The 14 most valuable cybersecurity certifications – Source: www.csoonline.com

Cybersecurity certifications can be as volatile as stocks. Their popularity can rise and fall, they can decline in quality, and they can quickly lose relevance if they don’t keep pace with evolving threats and technologies.

Even if a credential remains technically relevant, a certification’s perceived value in the industry may fluctuate due to the emergence of competing credentials, changing employer preferences, and increased endorsement from respected peer organizations. In this way, a once sought-after cert can fade, diminishing its value and reducing the return on a its holders’ investment.

However, not all cybersecurity certifications experience volatility in the careers marketplace. Some are considered “blue chip”: time-tested, stable, reliable, and high-quality. These certifications have maintained their value over time — in some cases, even growing more prestigious.

Here’s a look at what are consider the most valuable and valued cybersecurity certs, plus advice on selecting the best for you.

How to know which cybersecurity certs to pursue

With hundreds of options available, we have distilled the top 14 most valued and valuable by cybersecurity certifications based on the following criteria. These same criteria can also help individual professionals decide which certification best aligns with their career goals.

Industry recognition

Who’s to say one certification is more respected than another? Such criteria can be very subjective, so we turned to the most direct and unbiased source to cut through the ambiguity: job listings. In addition to education, skills, and qualifications, employers often specify certs they seek in their ideal candidate. These mentions carry significant weight, as they signal which certifications can open doors. To assess this facet, we sourced data from CyberSeek, a leading resource for cybersecurity workforce insights.

We also conducted a meta-study of “best” and “top” certification lists from universities, professional organizations, and media outlets to evaluate industry recognition further. Certifications that appeared most consistently across these sources using frequency analysis show their ability to help their holders build a strong network, establish thought leadership, and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Professional network and community

A certification’s professional network matters. At the most basic level, those holding the credential validate its value through their success. There’s also an element of professional kinship: Certified professionals may be more inclined to refer, mentor, or advocate for others with the same credentials. In some cases, certifying bodies facilitate these connections through official channels such as newsletters, online communities, or exclusive networking groups.

While assessing the culture of each certification’s professional network is difficult, we followed the principle of strength in numbers. A larger certified community creates more opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career advancement. To quantify this, we relied on CyberSeek data and self-reported figures from certifying organizations.

Compensation and return on investment

ROI is the most obvious factor: Certification should provide a return on investment in terms of the time, effort, and money a professional puts into earning it. However, compensation is more than just a number on a spreadsheet. We examined two key factors to assess how a certification impacts earning potential.

The first is average salary, sourced from Skillsoft’s latest IT Skills and Salary Report, which surveys over 2,000 professionals to identify the highest-paying certifications. While salary averages have limitations — some individuals may earn significantly more or less, skewing the data, and high salaries may be due to prior experience rather than the certification itself — this metric still provides a useful benchmark for potential earnings.

The second, lesser-known metric is average pay premium, which measures the difference in compensation between IT professionals who hold a particular certification and those who don’t. This data comes from Foote Partners’ 4Q 2024 “IT Skills Demand and Pay Trends Report,” which analyzes pay premiums across 640 certifications. By considering both salary data and pay premiums, we gain a clearer picture of which certifications offer real financial value.

The 14 most valuable certifications in cybersecurity

• AWS Certified Security — Specialty
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control® (CRISC®)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
• CompTIA Security+
• GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

AWS Certified Security — Speciality

The AWS Certified Security — Speciality certification is ideal for cloud architecture, database, networking, and DevSecOps professionals. It covers data classifications, data protection mechanisms, data encryption methods, and secure internet protocols through the lens of AWS mechanisms. There is a free standard prep course that takes 6.5 hours to complete. The exam consists of 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions taken with a proctor online or onsite. Certificate holders may want to pursue additional AWS certs after this one, such as AWS Certified DevOps Engineer — Professional or the AWS Certified Advanced Networking — Specialty.

To qualify, AWS recommends five years of IT security experience, including two securing AWS workloads.

