Top Entry Level Cybersecurity Certifications
By Alex Fesl
Cybersecurity is one of the hottest job sectors in information technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that for 2022-2023, the job outlook for information security analysts is expected to grow 32% faster than average. Additionally, Cyberseek reports that there were over 400,000 openings this year requesting cybersecurity-related skills. And on average, cybersecurity roles take 21% longer to fill than other IT jobs. With that said, there is a significant shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals to meet the growing demand. One of the best ways to meet the ever-increasing demand is to obtain cybersecurity certifications.
Prerequisites for Entry-Level Cybersecurity Roles
Before we discuss the top entry-level cybersecurity certifications, it is important to note that cybersecurity is not typically a field that someone with no work experience can jump straight into. Normally, an entry-level cybersecurity job will require some previous work experience in information technology, software development, or a related field. Also, having a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other tech-related degrees may help.
The True Value of Cybersecurity Certifications
Unfortunately, a cybersecurity certification will not directly lead to a high-paying cybersecurity job. Rather, cybersecurity certifications offer a multitude of other benefits, including deepening knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry recognition. So, obtaining a certification, as well as having technical work experience and/or a degree, will put you well on your way to a coveted cybersecurity job.
CompTIA Security+
Security+ is often considered the industry standard for entry-level cybersecurity professionals. It's a vendor-neutral multiple-choice exam with added performance-based questions. The current exam, SY0-701, has the following objectives: General Security Concepts, Security Operations, Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations, Security Program Management & Oversight, and Security Architecture.
The exam has a maximum of 90 questions, lasts 90 minutes, and requires a score of 750 (on a scale of 100-900). A passing score validates the foundational cybersecurity knowledge and skills required for an entry-level career in cybersecurity.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA has been a long-standing information technology certification since the late 90s. Although not strictly a cybersecurity certification, the CCNA exam covers foundational knowledge and skills in networking. Exam topics for the current 200-301 version consists of: network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation / programmability.
The number of questions on the exam varies, but the general consensus is that it is around 100 questions, and examiners have 120 minutes to complete it. A passing score for the CCNA is 820 out of a total of 1,000 points. Successfully passing the CCNA validates a strong understanding and hands-on skills with networking technologies.
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
The SSCP exam from ISC2 validates the knowledge and skills to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure using cybersecurity best practices. The exam consists of eight domains: Security Operations and Administration, Access Controls, Risk Identification, Monitoring and analysis, Incident Response and Recovery, Cryptography, Network and Communications Security, and Systems and Application Security.
The exam has 125 multiple-choice questions and is 180 minutes long. The SSCP differs slightly from the Security+ and CCNA tests in that to qualify to take the exam, you need at least a year of work experience in one or more of the exam domains. Work experience can be part-time or full-time, internships, or a bachelor's/master's level degree in a cybersecurity-related major.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is an 8-part course series hosted on the Coursera platform. For the certificate, you learn from Google's cybersecurity experts and gain in-demand skills that prepare you for entry-level roles in cybersecurity. Google recommends students pace at 10 hours per week and complete the certificate in around six months. The series contains a mix of videos, assessments, hands-on labs, and an applied project at the end.
Course titles are as follows: Foundations of Cybersecurity, Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks,
Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security, Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL, Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities, Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response, Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python, and Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs.
While much different from the traditional technology certification consisting solely of a single exam, the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is much closer to a college or university-style engaging educational environment. By no means does that mean the certificate is easy; rather, it is more fleshed out and in-depth compared to a single exam.
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