Contents
🥇 Foundational Certifications
These are ideal if you’re just starting out or want to validate baseline knowledge:
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | Entry-level certification covering general security principles, network security, and risk management. Widely recognised and DoD-approved. |
| SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) | Offered by (ISC)², good for junior security roles. Focuses on access controls, security ops, and risk. |
| Cisco CyberOps Associate | Focuses on SOC operations, SIEM, threat intelligence, and incident response using Cisco tools. |
🛠️ Intermediate / Technical Certifications
Ideal for security engineers who want hands-on, practical experience in detection, response, and hardening systems:
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) | Focuses on threat detection, SIEM use, vulnerability management, and behavioural analytics. |
| eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester) | Practical, lab-based intro to offensive techniques with some defensive overlap. |
| Microsoft SC-200 (Security Operations Analyst Associate) | Relevant for those working in Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Azure environments. |
| SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) | Covers a wide range of technical topics: firewalls, incident response, cryptography, and network security. |
🔒 Advanced / Specialised Certifications
These demonstrate mastery in engineering, architecture, or leadership-level responsibilities:
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) | Recognised globally. Covers eight domains including security engineering, asset security, and software development. Often required for senior roles. |
| CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) | Management-focused. Ideal if you want to move into governance, audit, or risk leadership. |
| GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler) | Highly regarded in SOC and IR circles. Focuses on attack techniques, forensics, and defence strategies. |
| OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) | Advanced, hands-on penetration testing cert. Valued by both offensive and defensive teams for understanding attacker methodology. |
| CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) | For engineers working in AWS, Azure, or GCP. Focuses on cloud architecture and security best practices. |
☁️ Cloud & DevSecOps Focused Certifications
As many roles shift to cloud-first environments, these are becoming increasingly relevant:
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty | Deep dive into AWS-specific security architecture and controls. |
| Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) | Ideal for those working in Microsoft-based cloud environments. |
| Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer | Covers IAM, data protection, and incident response in GCP. |
| Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) | For engineers securing containerised workloads and CI/CD pipelines. |
🎓 What’s Right for You?
- Just starting out? → Security+, SSCP, Cisco CyberOps
- Want to go technical? → CySA+, GSEC, SC-200
- Aiming for senior roles? → CISSP, CISM, GCIH
- Love the hands-on stuff? → OSCP, eJPT, CKS
- Working in the cloud? → AWS Security Specialty, AZ-500, CCSP
🧠 Certifications open doors, but practical skills, projects, and mindset are what make you a true cybersecurity engineer.