If you are a cybersecurity professional, you know there is no shortage of jobs in your field. Companies are increasingly recognizing their vulnerabilities to security breach and cyber-attack and are taking steps to correct them, which is only increasing demand for top security specialists. The question is, will security certifications give you a competitive edge over other candidates?
That remains to be seen.
Technology changes so quickly it can be tough for certifying bodies to keep up. But a recent cybersecurity workforce study by (ISC)² , an international association of information security professionals, indicates that almost half of employers make certifications a large factor in their hiring decisions.
In-demand security certifications that can give you a competitive edge include:
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). This certification is administered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants. It can be taken after taking a class or by proving that you have relevant experience. A CEH designation attests that you have the ability of a black hat hacker, but without the nefarious intent. Costs for certification ranges from about $1,200 -$2,000.
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). This certification will truly put your skills to the test. The exam consists of hands-on penetration testing and is considered to be among the most technical of the certifications and costs about $800 to take.
CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor) This certification requires considerable education and on-the-job experience as well as sitting the exam. Details on certification requirements can be found on the website on the governing body for the CISA, ISACA. 2019 registration fees are $575 for ISACA members, $760 for non-members.
While these certifications can give you additional credibility to discerning employers, ultimately the needs and risk factors vary wildly and are no substitute for solid experience. The smartest move for security professionals is to remain up-to-date, take on positions that build their skill set, and carefully consider which certifications are relevant to their specific career path.
Find Your Next Tech Job with Select Resources!
If you’d like to learn more about how to become an in-demand candidate or find out about the best cybersecurity jobs in Lansing, MI or Detroit, contact the technical recruiting team at Select Resources.
