The global cybersecurity market is expected to reach $500 billion by 2030 — and that’s no accident (PR Newswire). With cyberattacks on the rise and an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity roles across the US, protecting digital assets will become even more important over time. (Cybersecurity Ventures)
Whether you're starting your cybersecurity career or aiming to advance into leadership roles, there’s never been a better time to find the IT role that’s right for you.
Cybersecurity certifications play a crucial role in validating technical expertise, boosting your credibility, and opening doors to advanced career opportunities. They teach you the in-demand skills that you’ll need to thrive in modern technology, and employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who have proven their skills through these certifications.
Let’s explore the top 10 cybersecurity certifications, associated career benefits, potential salaries, and industry demand for each.
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1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is widely recognized as a benchmark for cybersecurity expertise, making it a key asset for those aiming for senior and managerial roles in information security. It validates your deep understanding of security policies, risk management, and the development of secure systems, ensuring that you are well-prepared to tackle complex security challenges in any organization.
Here are a few careers you can earn after passing this certification:
- Information Security Manager: Oversees an organization's security strategies and policies, ensuring all systems and data are protected against evolving cyber threats.
- Security Consultant: Provides expert advice and tailored solutions to help organizations strengthen their security posture and mitigate risks.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Leads the entire information security program at a strategic level, aligning security initiatives with business objectives while managing risks across the enterprise.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of nearly $120,000 per year. (isc2)
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a valuable credential that focuses on identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in systems. It equips professionals with the skills and techniques used by hackers to help organizations protect their networks and data.
By learning how to think like a hacker, you can effectively uncover security weaknesses and implement strategies to mitigate potential threats, making it an essential certification for roles in penetration testing and ethical hacking.
Let’s explore a few careers you can earn after completing the CEH certification:
- Penetration Tester: Conducts simulated cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities in systems and help organizations improve their defenses.
- Security Analyst: Monitors and investigates security incidents to prevent and respond to potential threats effectively.
- Vulnerability Assessor: Systematically evaluates IT systems to identify weaknesses and recommends solutions to reduce risks.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $104,000 per year. (Payscale)
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is highly respected for emphasizing the management and governance of information security programs. It is ideal for professionals responsible for overseeing an organization's security strategy, ensuring that security practices align with business objectives.
This certification demonstrates a deep understanding of risk management, strategic planning, and leadership, making it a valuable asset for those aiming to manage and direct security initiatives effectively.
Here are a few positions you’ll become eligible for after passing the CISM certification:
- Information Security Manager: Oversees the development and implementation of security policies and strategies to protect an organization's digital assets.
- IT Director: Leads technology initiatives and ensures that IT operations align with business objectives, with a strong focus on security and compliance.
- Risk Management Professional: Identifies, evaluates, and mitigates cybersecurity risks, helping organizations balance security measures with strategic business goals.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $138,000 per year. (Payscale)
4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification specializes in auditing, control, and assurance, making it a crucial asset for professionals tasked with evaluating and ensuring the security of information systems. It equips you with the skills to assess vulnerabilities, enforce compliance, and enhance overall security measures, ensuring that organizational processes are both efficient and secure.
This certification is especially valuable for roles in IT audit, risk management, and compliance, where a thorough understanding of security controls is essential.
You can earn a standout career after completing your CISA certification:
- IT Auditor: Evaluates and ensures that an organization's information systems and controls meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Compliance Analyst: Monitors and assesses adherence to internal policies and external regulations to mitigate legal and operational risks.
- Risk Analyst: Identifies and analyzes potential threats to an organization's information systems, recommending strategies to manage and reduce risk.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $118,000 per year. (Payscale)
5. CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is an excellent starting point for anyone entering the world of cybersecurity. It covers fundamental security concepts such as network security, threat management, and cryptography, providing a solid foundation for a career in information security.
This entry-level credential helps you build essential skills and knowledge, making it easier to move into more specialized roles or further certifications as you grow in the field.
Find a few careers you can earn after passing this certification below:
- Security Administrator: Implements and monitors security protocols to protect an organization's IT environment from threats.
- Systems Administrator: Manages and maintains computer systems and servers, ensuring they operate securely and efficiently.
