The 6 Best Cybersecurity Certifications for 2025

Demand for cybersecurity professionals remains high, with recent data suggesting nearly 265,000 more cybersecurity workers are needed to address current staffing needs across the United States. With the industry’s continued focus on certification as a way to validate one’s cybersecurity knowledge and skills, certifications remain a crucial way for jobseekers to signal their technical proficiency and commitment to professional development.

Certification opens doors for jobseekers. Employers often use certifications as a benchmark for assessing candidates during the hiring process. For mid-career professionals, earning additional certifications can facilitate pivots into specialized roles and enhance qualification for career advancement. In any case, the certification is far from dead. 

Let’s take a closer look at the current cybersecurity landscape, the demand for certified professionals, and the best cybersecurity certifications for today’s industry professionals.

2025 Cybersecurity Landscape

If it seems like just about everything is connected to the internet these days, you’re not far off. From watches and lamps to refrigerators and manufacturing equipment, IoT devices are everywhere. The proliferation of IoT technology in both personal and industrial applications is one of the many factors contributing to a more complex cybersecurity landscape in 2025. The expansion of AI technology adds another layer of challenges.

These emerging technologies, along with the associated increase in threat sophistication, are driving demand for certified professionals in the cybersecurity field. Certification gives employers a standardized way to verify that professionals possess the necessary skills to address these evolving challenges. Certain certifications are a critical prerequisite for lucrative positions in this growing industry.

But which certifications are worth getting? There are hundreds of certifications available for professionals in the IT and cybersecurity industries. In the following sections, we’ll detail the best cybersecurity certifications for both entry-level and experienced practitioners, along with information about the value each brings to a resume.

Ranking Criteria: What Makes a Certification ‘Best’?

Our ranking criteria is based on a number of factors, including industry recognition and accreditation, salary and career opportunities, and skill relevance. These certifications are recommended because they are globally-recognized and highly respected industry-wide. We also consider the organizations that created each certification, as certifications from reputable organizations carry more weight in the job market.

Some certifications yield higher salary bumps or open doors to managerial roles, and some certifications offer specialized knowledge that helps professionals focus on niche areas, such as cloud security or ethical hacking. Ultimately, the best cybersecurity certifications equip professionals with valuable, in-demand knowledge and skills that align with current and future industry needs. 

The 6 Best Cybersecurity Certifications for 2025

1. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is widely regarded as one of the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners due to its broad foundational coverage of essential cybersecurity concepts and practical skills. It’s a globally-recognized, entry-level credential that is highly respected across the industry, making it an ideal starting point for those looking to start a career in cybersecurity.

Core Skills

The CompTIA Security+ certification focuses on the fundamentals of securing networks and systems. Core skills you’ll learn in preparation for this certification include: 

• Network security
• Threat analysis
• Risk mitigation

Who It’s For

‍This certification is designed for entry-level professionals and career-changers who want to enter the field of cybersecurity. It is also a great certification for IT professionals looking to expand their knowledge of cybersecurity topics. There are no formal prerequisites, but some Security+ certificate holders recommend earning the CompTIA Network+ certification first.

Benefits of CompTIA Security+

Earning the Security+ certification demonstrates fundamental security expertise and can therefore open the door to a range of entry-level cybersecurity positions with competitive salaries. For current IT and cybersecurity professionals, earning additional certifications can lead to pay increases and promotions down the line. The CompTIA Security+ certification can also improve your career prospects by helping you qualify for more lucrative, in-demand roles. 

2. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

The CISSP certification is often cited in lists of best cybersecurity certifications for more advanced professionals. This certification, granted by the cybersecurity professional organization ISC2, is considered a gold standard in the industry for individuals who wish to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge across multiple cybersecurity domains. 

Core Skills

‍CISSP covers a broad range of critical security topics, emphasizing not just technical expertise but also strategic skills, such as designing and implementing effective security policies. The CISSP exam will test your knowledge on a variety of domains, including:

• Security and risk management
• Asset security
• Security architecture and engineering
• Communication and network security
• Identity and access management (IAM)
• Security assessment and testing
• Security operations
• Software development security

Who It’s For

‍This certification is tailored for mid-level to senior cybersecurity professionals aspiring to advance into managerial or leadership roles. Certificate holders may wish to someday become a Security Director or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), for example. To qualify for this certification, you must have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in a cybersecurity role.

Benefits of CISSP

‍Demand for CISSP-certified professionals is high, and professionals who pass the CISSP exam often command higher salaries due to the certification’s reputation for excellence. CISSP demonstrates cybersecurity expertise, enhances your credibility with employers, and opens doors to advanced roles.

3. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

The CISM certification is a globally recognized credential tailored for professionals who focus on management, strategic security, and governance — especially for enterprise-level information security programs. The administering body, ISACA, is a highly reputable international professional organization focused on IT governance.

Core Skills

‍CISM-certified professionals are trained to develop, manage, and assess security policies and practices, aligning them with business goals. To earn the CISM certification, individuals must demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• Governance
• Risk management
• Information security strategy
• Compliance

Who It’s For

‍This certification is ideal for IT managers transitioning to cybersecurity, as well as mid-to-senior level cybersecurity professionals aspiring to leadership roles. Ultimately, anyone looking to pivot from a more technical and implementation-based role to the managerial side of cybersecurity would benefit from earning the CISM certification. Like CISSP, CISM certification requires five years of relevant work experience.

