- 1.CISSP leads with highest salary premium at +$25,000 average, but requires 5 years experience
- 2.CompTIA Security+ is the best entry-level cert, required for many government jobs (DoD 8570)
- 3.CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) commands +$18,000 premium and opens pentesting career paths
- 4.Cybersecurity job growth is 32% through 2032, making these among the most valuable IT certifications
32%
Job Growth Rate
3.5M
Skills Gap
+$25K
Top Salary Premium
Sec+
Entry-Level Cert
Why Security Certifications Matter in 2025
Cybersecurity faces a critical skills shortage with 3.5 million unfilled positions globally (ISC)² 2024. This shortage, combined with 32% job growth projections, makes security certifications among the most valuable IT credentials available.
Unlike other IT areas where degrees dominate, cybersecurity heavily values certifications. Government contractors require specific certs (DoD 8570), and many private employers prefer certified candidates for cybersecurity analyst roles.
- High Demand: 32% job growth through 2032 vs 5% average for all occupations
- Skills Shortage: 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide
- Salary Premium: Top certs add $15,000-$25,000 to base salaries
- Government Requirements: DoD 8570 mandates specific certs for federal work
- Vendor Recognition: Major employers recognize and reward specific certifications
Source: CompTIA
Top Security Certifications 2025
The security certification landscape includes vendor-neutral and vendor-specific options. Here are the most valuable certifications by career stage and specialization.
| Rank | Experience Required | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CISSP | Expert | $165,000 | +$25,000 | 5 years |
| 2 | CISA | Expert | $158,000 | +$22,000 | 5 years |
| 3 | CISM | Expert | $155,000 | +$20,000 | 5 years |
| 4 | CEH | Intermediate | $148,000 | +$18,000 | 2-3 years |
| 5 | CCSP | Expert | $152,000 | +$17,000 | 3-5 years |
| 6 | Security+ | Entry | $125,000 | +$15,000 | 0-1 year |
| 7 | CySA+ | Intermediate | $135,000 | +$12,000 | 1-2 years |
| 8 | GSEC | Intermediate | $142,000 | +$16,000 | 2-3 years |
The gold standard for security professionals. Covers 8 domains of security knowledge with management focus.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • CISO
- • Security Manager
- • Security Architect
- • Security Consultant
Hands-on penetration testing certification focusing on offensive security techniques.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Penetration Tester
- • Security Analyst
- • Vulnerability Assessor
- • Red Team Member
Entry-level, vendor-neutral certification covering security fundamentals across all domains.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Security Analyst
- • IT Specialist
- • Systems Administrator
- • Network Administrator
Focuses on auditing, control, and assurance. Ideal for compliance and governance roles.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • IT Auditor
- • Compliance Officer
- • Risk Analyst
- • Security Manager
Recommended Certification Paths by Career Goal
Different security roles emphasize different skills. Choose your certification path based on your target career outcome.
Which Should You Choose?
- You're starting your security career
- You want broad security knowledge
- You need DoD 8570 compliance
- Timeline: Security+ → CySA+ → CISSP (3-5 years total)
- You enjoy hands-on hacking techniques
- You want to work in offensive security
- You prefer technical over management roles
- Timeline: Security+ → CEH → OSCP (2-3 years total)
- You have 5+ years security experience
- You want to move into management
- You focus on risk and governance
- Timeline: CISSP → CISM or CISA (1-2 years total)
- You work with cloud platforms
- You want to specialize in cloud security
- You have cloud architecture experience
- Timeline: Security+ → CCSP → AWS/Azure security certs
Security Certification Details & Requirements
Here are the specific requirements, costs, and exam details for major security certifications.
| Questions | Time | Passing Score | Valid For | Experience Req | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CISSP | $749 | 100-150 | 3 hours | 700/1000 | 3 years | 5 years (or 4 + degree) |
| CEH | $1,199 | 125 | 4 hours | 70% | 3 years | 2 years (or training) |
| Security+ | $370 | 90 | 90 min | 750/900 | 3 years | None |
| CISA | $760 | 150 | 4 hours | 450/800 | 3 years | 5 years (or substitutions) |
| CySA+ | $392 | 85 | 165 min | 750/900 | 3 years | None |
| CCSP | $749 | 125 | 4 hours | 700/1000 | 3 years | 5 years (or 4 + degree) |
| CISM | $760 | 150 | 4 hours | 450/800 | 3 years | 5 years (or substitutions) |
Security Certification Salary Impact Analysis
Security certifications show strong correlation with higher salaries, though the relationship varies by certification level and market demand.
| Certification | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level | Premium vs Non-Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CISSP | $95,000 | $145,000 | $185,000 | +$25,000 |
| CISA | $88,000 | $138,000 | $175,000 | +$22,000 |
| CEH | $85,000 | $128,000 | $165,000 | +$18,000 |
| Security+ | $65,000 | $95,000 | $125,000 | +$15,000 |
| Non-Certified | $55,000 | $80,000 | $110,000 | Baseline |
Source: Global Knowledge 2024, PayScale 2024
Source: Global Knowledge 2024
Which Security Certification Should You Get First?
Your first certification depends on your current experience level and career goals. Here's how to choose:
Choosing Your First Security Certification
If You're New to IT/Security
Start with CompTIA Security+. It covers fundamentals, meets DoD requirements, and prepares you for advanced certs. Study time: 2-3 months.
If You Have 1-2 Years Experience
Consider CySA+ for analyst roles or CEH if you prefer hands-on penetration testing. Both build on Security+ knowledge.
If You Have 3-5 Years Experience
Target CISSP for management track or advanced technical certs like GCIH/GSEC for hands-on roles. These require substantial experience.
If You Work in Government/Defense
Security+ is mandatory for many positions (DoD 8570). Some roles require CISSP or CISA for higher clearance levels.
Study Resources & Training Options
Effective preparation combines multiple resource types. Budget 100-200 hours for entry-level certs, 200-300 hours for advanced certifications.
Vendor-provided courses and materials. Most accurate but often expensive and time-consuming.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • All certification paths
Third-party training that's often more engaging and cost-effective than official materials.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Self-paced learners
Comprehensive reference materials for deep learning and exam review.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Detail-oriented learners
Essential for understanding exam format and identifying knowledge gaps.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • All certification candidates
Intensive training programs that combine instruction with hands-on labs.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Fast-track preparation
Security Certifications vs Cybersecurity Degree
Security is unique among tech fields—certifications often carry more weight than degrees, especially for hands-on roles.
| Factor | Security Certifications | Cybersecurity Degree | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Job-Ready | 3-6 months | 2-4 years | |
| Cost | $500-$5,000 | $40,000-$120,000 | |
| Industry Recognition | Very High | Moderate | |
| Government Requirements | Required (DoD 8570) | Helpful but not required | |
| Depth of Knowledge | Focused, current | Broad, foundational | |
| Career Flexibility | Security-specific | Cross-functional | |
| Renewal Required | Every 3 years | Never |
Source: Industry analysis 2024
Our recommendation: For security-focused careers, certifications provide faster ROI and higher industry recognition. However, a cybersecurity degree provides broader computer science fundamentals that benefit long-term career growth. The optimal approach: degree + certifications, or certifications first with degree later.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate incidents, and implement protective measures.
Information Security Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead security teams, develop policies, and manage enterprise security programs.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1299Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
Security Architect
SOC 15-1199Design secure systems and networks, establish security standards and protocols.
Compliance Auditor
SOC 13-2011Evaluate organizations' compliance with security regulations and industry standards.
Security Certifications FAQ
Related Cybersecurity Certifications
Related Degree Programs
Career & Skills Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.