Campus Staff

Aug 4, 2026

Cybersecurity Certifications Guide: Which Credentials Can Help Launch or Advance Your Cybersecurity Career?

Information Technology

Career information: The career examples and employment projections in this article describe the field, not outcomes for Campus students or graduates. Hiring requirements vary by employer and role. Some positions require additional education and experience beyond an associate degree. Completing a program or earning a certification does not guarantee employment, salary, or advancement.

Cybersecurity professionals help organizations protect networks, systems, and sensitive information. Their work can include investigating incidents, assessing vulnerabilities, implementing safeguards, and communicating risks. For the specific occupation Information Security Analysts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, representing approximately 40,600 additional jobs. Separately, BLS projects approximately 14,100 openings per year, including openings created when workers change occupations or leave the labor force. Net job growth and replacement openings are not the same measure. [1]

Industry certifications are one way to demonstrate knowledge and skills in particular areas of IT and cybersecurity. Their value depends on the credential, the work you want to do, and the other qualifications you bring. A certification can complement academic study, practical projects, and work experience; it is not a substitute for every employer’s requirements. [1]

Why Do Cybersecurity Certifications Matter?

Preparing for a certification can give your learning a defined focus. The examination then assesses knowledge and, where included, applied skills against the issuer’s objectives. Certifications may be useful in several ways:

Demonstrating technical knowledge. A credential indicates that its holder met the issuer’s assessment and other applicable requirements—not that the holder has mastered every aspect of a job.
Structuring skill development. Exam objectives can help you identify topics to study and practice, from troubleshooting and networking to security monitoring and architecture.
Supporting professional development. Preparing for a new credential or maintaining an existing one can support continued learning.
Complementing education and experience. Coursework, authorized labs, projects, and work experience provide opportunities to apply what you study. [2] [3] [4] [16] [17] [18]

The most useful credential is not necessarily the most advanced one. Compare its subject matter with your present knowledge and target responsibilities before committing time and money.

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What Cybersecurity Certifications Will You Need at Each Stage of Your Career?

There is no universal required sequence. The groupings below describe each credential’s general focus; they are not promises of a particular career stage or hiring outcome. Foundational IT, cloud architecture, defensive security, offensive security, and senior security practice are related but different areas.

Before enrolling or booking an exam: Distinguish recommended experience from mandatory eligibility requirements. Also check the exam version, training and exam costs, retake rules, credential-maintenance requirements, and any available voucher conditions. An academic certificate, a course-completion certificate, and an industry certification are different credentials.

Renewal is not always another exam. Requirements vary by issuer and credential. Options may include continuing education, an approved learning activity, another qualifying certification examination, or retaking an examination. For example, ISC2 and EC-Council have continuing-education requirements, while AWS offers credential-specific renewal and maintenance options. Review the applicable policy rather than assuming every credential must be retaken every three years. [16] [17] [18]

About the related-role lists: These are examples of positions in which the subject matter may be relevant, not jobs for which a single certification automatically qualifies you. Employers may also require education, relevant experience, demonstrated technical skills, or other qualifications. [1]

Foundational IT Certification

CompTIA A+

Best for: Learners building foundational IT knowledge and practical support skills.

CompTIA A+ covers the hardware, software, operating systems, connectivity, security, and troubleshooting concepts used in technical support. Earning A+ requires passing both the Core 1 and Core 2 examinations from the required exam series. These are two exams leading to one A+ certification, not two separate certifications. Check the matching exam versions before scheduling. [2]

Common topics include:

Computer hardware and mobile devices
Operating systems and software troubleshooting
Basic networking, virtualization, and cloud concepts
Security fundamentals and support procedures

Examples of related roles:

IT Support Specialist
Help Desk Technician
Technical Support Specialist

Foundational Networking Certification

CompTIA Network+

Best for: Individuals developing networking knowledge that supports IT infrastructure and cybersecurity work.

