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Digitalization has raised the risks of cyber threats. This has increased the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Organizations are growing increasingly conscious of ensuring and protecting sensitive information as well as the systems used. Thus, acquiring a cybersecurity certificate has become the need of the hour for career advancement.
So, let’s explore the top 5 cyber security certification, their features, fees, and exam structure in detail for a career boost in 2025.
A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a highly recognized security certification in the world. This professional certification validates an expert's knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing programs related to security within a business environment. CISSP is suitable for candidates wishing to reach top positions in IT security management.
Duration & Exam Format: The CISSP exam is comprised of 150 multiple-choice questions spread out across eight domains of the Common Body of Knowledge for CISSP. Applicants need to have at least five years of experience in at least two of those domains.
Fees: The application fee for sitting for the exam is approximately US$749. Certificate holders must continue to renew their credentials, which entails garnering continuous professional education credits and also involves paying fees.
1. Comprehensive coverage of security architecture and risk management.
2. International recognition as the 'gold standard' for global information technology and cybersecurity professionals.
3. Enhances career progression opportunities into a security consultant, IT director, and chief information security officer.
This is designed to teach ethical hacking practices to find vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications that can result in the compromise of sensitive information and data privacy breaches. Ethical hackers perform fake cyberattacks to find weaknesses that bad hackers look to exploit first, safeguarding the organization from hacking attacks.
Duration & Exam Format: The duration of the CEH training is usually about 4 hours, and 550 attack techniques. After this, the candidate has to undergo an examination. There are a total of 125 multiple-choice questions in the examination. The professionals must be very sound with the hacking techniques, vulnerability analysis, and security protocols.
Fee: It costs US$1,199 with additional expenses for the cost of the training program and study material.
1. Real-world exposure to hacking
2. Covers a vast range of attack techniques such as malware, cryptography, and social engineering.
3. It is a good course for people interested in pursuing a career in penetration testing or ethical hacking.
The CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level, comprehensive qualification that defines the fundamental principles of cybersecurity. This certification ensures that individuals possess a basic level of expertise in risk management, IoT skills, threat prevention, and mitigation, focusing on key areas such as network security.
Duration & Exam Structure: The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions to be answered during 90 minutes. This exam is formulated to cover very extended topics such as network architecture, cryptography, and identity management.
Fees: The exam cost is approximately $349 and additional study materials along with practice tests are available for investment
1. Recognized worldwide as the prerequisite to begin a cybersecurity profession.
2. It includes wide-ranging coverage of security practices, thus suitable for IT professionals looking for betterment in their security skills.
3. Equips experts for positions like systems administrator, network security administrator, and security consultant.
CISM certification is for professionals in management jobs, especially those overseeing the information security program in an organization. The current version of the certification focuses very much on the themes of governance, risk management, and program development, thus aligning well with mid to senior-level managers.
Duration & Exam Structure: The CISM exam has 150 questions that are all multiple-choice. To be eligible to sit for this exam, candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in information security management.
Fees: The testing fee is US$699, and maintaining certification requires continuous learning credits.
It is about how to align the information security process with business objectives.
To prepare the candidates for management positions such as an IT security manager, compliance officer, and risk manager.
A leading global certification for professionals who want to lead in cybersecurity.
AWS Certified Security- Specialty certification is for professionals handling cloud technologies. In essence, it focuses on areas like data protection, incident response, infrastructure security, and identity management.
Duration & Exam Format: The exam has 65 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, which the candidates need to answer in 170 minutes. The test is meant exclusively for students working in Amazon Web Services and using cloud security.
Fees: The fee for the exam is almost US$300. The training programs and study materials will cost extra, though.
1. AWS Certified Security-Specialty is an examination designed for professionals handling AWS cloud-based infrastructure.
2. This certifies their proficiency and competence in securing systems based on AWS and managing identity and access controls.
3. A must for cloud security architects, system administrators, and DevOps professionals
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field and staying ahead in it requires continual learning and upskilling. The above-mentioned cybersecurity certifications would enhance the applicant’s knowledge and increase their career prospects significantly. Whether one starts with foundational skills through CompTIA Security+ or aspires for advanced management roles with CISSP or CISM, there is a certification that will fit the aim of each career goal in cybersecurity.
Investing in one of these globally recognized certifications shows the sincerity and skills of the candidate to the potential employer. Thus, increasing the chances of landing the desired job role towards climbing the corporate ladder.