Training fees: Free, for the standard prep course; $US29 per month, enhanced preparation course included in an AWS Skill Builder subscription

Exam fee: Varies by country or region (US$300 in the US)

Why it’s on our list: As of February 2025, AWS remains the leading cloud provider, holding a 30% market share. For cyber professionals seeking a vendor-specific certification, the AWS Certified Security – Specialty is highly valued by enterprises using AWS and provides a direct pathway to cloud security roles. It also offers an excellent cost-to-value ratio: The exam fee is just $300, and professionals holding the cert earn an average salary of $203,597 and an average pay premium of 10%.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) offers the Certified Cloud Security Professional, among the most prized cloud security certifications for cloud architects, engineers, consultants, and administrators. CCSP covers six modules, including cloud concepts, architecture, and design, and goes up to legal, risk, and compliance. The US Department of Defense also approves the certification, which may be helpful for those seeking work at government agencies or third-party contractors. After passing the 125-question multiple-choice exam, CCSP holders must renew their certification by taking 60 continuing professional education credits every three years.

To qualify, candidates need five years of work experience. ISC2 offers a waiver system that may count part-time work, internships, and education. Candidates can waive the work experience requirement if they have the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). If you don’t meet the minimum experience, you can still take the exam and earn Associate of ISC2 status, after which you have six years to gain the required experience.

Training fees: US$963.75, self-paced online training; US$1,562.75, bundled with an exam

Exam fee: US$599 in the US

Why it’s on our list: The CCSP is the most frequently cited cloud-focused certification. Its popularity may be due to the evolving cloud landscape — while AWS remains a leader, its dominance has weakened, and the market is becoming increasingly fragmented. As a result, a top vendor-neutral certification such as the CCSP may offer professionals greater flexibility and broader career opportunities. The average salary for CCSP-certified professionals is $171,524.

For more, see “CCSP certification: Exam, cost, requirements, training, salary.”

 

Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)

The EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) teaches the foundations of ethical hacking across 20 modules, beginning with footprinting up to cloud computing and cryptography. The EC-Council recommends professionals with two years of IT security experience; those without can prepare with its free Cyber Security Essentials series. For the C|EH, professionals will learn skills for each stage of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining and maintaining access, and covering tracks. The cert is ideal for cybersecurity auditors, warning analysts, solution architects, and more. The C|EH exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and a practical exam based on various scenarios.

Although there are no official prerequisites, EC-Council recommends two years of relevant experience or its Cybersecurity Essentials Series, which provides foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.

Training and exam fees: US$1,400, exam, on-demand video course, additional resources; live and hybrid training options available coupled with exam vouchers

Why it’s on our list: OffSec, pen-testing, and ethical hacking certifications were rarely cited in industry rankings. Frequently mentioned certs focused on blue team roles or broader cybersecurity fields such as governance, risk, compliance (GRC), and security architecture.

The Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) was the notable exception, consistently appearing on industry lists. Its widespread recognition signals to enterprises that the holder possesses the valuable technical expertise. C|EH also boosts earning potential, as certified professionals earn an average salary of $146,260. It also complements the EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (C|TIA) certification, which offers a 10% average pay premium.

For more, see “Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Certification cost, training, and value.”

Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)

Offered by the IAPP, the Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) is a globally recognized certification focused on privacy and data protection. Because privacy laws vary by region, the CIPP is divided into six concentrations: Asia, Canada, China, Europe, and two US tracks: one for private enterprise and a specialized government track, available only to existing CIPP holders. As an example of what’s required, the CIPP/US exam covers the US privacy landscape, including state privacy laws, private-sector data collection, government and court access to private-sector information, and workplace privacy. The 2.5-hour exam consists of 75 scored questions, with a passing score set at 300 on a scaled system. Successful candidates must complete 20 Continuing Privacy Education (CPE) credits every two years to maintain their certification.

