Top Cyber Security Certifications Comparison
By Jordan Patel | Published: 2025-03-22 | Category: Cyber Security Certifications
About Cyber Security Certifications
Cyber security certifications validate an individual's knowledge and skills in specific areas of information security, ranging from foundational concepts to advanced specialized techniques. They serve as industry benchmarks for employers seeking qualified security professionals.
Scoring Criteria
- → Industry Recognition
- → Knowledge Depth
- → Practical Application
- → Career Impact
- → Cost-Effectiveness
The Best Cyber Security Certifications
#10
CompTIA PenTest+
By CompTIA
An intermediate certification covering hands-on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment skills, including planning, scoping, and managing weaknesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Reporting and Communication, Legal and Compliance Aspects of Testing
Key Features
- ✓Planning and Scoping: Defining scope, rules of engagement, compliance concepts.
- ✓Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning: Reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning techniques and tools.
- ✓Attacks and Exploits: Network, wireless, application, and social engineering attacks.
- ✓Reporting and Communication: Analyzing findings, report writing, post-engagement cleanup.
- ✓Tools and Code Analysis: Using penetration testing tools, basic script analysis.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard Exam Fee
$392.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Continuing Education (CE) requirements for renewal.
Pros
- + Covers both hands-on skills and planning/reporting aspects
- + Includes performance-based questions for practical validation
- + More affordable than OSCP or CEH+Training
- + Vendor-neutral approach
- + Meets DoD 8570 requirements
Cons
- - Less recognized and rigorous than OSCP
- - Perceived as less challenging than CEH by some
- - Intermediate level, may not be sufficient for senior penetration testing roles
Verdict
"A solid intermediate certification for those pursuing penetration testing careers, offering a good balance of practical skills, planning, and reporting at an accessible price point."
#9
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
By (ISC)²
A certification focused on cloud security expertise, covering design, implementation, architecture, operations, controls, and compliance for cloud environments.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Cloud Agnostic
Best For: Cloud Security Architecture, Cloud Data Security, Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security, Cloud Application Security, Cloud Security Operations, Cloud Governance, Risk, and Compliance
Key Features
- ✓Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design: Cloud computing concepts, security principles, design requirements.
- ✓Cloud Data Security: Data lifecycle, storage architectures, data security strategies, encryption.
- ✓Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security: Cloud infrastructure components, secure design, business continuity.
- ✓Cloud Application Security: Cloud software assurance, secure software development, identity management.
- ✓Cloud Security Operations: Monitoring, incident management, digital forensics in the cloud.
- ✓Legal, Risk and Compliance: Legal requirements, privacy issues, audit processes, risk management.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard Exam Fee
$599.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Requires 5 years cumulative paid work experience in IT, including 3 years in information security and 1 year in one or more of the 6 CCSP domains (CISSP credential can substitute for entire requirement). AMF required post-certification.
Pros
- + Leading vendor-neutral cloud security certification
- + Covers broad range of cloud security topics
- + High demand due to cloud adoption
- + Backed by reputable (ISC)² organization
Cons
- - Experience requirement can be a barrier
- - Less hands-on than specific vendor cloud security certs (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- - Exam cost and maintenance fees apply
Verdict
"The premier vendor-neutral certification for experienced professionals specializing in cloud security architecture, design, and operations. Highly relevant in today's cloud-centric world."
#8
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
By CompTIA
An intermediate certification focusing on behavioral analytics to prevent, detect, and combat cybersecurity threats through continuous security monitoring.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Security Analytics, Intrusion Detection, Threat Hunting, Incident Response, Vulnerability Management
Key Features
- ✓Threat and Vulnerability Management: Utilizing threat intelligence, vulnerability scanning, and analysis.
- ✓Software and Systems Security: Security solutions for infrastructure, software assurance, hardware assurance.
- ✓Security Operations and Monitoring: Analyzing data, identifying vulnerabilities, threats, and risks.
- ✓Incident Response: Applying incident response procedures, utilizing appropriate tools.
- ✓Compliance and Assessment: Understanding data privacy, security frameworks, policies, and controls.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard Exam Fee
$392.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Continuing Education (CE) requirements for renewal.
Pros
- + Focuses on practical analytics and hands-on skills for security analysts
- + Performance-based questions enhance practical validation
- + Good step up from Security+
- + Meets DoD 8570 requirements
- + Reasonably priced
Cons
- - Less recognized than some higher-level certs like CISSP or specialized certs like OSCP
- - Relatively newer compared to established certifications
Verdict
"An excellent certification for individuals aiming for security analyst roles, bridging the gap between foundational knowledge and advanced threat detection/response skills."
#7
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
By GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification)
A foundational certification demonstrating understanding of information security concepts beyond simple terminology and theory.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Core Security Concepts, Network Security, Cryptography Fundamentals, Incident Handling Basics, Security Operations
Key Features
- ✓Defensive Security: Access control, password management, endpoint security.
