Thinking about diving into the world of cybersecurity? That’s awesome! You can always learn in this field. You’ll solve interesting problems, too. Plus, you help keep important information safe from the wrong hands. Having a good map and compass is key for an adventure. Similarly, the right certifications guide your early steps in cybersecurity. They also show employers that you’re serious and have a solid understanding of the field.

These beginner-friendly certifications help you build essential skills and knowledge. This makes you Let’s explore some of the best ones to get you started on your path to becoming a cybersecurity pro!

Why Get a Cybersecurity Certification as a Beginner?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need a certification to start?” While you can certainly learn a lot on your own, here are some great reasons why getting a beginner cybersecurity certification is a smart move:

• Shows You’re Serious: A certification demonstrates to employers that you’ve taken the initiative to learn about cybersecurity and are committed to the field.

• Builds a Strong Foundation: These certifications cover the fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity, giving you a solid base to build upon as you advance in your career.

• Makes Your Resume Stand Out: In a competitive job market, a relevant certification can help your resume get noticed by hiring managers.

• Opens Doors to Entry-Level Jobs: Some entry-level cybersecurity positions may prefer or even require certain beginner certifications.

• Boosts Your Confidence: Learning and passing a certification exam can give you a great sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence as you start your cybersecurity journey.

• Provides a Structured Learning Path: Certification programs often follow a well-defined curriculum, ensuring you learn the most important concepts in a logical order.

Top Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

Here are some of the best cybersecurity certifications to consider if you’re just starting out:

1. CompTIA Security+

• What it is: The CompTIA Security+ is often considered the entry-level cybersecurity certification to get. It’s globally recognized and validates the baseline skills you need to perform core security functions. It covers a broad range of topics, including network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management, and cryptography.

• Why it’s a great start: Security+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it’s not tied to any specific software or hardware. This makes it applicable across various industries and technologies. It’s also well-respected by employers and often a requirement for entry-level cybersecurity roles in government and military organizations.

• Earning Potential: While it’s a beginner certification, having Security+ can definitely improve your earning potential compared to someone with no certifications. It can help you land jobs like Security Analyst, Security Engineer (entry-level), IT Auditor, and Security Consultant (junior).

• What it takes: To get Security+, you need to pass a multiple-choice exam. CompTIA recommends having at least two years of experience in IT technical focus with security knowledge, but it’s not strictly required. Many people study using CompTIA-approved materials, online courses, and practice exams.

• Think of it like: Getting your foundational driver’s license for the cybersecurity world – it proves you know the basic rules of the road.

2. (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)®

• What it is: The SSCP® certification from (ISC)² is another excellent option for beginners looking to build a career in IT security. It focuses on the practical, hands-on skills and knowledge needed for IT security roles.

  The seven domains are:

  • Security Operations and Administration

  • Access Controls

  • Risk Identification

  • Monitoring and Analysis

  • Incident Response and Recovery

  • Cryptography

  • Network and Communications Security

• Why it’s a great start: SSCP® validates your technical skills in implementing, monitoring, and administering IT infrastructure and security measures. It’s a globally recognized certification that can open doors to various technical security roles.

• Earning Potential: SSCP® certified professionals often see a boost in their earning potential. Potential job roles include Security Analyst, System Administrator, Network Administrator, and Security Technician.

• What it takes: To become SSCP® certified, you need to have at least one year of cumulative work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the SSCP® Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), or a degree in cybersecurity (or related field). You also need to pass a challenging exam.

• Think of it like: Getting your advanced technical license in cybersecurity, showing you can not only drive but also understand how the vehicle works.

3. GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT)

• What it is: The GFACT certification from GIAC is for people new to cybersecurity. It also suits those in non-technical roles who want to grasp the basics of cybersecurity. It covers essential topics like networking basics, operating systems, system administration, security concepts, and cyber defense.

• Why it’s a great start: GFACT provides a strong foundational knowledge of IT and security concepts. It’s a good option for career changers or those who need a broad overview of the cybersecurity landscape. GIAC certifications are known for being very practical and hands-on.

• Earning Potential: While it’s a foundational certification, GFACT can help you qualify for entry-level roles that require a basic understanding of cybersecurity. It can also be beneficial for roles like technical sales, project management, or even HR within a technology-focused company.

• What it takes: To obtain the GFACT certification, you need to pass a proctored exam. GIAC offers training courses, but they are not mandatory. However, the exam is challenging and requires thorough preparation.

• Think of it like: Getting your basic science degree in cybersecurity – understanding the fundamental principles that everything else builds upon.

4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (Associate)

• What it is: The EC-Council offers the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, which focuses on offensive security techniques. The CEH (Associate) is an entry-level certification that validates foundational knowledge of ethical hacking concepts, tools, and methodologies. Ethical hacking means looking for weak spots in systems with permission. This helps organizations boost their security.