Training fees: $1,195 (members) and $995 (non-members) for CIPP/US online training

Exam fees: US$550, for CIPP/US exam

Why it’s on our list: Despite being overlooked in many cybersecurity certification rankings, the CIPP is in high demand, with over 5,975 job postings seeking professionals with this credential. It is highly regarded for its region-specific content on privacy laws, principles, and enforcement models. It was developed with top law firms such as Fieldfisher, Bird & Bird, Wilson Sonsini, and Covington & Burling. CIPP holders are also able to join a robust network of 13,652 professionals.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) administers the Certified Information Security Manager, which is geared toward IT security managers, especially those who want to move into leadership. The program focuses on four key domains: information security risk management, information security governance, incident management, and information security program. The curriculum notably includes cutting-edge technologies such as AI and blockchain, so that IT professionals can protect their organizations from evolving threats. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that professionals have four hours to complete. As with the CDPSE, professionals must maintain CISM through continuing professional education credits: 20 annually, and 120 over three years. To qualify for the exam, you must have five years of experience in information security, though an experience waiver is available for up to two years.

Training fees: ISACA offers multiple training modalities for the CISM, including an online review course (US$795 for ISACA members, US$895 for non-members), a database of questions (US$299 for members, US$399 for non-members), and a review manual (US$109 for members, US$139 for non-members).

Why it’s on our list: CISM is tied with CompTIA Security+ for the most mentions on industry lists, and 36,232 job postings actively seek CISM-certified professionals. Similar to the CompTIA Security+ to CASP+ pathway, there can be a progression from CISA to CISM, though it is less explicitly defined. Professionals can first earn the more individual contributor-focused CISA, then advance to the management-oriented CISM, which commands an average salary of $157,189.

For more, see “CISM certification: Requirements, training, exam, and cost.”

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

This Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) certification is geared toward IT auditors and covers five domains: IS auditing, implementation, and operations; protection of information assets; and IT governance. The four-hour exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and candidates must earn 450 on ISACA’s scaled scoring system, with 800 representing a perfect score. To maintain their CISA, certification holders must take 20 CPE credits annually and 120 over three years through conferences, volunteering, on-demand learning, and other methods.

To qualify, ISACA requires at least five years of relevant work experience. There is a robust waiver system for CISA. For example, an undergraduate who earns a master’s degree in computer science or a related field would be granted a three-year waiver.

Training fees: ISACA offers four resources: online review course, US$895; annual subscription to question bank, US$399; print or digital review manual, US$139; discounts available for ISACA members

Exam fee: US$575, members; US$760, non-members

Why it’s on our list: CISA is a highly regarded certification with strong industry recognition. It appears frequently on industry lists, and 45,775 job postings explicitly seek candidates with this credential. With over 151,000 certified professionals, CISA offers a vast networking pool of auditors and security experts and an average salary of $155,362.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

If CRISC and CISA represent specialty certifications for the midcareer analyst, CISSP is a generalist cert, a logical progression from Security+ for someone who’s been around for a while. Advanced-level analysts interested in getting CISSP certified will need to know all the ins and outs of security and risk management, asset security, operations, security assessment and testing, and more. Offered by ISC2, the CISSP certification requires five years of full-time experience in at least two of its eight domains. The exam is adaptive, ranging from 100 to 150 questions, including multiple-choice and drag-and-drop formats. Candidates who pass at 100 questions have demonstrated mastery across all domains.

Exam fee: US$749

Training fees: US$248.75, online self-paced training; US$720, online instructor-led bootcamp; and learners can inquire for pricing details on instructor-led classroom training

Why it’s on our list: If you’re looking for a job, earning a CISSP can help you stand out. With over 70,082 job postings explicitly seeking this certification and an average salary of $168,060, it ranks as the most in-demand security credential and is frequently highlighted on industry lists.

“The certification I get questions about the most is the CISSP,” says Tim Bandos, CISO at Digital Guardian. “I do believe this certification is a hot one, given its reputation in the cybersecurity industry.” Beyond its career benefits, CISSP boasts a strong professional network of 91,765 certified professionals. It provides a broad foundation in cybersecurity, and professionals can further specialize within the ISC2 ecosystem through certifications such as the CCSP for cloud security.

For more, see “CISSP certification: Requirements, training, exam, and cost.”