Network+ assesses vendor-neutral networking knowledge and skills. Its scope includes establishing connectivity, configuring services, maintaining documentation, securing networks, and troubleshooting performance or availability problems. It is not limited to describing network architecture. [3]

Common topics include:

Networking concepts, protocols, and addressing
Wired and wireless network implementation
Network operations and documentation
Network security and troubleshooting

Examples of related roles:

Network Support Specialist
Junior Network Administrator
IT Support Technician

Foundational Cybersecurity Certifications

CompTIA Security+

Best for: Individuals developing foundational security knowledge after building an understanding of IT systems and networks.

Security+ assesses core security concepts and practices, including evaluating security risks, selecting safeguards, protecting hybrid environments, and responding to incidents. It is one possible starting point for security-focused study, not a universally required first credential. Recommended preparation should not be confused with a guarantee of job readiness. [4]

Exam-version note: CompTIA has published objectives for both Security+ SY0-701 and SY0-801. Before choosing training or using a voucher, confirm which examination is available on your planned test date and which version your course materials support. Published objectives alone do not establish an examination’s availability. [4] [22]

Common topics include:

Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation
Security architecture and cryptographic concepts
Identity, access, and security operations
Risk, governance, incident response, and oversight

Examples of related roles:

Security Administrator
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Information Security Specialist
Cybersecurity Analyst

Foundational Cloud Certifications

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Best for: Individuals seeking a foundational, high-level understanding of Amazon Web Services.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner assesses cloud concepts, AWS terminology and services, security and compliance basics, and billing and support concepts. AWS describes it as an entry point for people with or without previous IT experience. It is a cloud-literacy credential, not a stand-alone demonstration of hands-on cloud engineering or security expertise. [5]

Common topics include:

Cloud concepts and the value of cloud services
AWS services and shared security responsibilities
Security and compliance basics
Billing, pricing, and support resources

Examples of related roles where cloud literacy may be relevant:

Cloud Support Associate
Cloud Operations Support
Technical Support

These positions may require technical skills and experience beyond the credential’s foundational scope.

Intermediate Cybersecurity Certifications

CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)

Best for: Professionals developing skills in security monitoring, vulnerability management, investigation, and incident response.

CySA+ assesses defensive security analysis and the use of information from security tools. Training and practical experience develop these skills; the certification examination evaluates them. CompTIA’s published CS0-004 objectives recommend four years of hands-on experience in a level-2 SOC analyst or vulnerability analyst role. This is recommended preparation, not a mandatory experience-verification requirement. Confirm the exam version and availability for your intended test date. [6]

Common topics include:

Security monitoring, threat intelligence, and analysis
Vulnerability identification, prioritization, and management
Incident response and investigation
Reporting findings and communicating with stakeholders

Examples of related roles:

Cybersecurity Analyst
Threat Intelligence Analyst
Incident Response Analyst
SOC Analyst

Ethical Hacking Certifications

EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Best for: Individuals studying attacker methods, vulnerability assessment, and authorized security testing.

The CEH training curriculum and knowledge examination cover ethical-hacking methods and defensive countermeasures. CEH Practical is a separate hands-on assessment; passing the knowledge examination alone is not the same as completing both assessments. [7]

For the CEH knowledge examination, EC-Council provides an official-training route and an application route generally requiring two years of information-security work experience. Candidates must follow the issuer’s eligibility and approval process. College coursework should not be assumed to satisfy the official-training route unless the applicable arrangement is confirmed. [8]

Common topics include:

Reconnaissance, scanning, and vulnerability assessment
Network and web-application security
Ethical-hacking methods and defensive countermeasures
Authorized testing and professional reporting

Examples of related roles:

Penetration Tester
Security Consultant
Ethical Hacker
Red Team Analyst

Practice only in authorized environments and within the agreed scope. A certification does not give permission to test someone else’s systems.

Intermediate Cloud Certifications

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Best for: Individuals developing the ability to design solutions using AWS services.

