Cybersecurity certifications are one of the best ways to gain credibility, prove your skills, and break into the cybersecurity field—even if you have no prior experience. But with so many options available, where do you start?

When I first started, I had no certifications—just a Bachelor’s in IT and a drive to learn. Interviews were tough, so I built my own experience through hands-on labs, tutorials, and free online resources. Even though I landed my first IT job as an IT Technician without a certification, I quickly realized that to move into cybersecurity, I needed a security-first mindset. That’s why I pursued CompTIA Security+, a certification that not only validated my skills but also prepared me for real-world challenges.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners—helping you build a strong foundation, validate your skills, and open doors in the industry. Whether you’re new to IT or transitioning from another field, this guide will help you choose the right cybersecurity certification to jumpstart your career.

What Makes a Certification Valuable for Beginners?

What Makes a Certification Valuable for Beginners?

Before diving in, it’s important to note that not all cybersecurity certifications are beginner-friendly. Some require prior experience (e.g., CISSP requires 5 years of experience), while others are designed specifically to help newcomers build essential skills. For an entry-level certification to be truly valuable, it should at the very least meet the following criteria:

No Strict Prerequisites – Accessible even if you’re new to the field.
Foundational Knowledge – Cover core security principles like risk management, network security, and threat detection.
Industry Recognition – Valued by employers as proof of your commitment and readiness for entry-level roles.
Practical Alignment – Prepares you for real-world tasks like security monitoring, vulnerability management, or incident response.

Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

CompTIA Security+

Best for: Entry-level cybersecurity roles (e.g., SOC Analyst, Security Administrator)
What It Covers:

Core security concepts such as risk management, vulnerability management, security operations, network security, and threat detection.
Exam Format: A mix of multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs).
Cost: $404 (varies by region – see pricing charts)

If you’re just starting out and are wondering which cybersecurity certification to get, the CompTIA Security+ is a top choice. This is one of the most popular cybersecurity certifications as it is widely recognized for its balanced approach to foundational cybersecurity concepts; concepts that will set the stage for your career growth as a security professional. It’s a vendor-neutral, DoD Directive 8140.03M-approved certification that provides a well-rounded security mindset, making it one of the best choices for beginners.

Comparable to: GIAC GSEC (but significantly more affordable).
Better than: ISC² CC in terms of industry recognition and job market value.
Potential downside: A bit more challenging for absolute beginners without hands-on experience.

While not a strict requirement, it is encouraged that you have the Network+ and at least 2 years experience in a cybersecurity role.

Learn more about Security+.

Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) – ISC²

Best for: Complete beginners with no prior IT experience
What It Covers:

Fundamental cybersecurity principles, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery & Incident Response, access controls, security operations, and basic network security.
Exam Format: Primarily multiple-choice questions.
Cost: Free for a limited time (check the official ISC² website).

The ISC²’s Certified in Cybersecurity certificate is ideal for newcomers with zero experience. It offers a structured, vendor-neutral introduction to cybersecurity but lacks the hands-on component that other certifications provide. If you have no prior knowledge, this cybersecurity certification might be a strong choice to get you on the right path, as well as showing future employers you’re dedicated and passionate about learning.

Comparable to: Google Cybersecurity Certificate (but more focused on theory than hands-on skills).
Better than: No certification at all, making it a great entry point.
Potential downside: Might not be sufficient for those targeting SOC or technical roles.

Learn more about ISC² Certified in Cybersecurity.

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

Best for: Learners who prefer a structured, guided path with hands-on labs
What It Covers:

Security fundamentals integrated with practical, interactive lab exercises. You’ll learn about programming cybersecurity tasks, frameworks and security operations, using SIEM tools, Incident Response, and packet capture analysis.
Exam Format: A combination of multiple-choice assessments and lab-based tasks.
Cost: Approximately $49/month via Coursera.

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is gaining traction and popularity in the field due to its practical, lab-based approach, which is perfect for candidates looking to gain experience and learn through hands-on projects. The topics covered in this certification will help individuals success with any job as they are directly applicable in the real world. While its subscription model might add up over time, the price might be justifiable because it provides flexible and engaging content, making it a great option for those who prefer learning by doing.

Comparable to: Cisco CyberOps (but more general and beginner-friendly).
Better than: ISC² CC for practical learners who want hands-on experience.
Potential downside: Not as widely recognized in the job market yet.

Learn more about Google Cybersecurity Certificate.

CompTIA Network+

Best for: Cybersecurity professionals who want to understand networking infrastructure.
What It Covers:

Networking concepts, network security, network implementation, network troubleshooting and network operations.
Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions with some hands-on performance-based scenarios.
Cost: Approximately $369. (varies by region – see pricing charts)

The CompTIA Network+ is not a cybersecurity certification, but understanding networks is crucial for cybersecurity professionals, especially in areas like threat hunting, security monitoring, and incident analysis. While Security+ focuses on security principles, Network+ builds a solid foundation for understanding how networks operate—an essential skill for cybersecurity professionals.

