Career Progression: Certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you more competitive in the job market. Start with entry-level certifications and work your way up as you gain experience.
The most popular entry-level security certification. Covers foundational cybersecurity skills and is often required for DoD positions (meets DoD 8570 requirements).
Topics: Threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, architecture, operations, incident response, governance, risk, and compliance.
Essential networking knowledge that forms the foundation for security work. Highly recommended before Security+.
Covers ethical hacking tools and techniques. Popular but controversial due to cost and focus on theory over hands-on skills.
Focuses on security operations center (SOC) fundamentals and security monitoring.
The gold standard for security professionals. Requires 5 years of experience (or 4 years + degree). Covers 8 security domains.
Domains: Security & Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture, Communications Security, Identity & Access Management, Security Assessment, Security Operations, Software Development Security.
Focuses on security analytics, threat detection, and incident response. More hands-on than Security+.
Designed for security managers and those aspiring to management roles. Requires 5 years of experience.
Demonstrates understanding of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts.
Hands-on penetration testing certification. Includes a 24-hour practical exam. Highly respected in the industry.
Note: "Try Harder" - Extremely challenging and hands-on. You must compromise systems and submit a professional report.
Advanced penetration testing skills including proper planning, scoping, and methodologies.
Focuses on detecting, responding to, and resolving computer security incidents.
World-renowned certification for IS audit control, assurance, and security professionals. Requires 5 years experience.
Advanced web application security and source code analysis. 48-hour practical exam.
Step 1: CompTIA Network+ → Step 2: CompTIA Security+ → Step 3: CompTIA CySA+ → Step 4: CISSP
Best for: Those seeking broad security knowledge and management roles
Step 1: CompTIA Security+ → Step 2: CEH or eJPT → Step 3: OSCP → Step 4: OSWE or OSCE
Best for: Those who want hands-on offensive security roles
Step 1: CompTIA Security+ → Step 2: CompTIA CySA+ → Step 3: GCIH or GCIA → Step 4: CISSP
Best for: Those interested in SOC work, incident response, and threat hunting
Step 1: CompTIA Security+ → Step 2: CISA → Step 3: CISM → Step 4: CISSP
Best for: Those interested in policy, compliance, and risk management