Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications to Kickstart Your Career
Breaking into cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing the right entry-level certification. With countless options and conflicting advice online, knowing where to begin is hard. Our mission is to cut through the noise and give you a clear guide to the best entry-level cybersecurity certifications.
In this blog post, we’ll explain which certifications are truly beginner-friendly, which are better suited for IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity, and how each aligns with specific career paths. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to prepare for these exams and set yourself up for success in this fast-growing field.
Let’s get started!
Why Get Certified in Cybersecurity? Benefits and Career Opportunities
While degrees in cybersecurity are valuable, they’re not the only pathway into the industry. Certifications have become a recognized way to validate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. Here’s why you should consider getting certified:
Benefits of Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications
- Credibility to Employers: Certifications demonstrate your commitment to learning and give employers confidence in your abilities, especially when you’re new to the field.
- Fast-Track Your Career: Compared to traditional education, certifications can be earned more quickly and cost-effectively, allowing you to transition into the cybersecurity job market faster.
- Expand Your Network: Certifications often connect you with a professional community, offering networking opportunities that can further your career.
- Keep up with Industry Standards: Cybersecurity is an evolving field. Certifications ensure that you stay up to date with the latest tools and techniques, keeping your knowledge relevant.
Job Market Opportunities
Entry-level certifications can be the key to unlocking rewarding roles in the cybersecurity field, such as:
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitor and respond to security threats while ensuring systems remain protected.
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: Work in a SOC team to detect, investigate, and resolve security incidents.
- Penetration Tester: Simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems and improve security.
- IT Security Specialist: Implement and manage security measures to protect an organization’s data and infrastructure.
These roles are in high demand as organizations prioritize safeguarding sensitive information. Now that you understand the exciting career potential, let’s dive into the top beginner-friendly certifications to help you break into cybersecurity with confidence.
Top Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications
Now, without further ado, here are the top entry-level cybersecurity certifications to give you a competitive edge in the job market and kickstart your career:
CompTIA Security+
If you’re new to cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is the perfect starting point and one of the most popular cybersecurity certifications available. As stated by CompTIA, it’s “the first security certification a candidate should earn,” establishing the core knowledge needed for any cybersecurity role and serving as a springboard to intermediate-level positions.
This entry-level certification validates essential skills like assessing organizational security, securing cloud and IoT environments, understanding compliance laws, and responding to security incidents. It’s a highly respected credential that opens the door to a career in IT security.
What You’ll Learn
The CompTIA Security+ certification focuses on key areas such as:
- General Security Concepts
- Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations
- Security Architecture
- Security Operations
- Security Program Management & Oversight
By earning this certification, you prove you have the skills required to assess security threats and implement measures to counter them.
Career Applications
Many entry-level IT roles list CompTIA Security+ as a requirement. This certification is ideal for roles like:
- Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Manager
- Security Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Security Administrator
- IT Auditor
- Software Developer
It’s also vendor-neutral, making it widely applicable across different industries.
Exam Details
The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The passing score is 750 out of 900 points.
Requirements
There are no strict requirements to take the CompTIA Security+ exam. However, it is highly recommended that you have a solid understanding of enterprise-level networking. Both CompTIA and we at ONLC suggest that you first earn your Network+ certification and have at least two years of IT experience with a focus on security. This will significantly improve your chances of success in the exam.
Training Courses
We recommend the following CompTIA Security+ training courses for those preparing to take the exam.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by the EC-Council, is designed for individuals who want to master the art of ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red teaming. Ethical hacking involves legally hacking into systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
By earning the CEH certification, you’ll demonstrate your expertise in penetration testing, attack detection, attack vectors, and prevention. This certification helps you think like a hacker, enabling a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.
What You’ll Learn
With CEH, you’ll develop hands-on skills in areas such as:
- Identifying system vulnerabilities
- Penetration testing tools and methodologies
- Hacking techniques and countermeasures
Career Applications
This certification is geared toward roles like:
- Penetration Tester
- Security Consultant
- SOC Analyst
- Cyber Incident Analyst
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Cloud Security Architect
- Cybersecurity Engineer
Many professionals appreciate the CEH for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
Exam Details
The CEH certification exam is a four-hour, multiple-choice assessment consisting of 125 questions designed to test a candidate’s expertise in ethical hacking principles and techniques. It can be conveniently taken online via the EC-Council’s iClass platform.
Requirements
To qualify for the CEH exam, you must either have two years of experience in information security or complete an official EC-Council training program. Please note that a non-refundable application fee of $100 is required to register for the exam.
Training Courses
The following certification course is recommended:
Microsoft Security Certifications
In today’s world, where technologies have revolutionized how business is done, computer systems face greater security risks than ever before. This makes it essential to proactively manage and address enterprise security challenges across the cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments, and even with AI. Microsoft Security certifications are designed to help you develop these critical skills.