- ✓Network Security: Protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.), network devices, wireless security.
- ✓Cryptography: Concepts, algorithms, applications.
- ✓Incident Handling & Response: Basic incident handling procedures.
- ✓Windows & Linux Security: Fundamentals of securing common operating systems.
Scorecard (Overall: 6.6 / 10.0)
Pricing
Exam Attempt
$949.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Often taken with SANS training (SEC401), significantly increasing cost. Renewal required.
SANS Training + Certification Attempt
$8500.00 / One-time
- SANS SEC401 Training Course
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Very high cost if taking associated SANS training.
Pros
- + Respected foundational certification, especially when paired with SANS training
- + Covers broad range of essential security topics
- + Open-book exam tests understanding and reference skills
- + Good alternative/complement to Security+
Cons
- - Very expensive, particularly if taking the SANS course
- - Exam cost alone is high compared to similar level certs
- - GIAC certifications generally less known outside dedicated security circles compared to CompTIA/ISC²/ISACA
Verdict
"A strong foundational certification demonstrating practical security knowledge, highly valued when obtained via SANS training, but the cost is a significant barrier."
#6
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
By ISACA
Globally recognized certification for professionals in information systems audit, control, and assurance.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: IS Audit, IT Governance, Risk Management, Compliance, Systems and Infrastructure Lifecycle Management
Key Features
- ✓Information System Auditing Process: Audit standards, guidelines, tools, and techniques.
- ✓Governance and Management of IT: IT strategy, policies, standards, organizational structure.
- ✓Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation: Project management, system development lifecycle, testing.
- ✓Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience: System operations, databases, network infrastructure, disaster recovery.
- ✓Protection of Information Assets: Security architecture, access control, physical security, cryptography.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Exam Fee (Member)
$575.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Requires 5 years of IS audit, control, assurance, or security experience (waivers possible). Requires ISACA membership for discount. CPE requirements for renewal.
Exam Fee (Non-Member)
$760.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Requires 5 years of IS audit, control, assurance, or security experience (waivers possible). CPE requirements for renewal.
Pros
- + Premier certification for IT auditors
- + Highly respected in audit, risk, and compliance fields
- + Demonstrates expertise in assessing vulnerabilities and controls
- + Strong career path in GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance)
Cons
- - Strict experience requirement
- - Expensive exam and membership fees
- - Focus is specific to audit and assurance
Verdict
"The essential certification for professionals pursuing or advancing careers in IT audit and assurance, providing a strong foundation in control frameworks and assessment."
#5
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
By EC-Council
A well-known certification focused on understanding and identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in target systems using the same tools as malicious hackers, but lawfully.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessment, Security Awareness Training, Network Defense
Key Features
- ✓Hacking Methodologies: Covers phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, covering tracks.
- ✓System Hacking: Techniques for compromising various operating systems.
- ✓Network and Perimeter Hacking: Sniffing, social engineering, DoS attacks, session hijacking.
- ✓Web Application Hacking: SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), etc.
- ✓Wireless Network Hacking: Exploiting vulnerabilities in wireless networks.
Scorecard (Overall: 6.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Exam Voucher Only
$1199.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Requires attending official training or proving 2 years of InfoSec experience + $100 application fee.
Training + Exam Bundle
$1899.00 / One-time
- Official Courseware
- iLabs Access
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Cost varies by training provider.
Pros
- + Widely recognized brand name in ethical hacking
- + Covers a broad range of hacking tools and techniques
- + Meets DoD 8570 requirements
- + Offers optional practical exam (CEH Practical)
Cons
- - Criticized for being too tool-focused and less methodology-driven
- - High cost for official training
- - Multiple-choice exam may not fully reflect practical skills (unless CEH Practical is taken)
Verdict
"A popular entry point into ethical hacking, offering broad knowledge of attack vectors and tools. Good for awareness but less hands-on intensive than OSCP unless paired with CEH Practical."
#4
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
By Offensive Security
A highly regarded, hands-on certification focused on practical penetration testing skills and methodologies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessment, Red Teaming
Key Features
- ✓Practical Exploitation: Identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in various systems.
- ✓Hands-on Lab Environment: Extensive practice network simulating real-world scenarios.
- ✓Reporting: Documenting findings and exploitation steps professionally.
- ✓Privilege Escalation: Techniques for gaining higher levels of access on compromised systems.
- ✓Client-Side Attacks: Understanding and executing attacks targeting end-users.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Learn One Subscription (includes PWK course + 1 Exam attempt)
$2599.00 / Annual
- Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK) course access
- Lab access
- 1 Exam attempt
Limitations: Exam is a 24-hour practical test. Subscription required for course materials.
