The Top 5 Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications to Get Hired

You’ve read the roadmap and you’re ready to start your journey into cybersecurity, but one question looms large: “Which certification should I get first?” With dozens of options available, the path forward can seem confusing. Don’t worry, we’re here to clear things up.

A certification is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a validation of your knowledge and a key that can unlock doors to job interviews. For beginners, choosing the right entry-level certification is crucial. It builds a solid foundation and proves to employers that you are serious about the field. This guide breaks down the top 5 essential certifications that will give you the best start in your new cybersecurity career.

CompTIA Security+ (Sec+)

• Who It’s For: The undisputed king of entry-level cybersecurity certifications. It’s the go-to for anyone looking to build a fundamental, vendor-neutral understanding of security concepts.
• What You’ll Learn: Core security functions, including network security, compliance, threats, vulnerabilities, application security, and data and host security. It covers the essential principles for securing a network and managing risk.
• Why It’s Valuable: Security+ is globally recognized and meets the DoD 8570 compliance standard, making it a mandatory requirement for many government and contracting jobs. It’s often the first certification hiring managers look for in a junior applicant.

Get Started: https://amzn.to/4ghNyY6

(ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

• Who It’s For: Absolute beginners and career-changers. This certification was specifically created by (ISC)², the organization behind the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), to create a clear entry point into the industry.
• What You’ll Learn: The very basics of security principles, business continuity, disaster recovery, security incident response, and network security. It’s less technical than Security+ and focuses more on the “what” and “why.”
• Why It’s Valuable: It provides an accessible and credible starting point from a highly respected organization. The official training and exam are often offered for free, removing the financial barrier for new learners. It’s the perfect first step before tackling a more technical cert like Security+.

Get Started: https://amzn.to/4nth13P

CompTIA Network+ (Net+)

• Who It’s For: Anyone who needs to understand how networks function. While not strictly a “security” cert, a deep understanding of networking is non-negotiable for almost every cybersecurity role.
• What You’ll Learn: Networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, Ethernet, network infrastructure, routing, switching, and network security principles. You’ll learn how to describe and troubleshoot a network, which is essential for identifying and stopping attackers.
• Why It’s Valuable: You can’t secure what you don’t understand. Network+ provides the foundational knowledge required for roles like Network Administrator, Junior Security Analyst, and Penetration Tester. Many professionals recommend getting this certification before or alongside Security+.

Get Started: https://amzn.to/3JZloFg

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

• Who It’s For: Beginners who prefer a hands-on, practical learning experience through an online platform. It’s great for those who want to learn job-ready skills from a tech giant.
• What You’ll Learn: Practical skills in security frameworks, network security, threat identification, and using tools like Python, Linux, and SIEMs (Security Information and Event Management).
• Why It’s Valuable: This certificate is highly practical and was designed by Google to prepare people for entry-level jobs. It provides hands-on experience that many other theory-based certifications lack and is recognized by many top employers.

Get Started: Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate | Coursera

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CST) – Cybersecurity

• Who It’s For: Individuals aiming for roles in technical support, help desks, or a Security Operations Center (SOC), especially within environments that use Cisco hardware.
• What You’ll Learn: Foundational knowledge in security principles, networking concepts, and common endpoint and network threats. It prepares you to be the first line of defense in a technical support role, identifying and escalating potential security incidents.
• Why It’s Valuable: Cisco is a titan in the networking industry. A certification from them carries significant weight and demonstrates that you have the skills to work within one of the most common enterprise environments in the world.

Get Started: CCST

Conclusion: Your First Step is the Most Important

Choosing your first certification is a major step in launching your cybersecurity career. Any of the certifications on this list will provide you with a fantastic foundation. Don’t get stuck in “analysis paralysis”—pick the one that best aligns with your immediate goals, start studying, and get ready to open the door to an exciting and rewarding career.

Which certification are you planning to study for? Share your plans in the comments below!

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