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

CRISC certification centers on risk analysis and management. Candidates need to know how to balance the likelihood of a risk happening against the potential damage that would ensue if it does. Overall, the goal is to help understand an organization’s tolerance for risk, categorize it, and quantify it. As ISACA, the organization that offers the cert, puts it, you’ll be aiming for a career where you “build a well-defined, agile risk-management program, based on best practices to identify, analyze, evaluate, assess, prioritize and respond to risks.” This is an area of security analysis that offers a promotion path to the top of the org chart — but it’s not for beginners, as CRISC requires three years of experience across two of four domains. The exam features 150 multiple-choice questions, testing IT risk management and control implementation skills.

Exam fee: $50 application fee, $575 (ISACA members) / $760 (non-members)

Training fee: ISACA offers four resources: online review course, US$895; annual subscription to question bank, US$399; print or digital review manual, US$139; discounts available for ISACA members

Why it’s on our list: CRISC is the most cited certification focused explicitly on IT risk management and mitigation. Often pursued after CISA, CRISC commands the highest average salary among ISACA certifications at $165,890 and an average pay premium of 10%. With a strong community of 30,000 certified professionals, it is a top choice for those specializing in risk and control.

For more, see “CRISC certification: Exam, requirements, training, potential salary.”

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security

Cisco offers a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification that focuses on security concepts and architecture, user and device security, network security, assurance, and cloud application management. While there are no prerequisites for the CCNP, in Cisco’s leveling professional-level certifications such as this one are meant to build on associate-level certifications. Cisco advises that most candidates in the certification have between three to five years of experience in network security. By demonstrating expertise with this credential, graduates can succeed in numerous roles, including security engineer, security analyst, and network security engineer. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam before its expiration or by taking continuing education credits.

Training fees: Professionals can avail of instructor-led training from Cisco and accredited partners (prices vary), or a US$6,000 annual subscription to Cisco U All Access, which provides learning pathways for professional-level certifications.

Exam fees: Professionals must take a core exam for US$400, plus one of seven exams for a concentration area for US$300.

Why it’s on our list: As with AWS in cloud computing, Cisco is the undisputed leader in computer networking, holding an even greater market share at 76%. For security professionals seeking a vendor-specific certification in networking, Cisco certifications open doors. Additionally, Cisco offers a progressive learning curve: Professionals can start with an associate-level certification, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) — which has a straightforward pass-or-fail exam — before advancing to the CCNP. Professionals with the CCNP earn an impressive average salary of $168,159.

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

CompTIA’s Advanced Security Practitioner, which is being rebranded SecurityX, spans four domains: security architecture, operations, engineering and cryptography, and governance, risk, and compliance. The program is ideal for advanced cybersecurity professionals, such as senior security engineers or architects who wish to progress toward better lateral or vertical opportunities, including CISO. The current 165-minute exam, set to expire on CASP’s rebranding to SecurityX, consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Certificate holders must renew every three years with 75 continuing education units (CEUs) from CompTIA’s Continuing Education program. The certification carries a significant industry cache: It was developed in partnership with Target, GDIT, RICOH, and ExxonMobil and is approved by the Department of Defense to meet 8140.03M requirements. While there are no enforced prerequisites, CompTIA recommends 10 years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in security.

Exam and training fees: US$509, exam; US$955, exam, study guide, exam practice, and retake; US$1,485, exam, study guide, exam practice, retake, and on-demand content and hands-on lab training

Why it’s on our list: CASP+ recommends several certifications as prior experience, including Security+. Professionals can use Security+ as a stepping stone to CASP+, earning two blue-chip certifications in succession. Among CompTIA’s most respected credentials, CASP+ ranked as the second most frequently cited after Security+, highlighting its strong industry recognition.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification teaches risk analysis and automation across five domains: security concepts, operations, architecture, program management, and threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. Numerous enterprises have contributed to the development of Security+, including Microsoft, Deloitte, and Zoom. The Security+ cert opens up varied opportunities, including network security analyst, penetration tester, and security architect. The 90-minute exam consists of a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions; candidates must score 750 on a scale of 900. Certificate holders must renew the cert by taking 50 CEUs through CompTIA’s Continuing Education program within three years. Note: CompTIA will likely retire the exam by 2026.

