current skill set. Invest in a certification you know you can achieve, and use it to advance toward more challenging certifications later in your career.

• Cost: Getting certified typically costs several hundred dollars (or more), plus the additional fees to maintain it. The right certification can open up better job prospects or higher salaries, but it’s important to invest wisely.

Tip: Some employers will help pay for your certification, so it’s always a good idea to ask first. According to the (ISC)² survey, 40 percent of respondents said that their organization covered the cost of their courses, exam, and fees [2].

• Area of focus: If you’re just getting started in cybersecurity or want to move into a managerial role, a more general certification might be a good choice. As you advance in your career, you might decide to specialize. A certification in your concentration area can validate your skills to potential employers.

• Potential employers: Check some job listings of employers you may want to work for (or job titles you plan to apply for) to see what certifications are commonly required.

Just getting started in IT?

Consider one of these beginner IT certifications or certificates to build entry-level skills and advance your career.

How to get into cybersecurity: First steps

Many of the most coveted certifications require (or at least recommend) some previous experience in cybersecurity or IT. If your career goals include a job in this in-demand industry, there are some steps you can take now to start gaining the experience you need.

Consider earning a degree in computer science

While you don’t need a degree to enjoy a successful career in cybersecurity—6 percent of surveyed professionals only reported a high school diploma—it can help you build a strong foundation [2]. Many of the most prestigious certifications will waive some of the work experience requirements if you’ve earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field. 

The University of Pennsylvania offers an Ivy League Master of Computer and Information Technology degree designed especially for students without a computer science background. Try a course before you apply to see if this program is a good fit.

Start with an entry-level job in IT.

Many cybersecurity professionals start off in more general IT roles. Hands-on experience is often the most effective way to prepare for certification exams. Start accumulating work experience in an entry-level IT role such as a help desk administrator or IT support specialist.

Learn more: 10 Entry-Level IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

Start preparing for your next role in cybersecurity today

Ready to develop both technical and workplace skills for a career in cybersecurity? The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is your gateway to training, resources, and exclusive access to a job platform with over 150 employees hiring for entry-level cybersecurity roles.