This credential assesses AWS solution-design knowledge, including secure, resilient, high-performing, and cost-conscious architectures. It is a cloud architecture certification with security content—not a dedicated cybersecurity certification. AWS recommends at least one year of hands-on experience designing cloud solutions using its services. Cloud Practitioner can help beginners build familiarity, but it is not a prerequisite for this examination. [9] [10]

Common topics include:

Secure access and infrastructure design
Resilience, availability, and recovery
Service selection and performance
Cost-aware architecture and design tradeoffs

Examples of related roles:

Solutions Architect
Cloud Architect
Infrastructure Engineer
Cloud Engineer

Architecture and engineering job titles do not, by themselves, indicate entry-level positions. Read the employer’s requirements as well as the examination objectives.

Advanced Cybersecurity Certifications

ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Best for: Experienced professionals whose responsibilities span security operations, architecture, risk, or program leadership.

CISSP covers eight security domains. To earn the full credential, candidates generally need five years of cumulative qualifying experience in at least two domains, a passing exam, and completion of ISC2’s certification process. A qualifying bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field, or a credential on ISC2’s approved list, may satisfy up to one year of the experience requirement. Education and certification waivers cannot be combined to remove more than one year. [11] [12] [13]

The experience requirement is not a requirement to sit for the exam. A candidate who passes before meeting it may pursue Associate of ISC2 status and has six years to obtain the required experience. Associate status is not CISSP certification. Endorsement may come from an ISC2-certified professional in good standing; ISC2 can provide endorsement when the candidate does not know an eligible endorser. The endorser need not specifically hold CISSP. [12] [13]

Common topics include:

Security and risk management; asset security
Security architecture and engineering
Communication and network security
Identity and access management
Security assessment, testing, and operations
Software development security [11]

Examples of related roles:

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Security Architect
IT Security Manager
Senior Security Analyst
Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
Security Systems Engineer

Leadership and senior technical roles are longer-term career possibilities, not immediate outcomes of completing an associate degree or passing the CISSP exam.

CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)

Best for: Experienced technical security practitioners working on complex enterprise environments.

SecurityX is the current name for the credential formerly known as CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner, or CASP+. It emphasizes advanced technical security work across architecture, engineering, operations, governance, risk, and compliance. [14]

The CAS-005 objectives recommend a background of ten years of hands-on IT experience, including at least five years of broad hands-on security experience. These figures describe recommended preparation, not a mandatory experience prerequisite equivalent to CISSP’s credential-award requirement. [14]

Common topics include:

Enterprise risk, governance, and compliance
Secure architecture across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments
Security engineering, identity, and cryptography
Monitoring, incident response, automation, and resilience
Vulnerability mitigation and secure systems integration

Examples of related roles:

Security Architect
Senior Information Security Engineer
Technical Security Lead
Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Government qualification note: Certification accreditation and government workforce qualification are different concepts. DoD Manual 8140.03 uses role- and proficiency-specific qualification pathways. An approved certification may satisfy an applicable foundational option, but it does not automatically satisfy every requirement for a federal or defense-related job. Check the current qualification matrices, position announcement, and any component or contract requirements. [15]

Potential Career Paths in Cybersecurity

There is no single certification path that is right for everyone. NIST’s NICE Framework describes cybersecurity work in terms of roles, knowledge, and skills; an employer’s job title may combine several responsibilities. [19]

The examples below match the subject areas discussed in this guide to possible career interests. They are planning suggestions, not verified universal hiring requirements, required sequences, or promises of employment. You do not need to earn every credential in a list. Choose the next learning step that addresses a real knowledge gap or a requirement in positions you are researching.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Certifications to consider: Network+, Security+, and CySA+. Prioritize networking and security fundamentals before deeper monitoring and investigation. Practical exercises in log review, alert triage, and explaining findings can complement exam preparation. [3] [4] [6]