Comparable to: Cisco CCNA (but more vendor-neutral and less advanced).
Better than: No networking background when working in cybersecurity.
Potential downside: Not security-focused, but highly beneficial for cybersecurity careers.

Learn more about CompTIA Network+.

Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate (formerly CyberOps Associate)

Best for: Aspiring Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts
What It Covers:

Network security fundamentals, incident response, and SOC operations.
Exam Format: Primarily multiple-choice with some practical, lab-based components. The exam (200-201 CBROPS v1.2) has been updated to reflect the latest industry practices, including the integration of AI in security operations.
Cost: Around $300 (exam fee).

The Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate (formerly known as CyberOps Associate, updated in January 2025) is designed for those aiming to work in Security Operations Centers (SOC). It provides strong network security knowledge with a focus on threat detection, analysis, and incident response. While it isn’t as broad as Security+, it is more hands-on and SOC-specific, which is perfect for those pursuing a job in a SOC environment.

Comparable to: Google Cybersecurity Certificate (but with a stronger SOC focus).
Better than: ISC² CC for those who want a technical and hands-on security path.
Potential downside: Requires additional lab practice to fully understand concepts.

Learn more about Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Best for: Those who want an advanced foundational certification
What It Covers:

Cybersecurity fundamentals with real-world hands-on security skills.
Exam Format: A blend of multiple-choice questions and practical performance-based scenarios.
Cost: Approximately $999 (a premium certification – see pricing breakdown).

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) is a more advanced beginner-level cybersecurity certification, covering everything from network security to cryptography, security operations, and risk management. Unlike Security+, GSEC is deeply hands-on, making it a great option for those wanting a more rigorous technical challenge. However, its high cost is a major barrier for most people just starting out, making Security+ or Cisco’s Certified Cybersecurity Associate better value for money. As a suggestion, if your employer can cover the cost of this certification, by all means, get it!

Comparable to: CompTIA Security+ (but far more expensive and in-depth).
Better than: Certified Cybersecurity Associate if you want a vendor-neutral, hands-on certification.
Potential downside: Very expensive for beginners without employer sponsorship.

Learn more about GIAC Security Essentials.

How to Prepare for Your First Cybersecurity Certification

As previously stated, taking on a new cybersecurity certification can be a daunting task, especially when there’s multiple resources available. You can always choose to go with one study guide or one resource, and while you might succeed, it is better to have at least two resources because you might find that supplementing materials can fill in the gaps for those unclear concepts. Nevertheless, here’s what worked for me when studying for my various certifications and how you can apply these methods for your first certification:

Use High-Quality Study Materials

There are countless resources available; some paid, some free. Whatever you choose, make sure they are reputable and recognized. It is always good to get a solid Study Guide for the certification and supplement it with a video course, if available. Resources like Professor Messer (free) and Jason Dion’s (paid) courses stood out for me. Dion’s practice tests were also a game-changer. Simulating the test environment is critical for success.

Create a Study Plan & Set the Exam Date

One mistake people make is not scheduling their exam—it leads to procrastination. Make sure you buy your voucher early on, set a date, and work toward it. Having a real deadline will ensure you stay on track and accountable with your studies.

Get Hands-On Experience

Personally, I learn best by doing. While certifications provide great foundational knowledge, applying that knowledge through practical experience is crucial. Platforms like HTB Academy, TryHackMe, and LetsDefend offer interactive labs that simulate real-world cybersecurity challenges. Engaging with these platforms not only reinforces your learning but also enhances problem-solving skills essential for a cybersecurity career. In an upcoming post, I’ll dive deeper into these resources, exploring both free and premium features to help you maximize your hands-on practice.

Join Study Groups & Online Communities

Reddit, Discord, and LinkedIn groups are excellent for asking questions, discussing concepts, and staying motivated. When you’re new to the field, you might feel like you’re alone in this journey, but you’re not. Everyone that started in IT or cybersecurity was in your shoes at some point. But networking is key to staying involved and learning with your peers.

Take Multiple Practice Exams

If you’re not consistently scoring above the passing threshold on practice tests, you might need more preparation. Aim for at least 3-5 full-length practice exams and pass them consistently before sitting for the real test.

Final Thoughts

Earning a cybersecurity certification is one of the best ways to kickstart your cybersecurity career, validate your skills, and stand out in a competitive job market. While certifications alone won’t make you an expert, they demonstrate your commitment to learning and open doors to entry-level security roles.

The key is choosing the right certification based on your career goals, current skill level, and budget. Whether you’re aiming for CompTIA Security+, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, or another industry-recognized option, the right cybersecurity certification can help you land your first security job..

Which certification are you planning to pursue first?

Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners in 2025

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