Must-Have Cybersecurity Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2025
Discover the best cybersecurity certifications to get in 2025! Learn which certifications fit your goals and how to boost your cybersecurity career today.
Why Cybersecurity Certifications Matter More Than Ever
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world—and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. With threats like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches becoming more frequent and sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed.
Here’s the issue: there’s a huge skills gap. Employers are struggling to find qualified talent to fill crucial security roles. That’s where cybersecurity certifications come in.
Certifications validate your skills, demonstrate your dedication, and give employers confidence that you’re capable of handling complex security challenges. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, getting certified can:
Increase your salary
Unlock new job roles
Strengthen your credibility
Speed up career progression
How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification
Choosing the right certification starts with asking a few key questions:
What is your current skill level?
What job role are you aiming for?
Are you looking for general or specialized knowledge?
How much time and money can you invest?
If you’re a beginner, look for certifications with no prerequisites. Intermediate professionals should aim for certs that build on foundational knowledge. Advanced pros should choose certs aligned with leadership, architecture, or specialized technical roles.
Top Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications
These certifications are ideal if you’re just entering the cybersecurity field and want to prove you understand the basics.
CompTIA Security+
The most widely recommended entry-level cert, Security+ covers:
Threats and vulnerabilities
Cryptography
Risk management
Network security
It’s globally recognized and vendor-neutral.
Cost: ~$392
Recommended Experience: 1 year of IT experience
Microsoft SC-900
This cert is part of Microsoft’s fundamentals series and is great for those interested in cloud and identity security.
Focus: Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365
Cost: ~$99
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
A newer cert from ISC2, CC is designed for beginners and helps you break into the industry with a broad overview of: what certifications you should get for cybersecurity
Security principles
Network security
Access controls
Best Intermediate-Level Certifications
If you’ve already got a foundation in cybersecurity or IT, these are great next steps.
CompTIA CySA+
Focuses on threat detection, behavioral analytics, and incident response.
Best For: Security analysts, SOC teams
Cost: ~$392
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
From EC-Council, CEH teaches how to think and act like a hacker (but for good!).
Topics: Scanning, enumeration, system hacking
Cost: ~$1,200
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Offered by SANS, this cert proves that you understand a wide array of security topics from a technical and managerial viewpoint.
Cost: ~$2,499 (includes training)
Highly valued by employers
High-Level Cybersecurity Certifications for Experts
Ready to move into senior roles? These advanced certifications are designed for seasoned pros.
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
A must-have for professionals aiming for security leadership roles.
Topics: Risk management, security architecture, operations
Cost: ~$749
Requires: 5 years of experience in at least 2 of 8 domains
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
Offered by ISACA, it’s focused on governance, risk, and compliance.
Ideal For: Managers, consultants, IT directors
Cost: ~$575 (members), ~$760 (non-members)
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
Perfect for professionals involved in auditing, control, and assurance.
Cost: ~$575–$760
Globally recognized