Network Administrator

Certifications to consider: A+, Network+, and Security+ where security responsibilities are relevant. Use A+ for gaps in general support knowledge and Network+ for networking concepts. Add practice with the equipment, operating systems, and services used in your target environment. [2] [3] [4]

IT Auditor / Compliance Analyst

Certifications to consider: Security+ for a security foundation; more specialized credentials only where the role’s technical scope supports them. Audit and compliance work calls for attention to evidence, controls, risk, and clear reporting. Do not treat CEH or the same sequence used by a penetration tester as a default requirement. CySA+ or CEH may be relevant to particular technical assessments, not every audit position. [4] [6] [7] [8] [19]

Security Specialist

Certifications to consider: Security+; CySA+ for defensive analysis or CEH for authorized testing. “Specialist” can describe many responsibilities. Read the actual duties before choosing between monitoring, assessment, and other technical emphases. [4] [6] [7] [8]

Systems Administrator

Certifications to consider: A+, Network+, and Security+; AWS credentials when AWS is part of the role. Cloud Practitioner supports cloud vocabulary. Solutions Architect – Associate addresses AWS design rather than proving every day-to-day systems-administration skill. [2] [3] [4] [5] [9] [10]

Security Administrator

Certifications to consider: Network+ and Security+; CySA+ when monitoring and incident analysis are significant responsibilities. Match study and practice to the systems, access controls, and security tools the employer uses. CEH is an option for a testing-related need, not a universal prerequisite. [3] [4] [6] [7] [8]

Security Analyst

Certifications to consider: Security+ and CySA+; Network+ when additional networking preparation is needed. This title may overlap with Cybersecurity Analyst or SOC Analyst. Look for the particular investigative, reporting, and technical responsibilities rather than assuming titles require identical credentials. [3] [4] [6] [19]

Security Engineer

Certifications to consider: Security+ for foundational gaps; SecurityX or CISSP for later development when appropriate to experience and responsibilities. Engineering paths call for more than collecting introductory credentials. Consider design, implementation, testing, and practical work alongside the relevant issuer’s scope and experience expectations. [4] [11] [12] [13] [14]

Help Desk Specialist / Analyst (Transitioning Into a Security Role)

Certifications to consider: A+, Network+, and Security+; Cloud Practitioner for relevant AWS exposure. A support role can provide opportunities to practice troubleshooting, documentation, and communication. Identify the security responsibilities you want to move toward before adding another certification. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Junior Penetration Tester

Certifications to consider: Security+ or comparable foundational preparation, followed by CEH where relevant to the intended role. Build authorized lab experience and reporting skills. Confirm CEH eligibility and whether a target employer values a separate hands-on assessment; the knowledge exam alone does not demonstrate every penetration-testing task. [7] [8]

Ethical Hacker

Certifications to consider: CEH after appropriate IT and security preparation; CySA+ where understanding defensive monitoring supports your goals. Offensive testing and defensive analysis are complementary areas, not interchangeable credentials. Keep testing authorized and document the scope and findings. [6] [7] [8]

Cloud Solutions Architect

Certifications to consider: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner when foundational knowledge is needed, then AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate when prepared. Cloud Practitioner is optional. A+, Network+, and Security+ can address specific gaps but are not AWS prerequisites. Select vendor-specific study according to the platforms relevant to your goals. [5] [9] [10]

Many professionals continue learning throughout their careers. Plan for practice and ongoing development, not just an initial examination.

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certifications

Consider your current experience, career goals, target responsibilities, and total preparation cost. The table below summarizes the credentials in this guide; it is not a ranking or an employment guarantee.