- Network Administrator: Oversees the installation and maintenance of network infrastructures, ensuring robust and secure connectivity across the organization.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $86,000 per year. (Payscale)
6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is designed to address the complexities of securing cloud environments, covering cloud security architecture, governance, and operations. This credential is essential for professionals looking to safeguard organizations as they transition to and expand in cloud technologies.
It equips you with the expertise needed to manage risks and implement robust security measures in cloud settings, ensuring that data and applications remain protected in an increasingly digital landscape.
Let’s explore a few careers you can earn after completing your CCSP certification:
- Cloud Security Architect: Designs and implements secure cloud infrastructures, ensuring robust data protection and compliance with industry standards.
- Cloud Engineer: Builds and manages cloud environments with a strong focus on integrating security best practices into every layer of cloud operations.
- Security Consultant: Offers expert advice on cloud security strategies, helping organizations assess risks and deploy effective measures to safeguard their cloud assets.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $124,000 per year. (Payscale)
7. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is renowned for its rigorous, hands-on approach that challenges you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. It is highly regarded in the field of penetration testing and offensive security, demonstrating your ability to identify vulnerabilities and exploit systems in a controlled environment.
Earning the OSCP shows that you possess the practical expertise needed to think like an attacker, making you a valuable asset for organizations looking to strengthen their security defenses.
Here are a few careers you can begin once you pass your OSP certification:
- Penetration Tester: Simulates cyberattacks on systems and networks to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.
- Red Team Member: Acts as an adversary to test an organization’s security posture, providing critical insights into potential weaknesses.
- Security Researcher: Investigates emerging threats and develops innovative strategies to enhance cybersecurity defenses.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $102,000 per year. (Payscale)
8. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
The GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) proves that you have practical skills in information security that go beyond just knowing the theory. It’s perfect for professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to handle real-world security tasks and challenges. With GSEC, you show employers that you’re ready to apply hands-on techniques to protect systems and data effectively.
You can achieve a range of IT careers after passing your GSEC certification:
- Security Analyst: Monitors networks and systems to identify and respond to security incidents, ensuring that threats are quickly mitigated.
- Security Engineer: Designs and implements security solutions and architectures that protect an organization's IT infrastructure from cyber threats.
- IT Security Specialist: Focuses on developing and maintaining security measures and protocols to safeguard data and ensure overall system integrity.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $99,000 per year. (Payscale)
9. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification focuses on using behavioral analytics to detect and counter threats, making it a perfect bridge between foundational and advanced cybersecurity skills. It teaches you how to analyze security data, spot suspicious behavior early, and take action to prevent cyberattacks.
After earning your CySA+ certification, you’ll become eligible for a range of IT careers:
- Security Analyst: Reviews and interprets security data to detect threats and ensure that protective measures are promptly implemented.
- Threat Intelligence Analyst: Gathers and analyzes information on emerging cyber threats to provide actionable insights that enhance an organization's defensive strategies.
- SOC Analyst: Operates within a Security Operations Center to monitor, investigate, and respond to security alerts and incidents in real time.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $92,000 per year. (Infosec Institute)
10. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification focuses on managing IT risks while aligning technology efforts with business goals. It teaches you how to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks in IT environments, ensuring that security measures support an organization’s overall strategy.
This makes CRISC especially valuable for professionals who need to balance technical expertise with broader business objectives.
It’s easier to find the career that’s right for you after you complete the CRISC certification:
- Risk Manager: Oversees the identification, assessment, and mitigation of IT-related risks to protect business operations.
- Control Professional: Implements and evaluates control measures to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- IT Auditor: Reviews and assesses IT systems and processes to ensure that controls are effective and security standards are met.
After completing this certification, students can expect to earn an average salary of $145,000 per year. (Payscale)
Find a Future in Cybersecurity
Now is the time to elevate your career by earning a trusted certification. Employers rely on industry-recognized credentials like CISSP, CEH, and Security+ as clear proof of IT security expertise, making certification a key asset whether you're transitioning into the field or looking to upskill.
Enrolling in a cybersecurity bootcamp or certification training program can fast-track your success and help you stand out in a competitive job market, so take the next step towards a secure and rewarding future in cybersecurity.
Explore our Cybersecurity Bootcamp and CompTIA/EC-Council courses to gain the skills and certifications needed for a high-paying cybersecurity career.