What You’ll Learn
- Principles of network security, such as authentication, authorization, and access control
- How to identify common threats and vulnerabilities in a Windows environment
- How to secure your cloud environment with Azure Security Center
- Protecting applications from malicious attacks using Microsoft 365 security features
- Managing identity and access with Active Directory Domain Services
Career Applications
These certifications are geared toward roles like:
- Network Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Information Security Specialist
- Cloud Security Architect
- Application Security Manager
These roles are in high demand, as companies across all industries recognize the importance of securing their networks and data.
Exam Details
Each certification has its own set of exams that need to be passed. Most of these exams are comprised of multiple-choice, active screen, and performance-based questions.
Requirements
To attain these certifications, candidates will need to have a basic understanding of networking and security concepts. Some prior experience or knowledge in Microsoft technologies may also be beneficial.
Training Courses
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Identity & Access Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
CISCO CCNA Certification
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a popular and widely recognized credential in the IT industry. This certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, routing technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure security.
What You’ll Learn
- Network fundamentals such as the OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, and network topologies
- LAN switching technologies, including VLANs, STP, and EtherChannel
- Routing technologies like OSPF and EIGRP
- Infrastructure services such as DHCP, NAT, and QoS
- Infrastructure security concepts, including ACLs and AAA
Career Applications
With this certification under your belt, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various job roles such as:
- Network Engineer/Architect
- Systems Administrator
- IT Consultant
- Network Technician
- Technical Support Engineer
After obtaining your CCNA certification, you may choose to further advance your skills and knowledge by pursuing the following Cisco certifications:
- CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
Exam Details
The exam consists of about 120 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center
Requirements
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 200-301 exam has no formal prerequisites, meaning anyone can take it. However, it’s recommended that candidates have a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, such as IP addressing, routing, switching, and security. Hands-on experience with Cisco products and at least a year of experience in the networking field can also help set you up for success.
Training Courses
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
In addition to traditional networking certifications, there are also cloud-specific certifications that focus on security. One example is the AWS Certified Security – Specialty course, which focuses on advanced security concepts and best practices within the AWS infrastructure.
What You’ll Learn
These certifications focus on:
- Identity and access management
- Securing workloads in the cloud
- Cloud-based threat detection
Career Applications
Cloud certifications position you for roles such as:
- Cloud Security Specialist
- Cloud Operations Analyst
Exam Details
The AWS Certified Security Exam is a 170-minute test consisting of 65 questions, presented in either multiple-choice or multiple-response formats.
Training Courses
FAQs
What is the best entry-level security certification for cybersecurity beginners?
For cybersecurity beginners, certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Associate, or Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) are excellent starting points. These programs provide a foundational knowledge of cybersecurity and help individuals gain the required skills to enter the industry.
How do entry-level security certifications benefit information security professionals?
Entry-level security certifications serve as a stepping stone for professional development by equipping information security professionals with key skills in data security, threat analysis, and risk management. These certifications also validate industry-standard knowledge, making it easier to transition into more specialized roles.
Should I pursue a career as a certified cybersecurity professional or focus on broader IT roles first?
While broader IT experience can provide valuable technical skills, starting with a cybersecurity-focused certificate, such as a Cyber Security Certificate or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) training, can help you specialize early in your career. This approach is ideal for individuals aiming to build a comprehensive cybersecurity program or move into management roles in the future.
What role does professional development play in a cybersecurity career?
Professional development is crucial for staying current in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. From earning an entry-level certification to achieving advanced credentials, such as the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), continuous learning ensures you remain skilled in mitigating emerging threats and handling data security challenges effectively.
How do I choose between certifications like the SSCP and CISM?
Choosing between certifications depends on your career goals and experience level. The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is ideal for those who want to strengthen their technical skills and gain hands-on experience with security tools. At the same time, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) focuses on management and governance aspects, making it suitable for aspiring leaders in cybersecurity.
What is the GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification?
The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is a vendor-neutral credential designed for entry-level professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of IT security concepts and techniques. The certification covers a wide range of topics, including access controls, networking fundamentals, and incident response.
Is achieving an entry-level security certification enough to start a career in cybersecurity?
Yes, achieving an entry-level security certification provides a solid foundation for entering the field. However, building practical experience through internships, labs, and hands-on projects is equally important for long-term career growth in cybersecurity.
How can certified cybersecurity professionals expand their career opportunities?
Certified cybersecurity professionals often find doors opening to specialized roles, including penetration testing, incident response, and cloud security. Advanced certifications and participation in professional development opportunities also help enhance their expertise and make them competitive in the job market.
Start Your Cybersecurity Career Journey Today!
Choosing the right certification depends largely on your career goals. If you’re just starting out, the CompTIA Security+ is often the most accessible and widely recognized. For those interested in ethical hacking or technical roles, certifications like the CEH or GSEC provide excellent foundations. If you aim to specialize in cloud security, certifications in AWS or Azure can set you apart.
Remember, certifications are just the beginning. They equip you with the skills, but unlocking your career potential requires dedication and continuous learning. Start your cybersecurity certification today and take your first step toward an exciting and future-proof career!