Benefits of CISM

‍Like other certifications, CISM boosts earning potential and career prospects. Unlike some other certifications, the CISM certification is uniquely designed to demonstrate professionals’ ability to align security strategies with business objectives. It validates leadership skills and shows employers you can handle the challenges and responsibilities of a modern IT security manager. 

4. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

The CISA certification is frequently listed among the best cybersecurity certifications for professionals specializing in auditing, risk management, and compliance. Earning this certification validates expertise in assessing security controls, managing vulnerabilities, and ensuring organizations adhere to regulatory requirements. 

Core Skills

‍CISA covers a variety of topics related to auditing and risk management, including:

• Information systems auditing process
• IT governance and management
• Information systems acquisition, development, and implementations
• Operations and business resilience
• Asset security and control

Who It’s For

‍This certification is for entry to mid-career professionals who want to understand the process of planning, executing, and reporting on risk-based auditing practices. To earn the CISA certification, individuals must pass the certification exam and have five or more years of professional information systems auditing, control or security work experience.

Benefits of CISA

‍Earning the CISA certification can boost earning potential and career prospects. CISA-certified individuals are well-equipped for a variety of roles, including IT auditor, compliance analyst, and risk manager. Additionally, the focus on governance frameworks and regulatory requirements makes this certification a valuable asset for professionals in finance, healthcare, and government sectors.

5. CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)

The CCSP certification is a cloud-focused certification from ISC2, the same professional organization that offers the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. It is a highly regarded, internationally recognized credential for professionals specializing in cloud security. As more organizations adopt cloud services, the demand for CCSP-certified professionals has risen.

Core Skills

‍To earn the CCSP certification, professionals must demonstrate advanced technical skills and knowledge related to designing, managing, and securing data and infrastructure in the cloud. CCSP exam topics include:

• Cloud concepts, architecture, and design
• Cloud data security
• Cloud platform and infrastructure security
• Cloud security operations
• Legal, risk, and compliance

Who It’s For

‍This certification is ideal for IT and cybersecurity professionals specializing in cloud-based environments, like AWS, Azure, and GCP. To earn the CCSP certification, individuals must have a strong foundation of IT knowledge and at least five years of industry experience.

Benefits of CCSP

‍Earning the CCSP certification demonstrates expertise in a high-demand area. CCSP-certified professionals often stand out as candidates for roles like cloud security architect, engineer, or administrator. Cloud security is a growing field with plenty of opportunities for career advancement.

6. CompTIA PenTest+

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification is another recognized credential for professionals specializing in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It emphasizes a combination of hands-on skills and knowledge-based questions to ensure mastery of offensive security techniques. 

Core Skills

‍To earn the CompITA PenTest+ certification, professionals must demonstrate their penetration testing knowledge and skills, including:

• Planning and scoping
• Information gathering and vulnerability scanning
• Attacks and exploits
• Reporting and communication
• Tools and code analysis

Who It’s For

‍This credential is ideal for penetration testers, ethical hackers, and red team specialists seeking to enhance and prove their offensive security expertise. PenTest+ is focused on practical, hands-on experience. While there are no formal prerequisites, PenTest+ is intended as a follow-up to the CompTIA Security+ certification.

Benefits of CompTIA PenTest+

‍Earning the CompTIA PenTest+ certification proves to employers that you have the knowledge and skills for specialized roles in offensive security. This means more career opportunities and potential salary increases as you continue in your cybersecurity career.

How to Prepare and Pass These Certifications

There are many resources available to help learners prepare for certification exams, including:

• Official Study Guides: The organizations that created the certifications, such as ISC2 or CompTIA, typically offer an official study guide to help you prepare for the certification exam.
• Practice Exams: Many study guides come with practice exams to test your knowledge with questions similar to those on the official exam.
• Lab Environments: It can help to get hands-on experience in a lab environment, especially for certifications like Security+. 

Your preparation timeline will vary by certification. Entry-level certifications like Security+ generally require 2-4 months of study prep, while more advanced certifications like CISSP can take 6-9 months. The preparation timeline really depends on your previous industry experience, how much time you’re able to devote to studying, and what exam prep resources you use. 

Attaining the best cybersecurity certifications available gets easier when you leverage Cybrary’s structured Certification Prep paths. These paths are tailored specifically for the most in-demand industry certifications and offer everything you need to ace your exam.

Mapping Certifications to Career Paths

Different certifications can open different doors, so consider where you want your cybersecurity career to take you. If you are just starting out in cybersecurity or going through a career change, you might want to start with CompTIA Security+. From there, you could pursue a specialty in penetration testing and earn your CompTIA PenTest+ certification.

For mid-career practitioners, the CISSP certification could lead to a CISM certification for those who wish to pursue managerial roles. The opportunities are plentiful — it’s all about where your interests and expertise lies. The best cybersecurity certifications might change with evolving industry demands, and you also have to consider which are the best for you and your career.

Prepare for Cybersecurity Certification with Cybrary

Earning the right certifications can significantly enhance your skills, credibility, and career opportunities. These six certifications are among the most well-regarded cybersecurity credentials available in 2025. Whether you’re just starting out with foundational IT and cybersecurity skills or aiming for a career in cybersecurity leadership, these certifications help validate your expertise and open doors in terms of hiring and promotion.

To explore Certification Paths and start learning right away, sign up for Cybrary today. Our structured courses will help you pass your certification exams with confidence.