Training and exam fees: US$404, exam; US$581, exam, retake, study guide; US$1,111, exam, retake, study guide, hands-on lab training, exam prep, e-learning

Why it’s on our list: CompTIA Security+ is a highly respected cert, tying with ISACA’s CISM for the most mentions on industry lists. With 63,260 job postings explicitly seeking Security+ as a qualification and a large alumni base of 265,992 certified professionals — comparable to a large university — it provides strong job demand and a built-in professional network for career growth.

For more, see “CompTIA Security+: Prerequisites, objectives, and cost.”

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

The GIAC Security Essentials certification offers a curriculum comparable to CompTIA Security+. Topics covered include everything from cryptography and the cloud to incident handling and endpoint security. GSEC is suited for security administrators, forensic analysts, and penetration testers who have an IT background but need to validate their knowledge as a practitioner. Candidates must score 73% or more on the four-hour, 106-question exam, which can be administered with a proctor online or onsite. Professionals must take the 36 continuing professional education credits within four years to renew GSEC, a standard consistent for all GIAC certs.

Training fees: On-demand and in-person options priced at local rates

Exam fees: US$999; retakes, US$899

Why it’s on our list: GIAC is one of the most respected certifying bodies in cybersecurity, with 36,878 job listings explicitly seeking a Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). Out of all GIAC certifications, the GSEC certification was the most frequently cited. As a practitioner certification in the GIAC ecosystem, GSEC provides a strong knowledge base, making it an excellent starting point for a successful cybersecurity career. While not an official prerequisite, GSEC can also provide foundational knowledge for GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA), GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA), and GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM), each of which offers an average pay premium of 10%.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP+)

To earn the OffSec Certified Professional certification, candidates must complete the affiliated course, Penetration Testing with Kali Linux, and pass the subsequent exam. The course covers 10 modules, including information gathering, vulnerability scanning, client-side attacks, and fixing exploits. Certificate holders will have shown mastery of penetration testing methodologies ideal for new roles, such as ethical hacker, incident responder, or threat hunter. The OSCP exam is hands-on; test-takers must compromise systems within a lab environment.

OffSec does not enforce prerequisites but recommends candidates be familiar with TCP/IP networking, scripting in Bash and Python, and Linux and Windows, which they can learn through its Network Penetration Testing Essentials Learning Path.

Training and exam fees: US$1,749, Kali Linux course plus exam

Why it’s on the list: After the C|EH, OSCP+ was the second most frequently cited OffSec certification on industry lists. As of Nov. 1, 2024, OSCP was rebranded to OSCP+ to reflect a more rigorous exam format. The new 24-hour hands-on assessment requires candidates to exploit a vulnerability in a lab environment, followed by an additional 24 hours to submit a comprehensive penetration testing report. The exam also now includes an updated Active Directory (AD) section with an assumed compromise scenario. Penetration Testing with Kali Linux is also recommended preparation for PEN-300: Advanced Evasion Techniques and Breaching Defenses — one of three courses required for the Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) certification, which offers an average pay premium of 11%.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The ISC(2) SSCP certification covers seven domains: security concepts, access control, incident response, cryptography, network security, systems and application security, and risk identification, monitoring, and analysis. It is ideal for various professionals, including security analysts, systems engineers, network analysts, database administrators, and security consultants. The three-hour exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions; candidates must earn 700 out of 1,000 points to pass and undergo a process validating their professional experience. Those who earn the SSCP must abide by ISC(2) ‘s code of ethics and pay an annual maintenance fee that supports the organization and its initiatives, including its members-only network of cybersecurity pros.

To qualify, the SSCP requires one year of experience. Those without the experience requirement can bypass it with a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science or a related subject.

Training fees: Free, exam outline, flashcards, a practice quiz, and a study app; US$90 for 90-day access to on-demand training

Exam fee: Varies by country (US$249 for candidates in North and South America)

Why it’s on our list: SSCP is often featured on industry lists and is a strong foundation for those pursuing CISSP or CCSP.