Top 10 Cyber Security Engineer Certifications

Certifications are a valuable tool for cyber security engineers in the job market. They provide evidence of an individual’s knowledge and experience in a particular area of cyber security, allowing employers to assess applicants more accurately and efficiently. Certifications can also help an individual stand out from other applicants, as they can demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of certain topics. Additionally, many organizations require certifications for specific positions, so having the right certifications can be essential for obtaining certain jobs. Finally, certifications may be necessary for compliance with industry standards or regulations.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Cyber Security Engineers and explains how they can help to advance a cyber security engineer's career.

What are Cyber Security Engineer Certifications?

Cyber security engineer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates expertise in designing and managing secure computer systems. It is designed to ensure that professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills to protect organizations from cyber threats. Certification can help professionals stay up to date on the latest security technologies, tools, and best practices, which can help them better protect their organization’s data. Additionally, many organizations require their employees to have this type of certification in order to be considered for certain positions or roles. Having this certification can also give individuals an edge when competing for jobs in the competitive cybersecurity field.

Pro Tip: When considering a cyber security engineer certification, make sure to research the program and ensure it meets your specific needs. Look for certifications that are accredited by reputable organizations and offer hands-on training in current cyber security trends and technologies. Additionally, look for certifications that offer continuing education credits so you can stay up to date on the latest advancements in the field.

Related: What does a Cyber Security Engineer do?

Top 10 Cyber Security Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Cyber Security Engineers today.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security. It is administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

In order to obtain the CISSP certification, an individual must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The CBK includes topics such as access control, telecommunications and network security, cryptography, software development security, business continuity planning, physical security, operations security and law, regulations and compliance.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours. Candidates must score 700 or higher on a scale from 0 to 1000 in order to pass. The cost for the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $699-$899 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification is valid for three years before it must be renewed through continuing education credits.

2. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in IT security. It is designed for IT professionals who have at least two years of experience in the field, and it focuses on the most important security topics such as risk management, network security, cryptography, identity management, access control and more.

The exam usually takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $250 to $350 USD.

In order to get CompTIA Security+, you need to pass the SY0-501 exam with a minimum score of 750 out of 900 points. To prepare for this exam, you can take online courses or self-study using books and other resources available online. You can also attend instructor-led training classes offered by CompTIA authorized training centers.

Once you have passed your exam, you will receive your certificate which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After that period has expired, you must retake the exam in order to renew your certification.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is an information security certification offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to identify, assess, and counter threats posed by malicious hackers. The CEH credential is one of the most sought-after certifications in the cybersecurity field.

The CEH certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in information security or a related field. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as network security, cryptography, malware analysis, and system hacking. The exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions and costs $500 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, EC-Council offers a variety of training materials such as online courses, books, and practice exams. Additionally, there are several third-party vendors that offer CEH preparation courses ranging from self-study programs to instructor-led classes. These courses typically cost between $1,000-$3,000 USD depending on the provider and length of course.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their CEH certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal can be done through either retaking the exam or submitting proof of continuing education credits earned since obtaining the certification.

4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT Governance. The CISM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the areas of information security management, risk management, and security program development and management.

The CISM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as information security governance, risk management, incident response and compliance. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least five years of experience in information security management.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CISM exam. Preparation involves studying course materials, attending training sessions or workshops, and taking practice exams.

To get the CISM certification, you must first apply for it through ISACA's website. After submitting your application and paying the applicable fees (the cost of the exam is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members), you can register for the exam at a Prometric testing center near you. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded with your CISM certification.

5. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification program developed by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). It is designed to provide an industry-recognized credential for professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge of information security. The GSEC certification validates that an individual has the skills and knowledge required to protect networks and systems from malicious attacks.

The GSEC certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in information security, and it typically takes three to six months to complete the necessary requirements. To become certified, individuals must pass a four-hour exam that covers topics such as network security, system administration, cryptography, risk management, and incident response.

The cost of the GSEC certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is an industry-recognized certification program developed by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). It is designed to provide organizations with a comprehensive understanding of cloud security and assurance best practices. The CCSP credential verifies that individuals have the knowledge and skills to securely design, deploy, manage, and maintain cloud computing environments.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CCSP exam. To get started, you will need to purchase the official study guide from the CSA website. This guide includes a set of recommended reading materials, practice exams, and other resources to help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several online courses that can help you understand cloud security concepts in greater detail.

You can take the CCSP exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their remote proctoring service. The cost of taking the exam is $549 USD for non-members of the CSA or $449 USD for members.

7. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an internationally recognized certification for IT security professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of IT security professionals who manage, design, oversee and assess an enterprise’s information security.

The CISM certification requires that applicants have at least five years of experience in information security management and must pass a four-hour exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk management, incident response, security program development and management, and governance.

To get the CISM certification, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Register with ISACA online

2. Submit your application and pay the applicable fee

3. Pass the CISM Exam

4. Complete the CISM Certification Agreement

5. Receive your certificate from ISACA

6. Maintain your certification by earning continuing professional education (CPE) credits every three years

7. Renew your certification every three years by submitting a new application and paying applicable fees

The cost for the CISM certification varies depending on where you live and when you register for it; however, it typically ranges from $415 - $595 USD for members of ISACA or $595 - $795 USD for non-members.

8. EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND)

EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND) is a certification program designed to provide network administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend corporate networks from malicious attacks. The CND program provides an in-depth understanding of network security technologies, tools, and best practices used in the industry today. It also covers topics such as network security policy development, secure network design, incident response, and risk management.

The CND program consists of two courses: the Certified Network Defender (CND) course and the Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) course. The CND course is designed for those who are new to network security and focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of network defense concepts. The CNDA course is designed for those who have experience with network security and provides more advanced topics related to designing secure networks.

The CND certification requires a minimum of 45 hours of training, which can be completed online or in a classroom setting. Once the training is complete, candidates must pass an exam administered by EC-Council to earn their certification.

The cost of the CND certification varies depending on how it is obtained. If taken online, the cost ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD; if taken in a classroom setting, the cost ranges from $3,500-$4,500 USD.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate: Security Fundamentals (MTA: SF)

Microsoft Technology Associate: Security Fundamentals (MTA: SF) is an entry-level certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge of core security concepts. It is designed to provide a foundation for those interested in pursuing further certifications in the field of information security. The MTA: SF exam covers topics such as authentication, encryption, access control, network security, and more.

The MTA: SF exam takes approximately one hour to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score 700 or higher on a scale of 1000.

To get the MTA: SF certification, you must first register for the exam through Microsoft Learning. You will then need to purchase an exam voucher from a Microsoft authorized testing center or online provider. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on where it is purchased from but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

Once you have registered and purchased your voucher, you can schedule your appointment at a local testing center or take the exam online using remote proctoring services. After completing the exam and passing with a score of 700 or higher, you will receive your certificate via email within 2 weeks.

10. EC-Council Certified Secure Programmer (ECSP).

EC-Council Certified Secure Programmer (ECSP) is a certification program designed to help software developers create secure code. It is designed to teach the fundamentals of secure coding and provide an understanding of the principles and techniques used to create secure applications.

The ECSP certification requires candidates to pass two exams: one on the fundamentals of secure coding, and one on application security. The exam topics include topics such as cryptography, authentication, authorization, input validation, output encoding, error handling, and more.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours of self-study or classroom training to prepare for the ECSP certification exam. Candidates must also have at least 2 years of experience in developing software applications before taking the exam.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the ECSP Exam online or through an authorized Pearson VUE testing center. After registering for the exam, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time. Once they have completed their exam, they will receive their score immediately after completing it.

The cost of the ECSP Exam is $250 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

Do You Really Need a Cyber Security Engineer Certificate?

Cyber security is one of the fastest growing and most important areas in the tech industry. As a result, there is a high demand for qualified cyber security engineers who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to protect organizations from cyber threats. However, many employers are hesitant to hire individuals without a cyber security engineer certificate.

The answer to whether or not you need a cyber security engineer certificate depends on your goals. If you are looking for an entry level position with no prior experience, then it may not be necessary to get certified. However, if you have some experience and want to advance your career, having a certificate can be helpful. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills required to do the job.

In addition to providing credentials that show potential employers that you are competent in cyber security topics like network architecture, risk management, penetration testing and coding, having a certification also provides opportunities for professional development that can help you stay up-to-date on emerging trends in the field. Employers often look for candidates who are knowledgeable about the latest technology and processes used in their organization. Having certifications can help demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.

Finally, having a certification can be beneficial when competing against other candidates for jobs as it shows employers that you have taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications related to the field of cyber security engineering. It also makes it easier for employers to evaluate your abilities since they know what skillset they will be getting when they hire someone with a certification.

All in all, while it is not absolutely necessary to get certified as a cyber security engineer in order to find employment or advance your career, having certifications can make all the difference when it comes time to compete against other applicants for positions or promotions within an organization.

Related: Cyber Security Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Cyber Security Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Cyber Security Engineer Certification?

A1. A Cyber Security Engineer certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the holder’s expertise in the design, implementation, and management of secure networks and systems.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Cyber Security Engineer?

A2. To become certified as a Cyber Security Engineer, you must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as ISACA or CompTIA. You will also need to have experience with cyber security technologies and be knowledgeable about industry best practices.

Q3. How much does it cost to get certified as a Cyber Security Engineer?

A3. The cost of getting certified as a Cyber Security Engineer varies depending on the certifying body you choose, but typically ranges from $300-$500 USD for the exam fee alone. Additional costs may include study materials, practice exams, travel expenses, etc.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Cyber Security Engineer?

A4. Depending on your level of experience and familiarity with the topics covered in the exam, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to prepare for and pass the certification exam. It is important to note that some certifications have prerequisites or require continuing education credits in order to maintain certification status.

Q5. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Cyber Security Engineer?

A5. Becoming certified as a Cyber Security Engineer can open many doors in terms of career opportunities and salary potential; it also demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the field of cyber security engineering which can lead to more job offers and promotions within your current organization or at other companies looking for qualified professionals in this field.