Certifications To Help You Land a Job in Cybersecurity

Entry-level cybersecurity certifications

If you’re just starting out in cybersecurity and looking to start your new career, there are two well-known certifications that can help your resume stand out to hiring managers. First is the CompTIA Security+ certification that our Cybersecurity Bootcamp prepares you for. It is an excellent vendor-neutral certification to help you begin your cybersecurity career, developing and demonstrating your skills in areas such as networking, threat intelligence, cryptography, scripting for security and more.  

Our 20-week bootcamp not only prepares you for the CompTIA Security+ exam and provides a voucher to take it, but more importantly, trains you on the hands-on skills needed for your next role. Our approach focuses on real-life experience and lab-based training to provide the practical skills necessary to be successful in your new role.  Once you’ve gained these skills and earned this certification, you are qualified for the following positions with affiliated salaries reported by ZipRecruiter:

• Systems Administrator – average salary of $74,194
• Security Administrator – average salary of $78,615
• Junior Penetration Tester – average salary range of $70,000-120,000

• Network Administrator – average salary of $71,773
• Cybersecurity Specialist – average salary of $113,985

Another good certification to consider as a cybersecurity beginner is GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF). According to giac.org, this certification “…validates a practitioner's knowledge of security foundation, computer functions and networking, introductory cryptography, and cybersecurity technologies.” The GISF is a basic, entry-level certification that helps develop base-line knowledge about cybersecurity concepts.

Have some cybersecurity experience already? Consider these.

If you’ve already begun your cybersecurity career and are looking to up-skill to higher level positions related to pentesting, there are three options widely recognized in the industry. First, is CompTIA PenTest+ that helps students master penetration testing and is an exam for professionals already in cyber but are looking to build up their skillset around pentesting.  

A second great option is GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), created to educate ethical hackers, forensic professionals and penetration testers. Once certification is earned, it is promoted that certification holders will be able to conduct a pentest properly.

The last cybersecurity certification worth mentioning is Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), an ethical hacking certification offered by OffSec for cyber professionals serious about pentesting. Our OSCP Bootcamp is an 18-week prep-course for this certification and an official learning partner of OffSec.  Upon bootcamp completion, students will be prepared with the knowledge necessary to complete the OSCP certification course and are provided with two vouchers to take the OSCP exam at no additional cost. With an OSCP certification, you are well-prepared for the following positions.

• Penetration Tester – average salary of $118,002
• Security Consultant – average salary of $94,146
• Cybersecurity Engineer – average salary of $124,941
• Cybersecurity Analyst – average salary of $102,985

What ‘s next?

Now you have the information; what will you do with it?  The best way to decide which cybersecurity certification to earn should be based on your career goals and identifying which certification will get you there. We offer # 1 ranked training, at two different skill levels, designed to move you forward in your career. The next cohort for our Cybersecurity Bootcamp kicks off July 25 and our next OSCP Bootcamp starts August 1. If this sounds interesting to you, schedule a 10-minute, no pressure advisor meeting today to learn more about our offerings and which Bootcamp is right for you.