The growing dependence on digital infrastructure has transformed the way we live and work. From online communication and accessing sensitive data to making purchases and navigating cities, so much of our daily activities rely on secure, interconnected systems. Even essential services like electricity and water now depend on cloud infrastructure, while modern vehicles use geographic information systems and internet connectivity for navigation. 

As society increasingly depends on these digital systems, cybersecurity threats pose significant risks. Malicious actors can exploit vulnerabilities in networks and infrastructure, putting sensitive data, businesses, and even entire communities at risk. To combat these threats, cybersecurity professionals are tasked with identifying and securing vulnerabilities. Given the complex and ever-evolving nature of the field, many specialists pursue cybersecurity certifications to sharpen their skills, boost career prospects, and improve their earning potential.

If you’re in the cybersecurity industry and want to expand your expertise, here’s a guide to the ten most valuable cybersecurity certifications available today.

Why Should You Get Certified in Cybersecurity?

A cybersecurity certification highlights your ability to address current challenges in areas like cybersecurity, information systems security, and cloud security. By showcasing these critical skills, you can make your résumé stand out to potential employers, increasing your chances of securing raises and promotions. Certifications demonstrate that you possess the expertise needed to solve real-world security problems, which is invaluable in today’s job market.

Obtaining a cybersecurity certification offers numerous advantages for professionals in the field. According to a 2024 report from Skillsoft, IT professionals who hold certifications experience a marked improvement in the quality of their work, allowing them to engage more efficiently and effectively with complex tasks.

For employers, cybersecurity certifications signal a higher level of competence and commitment. These credentials typically involve rigorous training programs and challenging examinations, validating your proficiency across key cybersecurity domains. By earning a certification, you not only enhance your knowledge but also make yourself more marketable in a competitive job market.

With the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals on the rise, obtaining the right certification can significantly elevate your career prospects and open the door to higher-paying positions.

9 Best Certifications for Cybersecurity Professionals

Choosing the right cybersecurity certification depends largely on where you are in your career and what goals you’ve set for yourself. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to specialize, there are certifications tailored to every level of experience. Below, we break down 10 of the most sought-after credentials from top cybersecurity certification bodies. You’ll learn which skills they focus on, who they’re best suited for, and how you can qualify to earn them.

Each certification opens the door to new opportunities and provides you with the knowledge to stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry. Let’s dive into the details and find the one that aligns with your professional path.

 Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect  

• Provider: Google  
• Certification Overview  

The Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect certification demonstrates your ability to design, build, and manage secure, scalable cloud infrastructure for enterprises. This certification exam evaluates how well candidates can design cloud solutions, implement cloud architecture, and analyze complex technical and business processes. The test features 50-60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, making it a comprehensive assessment of your cloud skills.

•  Who Should Get It  

This certification is ideal for professionals who want to enhance their cloud architecture expertise, particularly in Google Cloud environments. It’s suited for those looking to take on more advanced roles in cloud infrastructure management.

•  Eligibility Requirements  

While it’s recommended that candidates have at least three years of industry experience—one or more specifically with Google Cloud—it is not a strict requirement to sit for the exam.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Provider: EC-Council

Certification Overview

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by EC-Council, is designed for professionals who want to apply hacking techniques to uncover system vulnerabilities and counteract cyberthreats. The certification exam covers a wide range of topics, including reconnaissance, cryptography, cloud computing, and hacking strategies. It also tests your ability to breach various systems, networks, applications, platforms, and devices, making it one of the most comprehensive credentials in the ethical hacking field.

• Who Should Get It

This certification is suited for both new and seasoned cybersecurity professionals who are passionate about ethical hacking and safeguarding systems from malicious attacks.

• Eligibility Requirements

If you’re new to cybersecurity, you’ll need to complete an official EC-Council training course before taking the exam. However, professionals with at least two years of information security experience can bypass the training requirement and proceed directly to the test.

 Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 

• Provider: ISACA  

Certification Overview  

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is designed to validate expertise in critical areas such as incident management, risk management, and information security governance. This certification is highly respected for demonstrating the ability to align security strategies with business goals. The exam includes 150 questions, thoroughly testing your knowledge in managing and assessing information security programs.

•  Who Should Get It  

This credential is perfect for mid-career cybersecurity professionals who have experience in managing, overseeing, and designing information security strategies. It’s ideal for those looking to further their career in information security management and governance roles.

•  Eligibility Requirements  

To qualify for the CISM certification, candidates must have at least five years of experience in information security management.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

• Provider: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Certification Overview

The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification is ideal for professionals seeking to validate their expertise in AWS technology. This entry-level credential demonstrates proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS services. The exam features 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, making it a thorough evaluation of your understanding of AWS tools and services.