Goal	Certification to Consider
Build foundational IT and support knowledge	CompTIA A+
Develop networking knowledge and troubleshooting skills	CompTIA Network+
Study foundational security concepts and practices	CompTIA Security+
Develop security monitoring, vulnerability analysis, and incident-response knowledge	CompTIA CySA+
Study ethical-hacking concepts and authorized assessment methods	EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Build foundational AWS cloud knowledge	AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Develop AWS solution-design knowledge	AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Demonstrate broad security expertise after meeting experience and endorsement requirements	ISC2 CISSP
Assess advanced technical enterprise-security knowledge and skills	CompTIA SecurityX

Review current issuer objectives and sample job requirements before selecting a credential. Include training, exam fees, possible retakes, and maintenance costs in your budget. Ask whether a course prepares you for an exam, satisfies any issuer eligibility condition, or includes a conditional voucher—those are separate questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cybersecurity certification should beginners start with?

Start with the knowledge you need rather than a universal sequence. A+ can suit someone learning general technical support, Network+ emphasizes networking, and Security+ focuses on security. Someone who already has those foundations may select a different starting point. Compare the exam objectives with what you can currently explain and do. [2] [3] [4]

Is the CompTIA Security+ certification enough to get a cybersecurity job?

Not by itself in every case. It may meet a certification preference or requirement for a particular position, but employers can also require education, experience, projects, and other qualifications. BLS identifies a bachelor’s degree and related experience as typical for information security analysts, while also describing alternative entry routes. [1]

Is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification worth pursuing?

Its usefulness depends on your goals, preparation, cost, and target employer. Compare the knowledge exam, any separate practical assessment, and the eligibility route that applies to you. For defense-related work, review the current DoD qualification requirements and the specific position; do not assume CEH is required for every DoD cybersecurity job. [7] [8] [15]

Are AWS certifications useful for cybersecurity careers?

They can be relevant when the work involves AWS. Cloud Practitioner addresses foundational understanding, while Solutions Architect – Associate assesses architecture knowledge. Neither is a universal requirement for cybersecurity work, and employers may use other cloud platforms. Hands-on experience and platform-specific security learning remain important considerations. [5] [9] [10]

Pursue a Cybersecurity Degree at Campus

Campus is developing a proposed Associate of Science in Cybersecurity, a standalone degree designed to combine a broad information technology foundation with focused cybersecurity study. The September 2026 program proposal specifies 96 quarter credits over eight quarters, with a planned length of two years and online delivery through live, interactive instruction. [20]

The planned curriculum would bring together general education, information technology, networking and infrastructure, operating systems, cloud concepts, cybersecurity, ethical and professional practice, and an integrative capstone. The proposal incorporates the cybersecurity coursework from Campus’s existing IT concentration within the 96-credit degree, rather than adding those courses beyond the degree’s planned credit total. [20]

Through applied assignments and live instruction, students would practice threat detection, vulnerability assessment, security operations, risk reduction, and authorized ethical hacking. The proposed learning outcomes also emphasize communicating technical findings and using automation and artificial intelligence responsibly while evaluating their limitations, risks, and ethical implications. [20]

The proposed degree would support further education and industry certification preparation. The nine credentials discussed in this guide are broader career-planning examples—not a promise that the proposed degree includes or prepares students for every examination. CISSP and SecurityX are included for longer-term professional development. Confirm the final course-to-exam alignments, supported exam versions, any voucher terms, and separate testing costs with Campus. Coursework does not automatically confer a third-party certification or satisfy an issuer’s experience requirements. [20]

Certification & Career Disclaimer

Certification examinations and credentials are developed and administered by independent third-party organizations. Those organizations establish their own eligibility, experience, examination, fee, endorsement, scoring, ethics, renewal, and credential-award requirements. Completion of Campus coursework does not automatically award a certification or guarantee certification, employment, a particular salary, promotion, or career advancement. Individual outcomes vary by education, experience, employer, location, and other circumstances. Career examples are not a list of positions for which every graduate qualifies.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify in eligible programs. Availability for the proposed degree must be confirmed separately. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA® and other applicable requirements. Awards vary based on need, program, enrollment status, available funding, and applicable rules. Campus does not guarantee financial aid eligibility, award amounts, or loan approval. [21]