Cyber Security Certification Programs
Are cybersecurity certification programs and courses worth it? Many ask this question when considering the next steps towards a career in cybersecurity. The answer is not as simple as one might think, but in general, these certifications are valuable in a cybersecurity career, but you also need to gain the relevant experience to complement your certifications in order to strengthen your case as a job applicant.
Having a cybersecurity certification can set you apart from other candidates competing for the same position. Certification takes time and persistence; therefore, holding a certificate is an indication to employers that you are committed to a career in cyber or information security.
Many employers value industry certifications, especially ones tied to the skills a role requires, such as ethical hacking or incident response. The Department of Defense formalizes this: under its cyber workforce framework (DoD Manual 8140.03), approved certifications are one way to qualify for DoD cyber roles, alongside education, training and experience.
Obtaining a certification can often place you in a better position to negotiate a salary increase or a promotion certification. Another advantage of earning a cybersecurity certificate is the flexibility these programs offer to full-time cyber security professionals. With more accredited institutions creating online courses you can likely pursue a certification, bachelor's, or graduate degree without the need to travel to the institution or change your working schedule.
Types of Cybersecurity Certifications
Cybersecurity professionals have diverse training options including pursuing an academic degree, certification, or cybersecurity boot camp. The best choice of training option depends on personal preferences, skill levels, and career goals.
Cybersecurity certifications come in different varieties, from those designed for beginners to those designed for advanced professionals. In other cases, the certifications may be themed depending on different areas of cybersecurity.
The common types of cybersecurity certifications include:
Network security
Cyber threats and security
Cyber investigations and forensics
Governance and compliance
Cloud privacy and security
A network security certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge that you need to become an effective professional in network and cybersecurity. A network security certification communicates that you are qualified to help businesses and organizations set policies and processes to protect their computer systems.
Information security professionals can pursue one of many certifications from different institutions and education providers to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to help you get started or advance in your cybersecurity career. For instance, cyber security certifications allow you to work with data, which can position you as an ideal candidate to help businesses with marketing analytics by analyzing data and developing strategies to grow a business.
Some of these network security certifications include:
Network+ is an entry-level certification from CompTIA. The certification introduces you to the key areas of network security, network management, network maintenance, and the design and deployment of functional networks.
Security+ is a network security certification by CompTIA targeted at entry-level cybersecurity professionals. The certification introduces you to the basics of cryptography, threat identification, and working with network components.
Other cybersecurity certifications you can explore, include:
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate Certification, which trains security operations personnel the skills necessary for detecting and responding to cyber threats. The certification covers security concepts, security policies and procedures, network intrusion analysis, security monitoring, and host-based analysis.
(ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner Certification provides advanced knowledge of security best practices and technical skills that cybersecurity professionals require to perform their duties. The certification covers topics such as security operations and administration, incident response and recovery, cryptography, and systems and application security.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Information Security Manager
Cyber Security Degree Programs
As more businesses recognize the need for protecting their systems and data, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has grown. In response, universities and other learning institutions are creating programs that provide the necessary education and training to prepare students for a career in cybersecurity.
Two credentials can help you judge a cybersecurity program's quality. The NSA's National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program designates colleges that meet federal standards in cyber defense, cyber operations or cyber research. ABET accredits individual computing and engineering programs. Schools with a CAE designation follow curricula aligned with what federal agencies need from the cybersecurity workforce.
Whether or not it is required to obtain an undergraduate degree to work as a cybersecurity professional is a question with no definitive answer. In most cases, the skills, network, and personal aptitude you possess are more important than the undergraduate degree you hold. Reputation of your undergraduate institution is likely always a factor but that is for a separate article.
However, due to the sensitive nature of an organization's systems and networks, companies are more inclined to hire professionals with at least a bachelor's degree. Advancing to higher cybersecurity positions requires additional training and preferably, a master's degree or reputable certifications that show you meet the educational requirements.
Having these certifications, even without a degree, communicates to potential employers that you are actively building your skills and knowledge.
Best Online Cybersecurity Training Programs
Cybersecurity training is available in many formats: bachelor's and master's degrees, graduate certificates, industry certifications, bootcamps, and free or paid online courses. Universities, professional organizations, security companies and individual practitioners all offer programs, many of them fully online or hybrid.
Online cybersecurity programs allow you to learn at your own pace and convenience. Learning cybersecurity skills online can work well if you are looking to master specific skills, for instance, penetration testing or cyber attack prevention. If online cybersecurity training is the right path for you, we recommend that you pick a focus area based on your interests or current skill sets. Previous certifications such as a data mining certificate could lead you to a career in digital forensics or security analysis where you work with data to identify cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities.
Once you narrow down your subjects or skills of interest, you can begin to explore different online cybersecurity training options. Picking the best certifications or courses should not be a complicated process though it can be tricky to identify schools with a strong reputation. Start by seeking out accredited institutions and ask their staff about graduation outcomes and reputation with organizations such as Better Business Bureau.
To get you started in finding the best cybersecurity courses and certifications for you, we've curated a few training programs to consider adding to your list:
- Radford University (Virginia): Radford's Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab offers an online, self-paced Cybersecurity Certificate for working professionals. The six-course, 18-credit program takes up to a year and costs $6,948. Radford holds the NSA and DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation.
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg): The university, which absorbed Bloomsburg University in 2022, offers an online Digital Forensics Certificate that can be completed in about a year. It's a good fit for people interested in forensic investigation roles in law enforcement or government.
- University of Colorado System, Cybersecurity for Business (Coursera): This beginner-level, four-course specialization covers cybersecurity basics for business, cyber threats and attack vectors, detecting and mitigating attacks, and proactive computer security.
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Coursera): This 14-course, beginner-level program takes about four months at 10 hours a week and helps prepare learners for the CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ certification exams.
- University of Maryland, Cybersecurity in the AI Era (Coursera): This three-course specialization introduces cybersecurity strategy and risk management, with a focus on how AI is changing the field.
Final word
The BLS projects employment of information security analysts will grow 21% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Careers are also rewarding given the increasing importance of protecting data and networks. If you are looking to grow in this career path, then training and certifications go a long way in demonstrating your skill and knowledge in different areas of cybersecurity.