• Who Should Get It

This certification is perfect for developers with prior AWS experience who want to deepen their knowledge of AWS services, best practices, and cloud development. It’s suited for those eager to enhance their skills in cloud-native application development and take their cloud expertise to the next level.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates should have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS and other cloud services. Proficiency in at least one advanced programming language is required, along with a basic understanding of cloud-native applications and experience in application development using development tools.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

• Provider: ISACA

Certification Overview

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is designed to showcase your expertise in conducting and managing information systems audits. It focuses on leveraging risk-based approaches for planning, executing, and reporting audit engagements. The certification exam consists of 150 questions, testing your ability to assess and ensure the effectiveness of information systems and controls.

• Who Should Get It

This certification is ideal for mid-career professionals who want to validate their skills and knowledge in information systems auditing. It’s especially suited for those aiming to advance their careers in audit management and information systems security.

• Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the CISA certification, candidates must have at least five years of experience in information systems auditing, control, or security.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Provider: International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC²)

Certification Overview

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an advanced certification that signifies expertise in designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive cybersecurity programs. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB), this credential is widely recognized as a gold standard for cybersecurity professionals. It covers critical areas such as risk management, network security, and information assurance.

Who Should Get It

This certification is best suited for midcareer or senior professionals, including security practitioners, managers, and executives looking to solidify their expertise and leadership in cybersecurity. It’s a key qualification for those aiming to take on high-level security roles within organizations.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must have at least five years of relevant work experience in the cybersecurity field or a combination of education, experience, and prior certifications to qualify for the CISSP exam.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

• Provider: GIAC

Certification Overview

The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification, proudly accredited by the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB), showcases your proficiency in fundamental cybersecurity domains. This certification covers vital topics such as cryptography, cloud security, incident handling and response, web communication security, and password management. The GSEC exam consists of 106 questions, designed to rigorously test your knowledge and practical skills in these essential areas, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle real-world security challenges.

• Who Should Get It

The GSEC certification is perfect for a wide range of cybersecurity professionals, including those working in information security, forensic analysis, security management, penetration testing, and IT engineering. Whether you’re embarking on your cybersecurity journey or looking to solidify your expertise, this certification helps you demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key security practices, making your profile more attractive to employers and opening doors to advanced career opportunities.

• Eligibility Requirements

While some experience in information systems and networking is recommended to better grasp the certification material, it is not a strict requirement. This flexibility allows both newcomers and seasoned professionals to pursue the GSEC certification, enhancing their cybersecurity credentials and demonstrating their commitment to maintaining robust security standards.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

• Provider: AWS

Certification Overview

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification demonstrates your expertise in solving complex problems and automating processes while optimizing cybersecurity, performance, and cost in cloud environments. The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions, making it a rigorous assessment of your ability to design, deploy, and manage scalable AWS architectures.

• Who Should Get It

This certification is ideal for developers with two or more years of experience in designing and developing cloud architecture on AWS. It’s suited for professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of AWS services and provide architectural guidance for high-performance cloud solutions.

• Eligibility Requirements

Candidates should have proficiency in Windows and Linux environments, the AWS Billing Console, AWS Management Console, AWS CLI, APIs, and AWS CloudFormation templates. Additionally, familiarity with evaluating cloud application requirements, designing hybrid architecture, and guiding best practices in architectural design is recommended for those pursuing this certification.

CompTIA Security+

Provider: CompTIA

Certification Overview

The CompTIA Security+ certification, accredited by both the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and ANSI, is an essential credential for anyone starting their journey in cybersecurity. This certification demonstrates your ability to monitor and secure hybrid environments, adhere to regulatory requirements, and analyze and respond to security threats. The exam includes up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions, with the latter requiring candidates to showcase their skills in simulated environments, making it a practical and well-rounded evaluation of your cybersecurity abilities.

• Who Should Get It

This certification is ideal for early-career professionals who want to validate and strengthen their cybersecurity skills. Whether you’re transitioning into cybersecurity or looking to build a solid foundation in the field, the CompTIA Security+ credential is a great starting point for expanding your career options in IT security.

• Eligibility Requirements

While the CompTIA Network+ certification and at least two years of work experience in security-focused IT administration or security systems administration are recommended, they are not required. This flexibility allows you to pursue the certification regardless of your current professional background, making it accessible to newcomers and those with some industry experience alike. 

Cybersecurity is a highly technical and analytical field, requiring sharp attention to detail, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a touch of creative thinking. If these traits resonate with you, the journey into cybersecurity may still be demanding, but you’ll likely find the learning process both stimulating and rewarding as you tackle real-world challenges.