Pros
- + Extremely practical, hands-on focus
- + Highly respected in the penetration testing field
- + Proves real-world hacking skills
- + Challenging and rigorous exam process
Cons
- - Very demanding exam requires significant preparation
- - High cost associated with training and exam bundle
- - Focus is narrow (penetration testing)
Verdict
"The benchmark certification for aspiring penetration testers, proving exceptional hands-on hacking skills through a grueling practical exam. Highly valuable but requires intense dedication."
#3
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
By ISACA
A management-focused certification for individuals who design, build, and manage enterprise information security programs.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Information Security Governance, Information Risk Management, Information Security Program Development and Management, Information Security Incident Management
Key Features
- ✓Information Security Governance: Establishing and maintaining an information security governance framework and supporting processes.
- ✓Information Risk Management: Managing information risk to an acceptable level based on risk appetite.
- ✓Information Security Program Development and Management: Developing and maintaining an information security program that aligns with business goals.
- ✓Information Security Incident Management: Planning, establishing, and managing the capability to detect, investigate, respond to, and recover from information security incidents.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Exam Fee (Member)
$575.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Requires 5 years of information security management work experience (waivers possible). Requires ISACA membership for discount. CPE requirements for renewal.
Exam Fee (Non-Member)
$760.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Requires 5 years of information security management work experience (waivers possible). CPE requirements for renewal.
Pros
- + Highly respected for security management roles
- + Focuses on the strategic aspects of security
- + Strong alignment with business objectives
- + Often preferred for CISO or security director positions
Cons
- - Strict experience requirement focused on management
- - Expensive exam and membership fees
- - Less technical than some other certifications
Verdict
"An excellent choice for experienced security professionals moving into or solidifying management roles, demonstrating expertise in governance, risk, and program management."
#2
CompTIA Security+
By CompTIA
An entry-level certification validating baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Foundation Security Skills, Network Security, Compliance and Operational Security, Threats and Vulnerabilities Identification, Entry-Level Security Roles
Key Features
- ✓Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities: Understanding threat actors, malware, social engineering, and mitigation techniques.
- ✓Architecture and Design: Secure network design, cloud security concepts, virtualization.
- ✓Implementation: Secure protocols, host security, mobile security, basic cryptography.
- ✓Operations and Incident Response: Security tools, incident response procedures, digital forensics basics.
- ✓Governance, Risk, and Compliance: Security policies, risk management concepts, compliance frameworks.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard Exam Fee
$392.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Continuing Education (CE) requirements for renewal.
Pros
- + Widely recognized foundational certification
- + Vendor-neutral approach
- + Good starting point for a security career
- + Meets DoD 8570 requirements
- + Performance-based questions test practical skills
Cons
- - Considered entry-level, may not be sufficient for advanced roles
- - Requires renewal through CEUs or retaking exam
Verdict
"An essential first step for anyone entering the cybersecurity field, providing a solid, vendor-neutral foundation in core security concepts and practices."
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#1
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
By (ISC)²
Premier certification for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives, covering 8 comprehensive domains of information security.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Platform Agnostic
Best For: Security Management, Risk Management, Security Architecture, Policy Development, Security Leadership
Key Features
- ✓Security and Risk Management: Core security principles, threat modeling, compliance, and business continuity.
- ✓Asset Security: Information classification, data security controls, privacy.
- ✓Security Architecture and Engineering: Secure design principles, cryptography, physical security.
- ✓Communication and Network Security: Secure network architecture, communication channels.
- ✓Identity and Access Management (IAM): Access control techniques, identity services.
- ✓Security Assessment and Testing: Vulnerability assessments, penetration testing strategies, audits.
- ✓Security Operations: Incident response, disaster recovery, forensics.
- ✓Software Development Security: Integrating security into the software lifecycle.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard Exam Fee
$749.00 / One-time
- Exam Voucher
Limitations: Requires 5 years cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the 8 domains (waivers possible). Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) required post-certification.
Pros
- + Highest industry recognition globally
- + Demonstrates broad, high-level security knowledge
- + Significant boost for management and senior roles
- + Meets DoD 8570 requirements
Cons
- - Strict experience requirement
- - High exam cost and maintenance fees
- - More theoretical/managerial than deeply technical/hands-on
Verdict
"The gold standard for experienced security professionals aiming for leadership positions. Its rigorous requirements and broad scope make it highly valuable but demanding."
Final Thoughts
The cybersecurity certification landscape offers a wide array of options catering to different experience levels, career goals, and specializations. Foundational certs like CompTIA Security+ provide essential baseline knowledge, while advanced credentials like (ISC)² CISSP and ISACA CISM target experienced managers and strategists. Highly practical, hands-on certifications such as Offensive Security's OSCP are benchmarks for penetration testers, whereas specialized certs like (ISC)² CCSP address the growing need for cloud security expertise. Choosing the right certification depends heavily on individual career aspirations, current experience, and desired focus area within the vast field of cybersecurity.