• Why it’s a great start: If you’re interested in penetration testing or vulnerability assessment, the CEH (Associate) provides a good introduction to these areas. It helps you think like an attacker to better understand how to defend systems.

• Earning Potential: Even at the associate level, a CEH certification can be beneficial for roles like junior penetration tester, security analyst, or vulnerability assessment analyst. The demand for ethical hacking skills is high.

• What it takes: To become a CEH (Associate), you can either take an official EC-Council training course or have a certain amount of self-study and then pass the exam.

• Think of it like: Learning the basics of how to pick locks (ethically!) to understand how to build better locks.

5. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

• What it is: This certification from Cisco focuses on the skills needed for security operations center (SOC) analysts. It validates your knowledge and skills in security monitoring, threat analysis, and incident response.

• Why it’s a great start: SOCs are the front lines of defense for many organizations, and there’s a high demand for skilled analysts. This certification is very practical and aligned with real-world SOC operations.

• Earning Potential: A CyberOps Associate certification can lead to roles like SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, and Incident Responder, which typically have good earning potential.

• What it takes: To earn the certification, you need to pass the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate exam. Cisco offers training resources to help you prepare.

• Think of it like: Becoming a certified first responder for cybersecurity incidents.

Choosing the Right Certification for You

When deciding which beginner cybersecurity certification to pursue, consider the following:

• Your Interests: What areas of cybersecurity are you most interested in? (e.g., general security, ethical hacking, network security, security operations).

• Your Career Goals: What kind of entry-level roles are you hoping to get? Research the requirements and preferred certifications for those roles.

• Your Background: Do you have any prior IT experience? Some certifications might build upon existing IT knowledge.

• Your Budget and Time: Consider the cost of the certification (including training and exam fees) and the time you can dedicate to studying.

• Industry Recognition: Research which certifications are most valued and recognized by employers in your region and the industries you’re interested in.

Tips for Getting Started with Cybersecurity Certifications

• Start with the Fundamentals: Make sure you have a basic understanding of IT concepts like networking and operating systems before diving into cybersecurity certifications.

• Explore Free Resources: There are many free online resources, courses, and communities where you can learn about cybersecurity.

• Consider Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer cybersecurity courses that can help you prepare for certifications.

• Join Study Groups: Connecting with others who are also studying for the same certification can be very helpful for sharing knowledge and motivation.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: If the certification involves hands-on skills, make sure to get plenty of practice using relevant tools and technologies.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: The cybersecurity community is often very supportive of newcomers. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance.

The First Step Towards a Cybersecurity Career

Getting a beginner cybersecurity certification is a fantastic way to launch your career in this exciting and vital field. Pick a certification that matches your interests and career goals. Then, study hard and pass the exam. You’ll be on your way to a rewarding, in-demand job. So, take that first step, explore these options, and get ready to embark on your cybersecurity adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which cybersecurity certification is best for absolute beginners? A: The CompTIA Security+ is often recommended as a great starting point for individuals with some IT knowledge but who are new to cybersecurity. It provides a broad foundation and is widely recognized.

Q: Do I need prior IT experience to get a beginner cybersecurity certification? A: While some basic IT knowledge can be helpful, many beginner certifications are designed for individuals with limited or no prior cybersecurity experience. However, having a foundational understanding of networking and operating systems can be beneficial.

Q: How long does it take to study for a beginner cybersecurity certification? A: The study time can vary greatly depending on your background, learning style, and the specific certification. It could range from a few weeks to a few months. Consistent study and practice are key.

Q: What is the cost of these beginner cybersecurity certifications? A: The cost typically includes the exam fee, which can range from a few hundred to several hundred dollars. There might also be costs for training materials or courses if you choose to take them.

Q: Are these certifications valuable for getting entry-level jobs? A: Yes, these certifications are highly valuable for entry-level cybersecurity roles. They demonstrate to employers that you have a foundational understanding of key cybersecurity concepts and principles.

Q: Should I get more than one beginner cybersecurity certification? A: Starting with one solid beginner certification like CompTIA Security+ or SSCP® is usually recommended. Once you have that foundation and some experience, you can consider pursuing more specialized certifications.

Q: Are online cybersecurity certifications from reputable providers valuable? A: Yes, online certifications from respected organizations like CompTIA, (ISC)², GIAC, and EC-Council are valuable. Employers recognize them.

Q: What kind of entry-level jobs can I get with these certifications? A: With these certifications, you can pursue roles like Security Analyst, Junior Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, IT Auditor (entry-level), Security Technician, and more.

Q: Do these certifications expire? A: Yes, most cybersecurity certifications have an expiration date and require you to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits or Professional Development Units (PDUs) and pay a renewal fee to maintain your certification.

Q: What are some important skills I should focus on while studying for these certifications? A: Focus on key security concepts, network security rules, common threats, and weaknesses. Also, learn basic cryptography, access control methods, and best practices for security operations. Hands-on practice with relevant tools can also be very beneficial.