Top 10 Network Security Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an invaluable tool for a network security consultant in the job market. They demonstrate that the consultant has a deep knowledge of network security and can apply this knowledge to protect organizations from cyber threats. Certifications also show that the consultant is up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the field, which can be attractive to employers looking to hire knowledgeable professionals who can keep their networks safe and secure. Additionally, certifications provide credibility and recognition that can help consultants stand out among other applicants and increase their chance of success in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Network Security Consultants and explain how they can help advance a network security consultant's career.

What are Network Security Consultant Certifications?

Network security consultant certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, design, and implement secure network infrastructures. This certification is typically earned by passing a series of exams that cover topics related to network security such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, VPNs, and encryption technologies. By obtaining this certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their expertise in the field of network security and gain recognition from potential employers.

Having a network security consultant certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, it can help them ensure that they are hiring qualified personnel who have the necessary skillset to properly protect their networks and data. Additionally, having certified personnel on staff can help reduce the risk of potential breaches or other malicious activity due to inadequate security measures. For employees, having this certification can make them more competitive in the job market and increase their chances of securing better paying positions. Furthermore, certified network security consultants may also be eligible for higher salaries than non-certified professionals due to their specialized knowledge and experience.

Pro Tip: When considering a network security consultant certification, make sure to check the qualifications of the certifying body. Many organizations may offer certifications that are not widely recognized or accepted by employers. It is important to research and choose a certification from an organization that has a strong reputation in the industry.

Related: What does a Network Security Consultant do?

Top 10 Network Security Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Network Security Consultants today.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

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

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes 6 hours to complete. The exam covers 8 domains of information security: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Cryptography, Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning, Physical (Environmental) Security, Operations Security, Application Development Security and Law, Regulations, Investigations and Compliance.

In order to become certified as a CISSP you must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the 8 domains covered by the exam. You must also pass the CISSP exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale from 100-1000.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $700 USD. Additionally, there are study materials available online that can help you prepare for the exam which range from free to several hundred dollars depending on what type of material you choose.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of an individual in the area of ethical hacking. It is designed to help individuals understand how to identify security risks, analyze vulnerabilities, and develop appropriate countermeasures. The CEH credential is offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council).

The CEH program requires students to complete a five-day training course. During this course, students learn about topics such as system hacking, cryptography, social engineering, malware threats and more. After completing the training course, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as a CEH, you must first register with EC-Council and pay the associated fees. The cost of taking the CEH exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. Once you have paid for your registration and exam fee, you will be given access to study materials and practice tests which can help prepare you for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CEH certification which is valid for three years from date of issue. To maintain your certification after three years, you will need to recertify by either taking another CEH exam or attending additional approved training courses related to ethical hacking.

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an industry-leading certification for IT professionals who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in network security. It is a globally recognized credential that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.

The CompTIA Security+ exam covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and more. To obtain the certification, you must pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

To prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam, it is recommended that you have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security. You should also review all of the material covered in the CompTIA Security+ objectives guide before taking the exam. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you prepare for the exam such as practice tests, study guides, and video tutorials.

The cost of the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost around $320 USD to take the test at a Pearson VUE testing center or through an authorized training provider.

4. 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 IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect their organizations from cyber threats. The GSEC certification validates an individual’s ability to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot security systems.

The GSEC certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in information security. To obtain the GSEC certification, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as network security, cryptography, authentication, and access control. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the GSEC certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In the United States, it typically costs around $1,000 for the exam and materials. There are also discounts available for students or members of certain organizations.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your GSEC certificate in about six weeks. You can then use this certificate to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in information security to potential employers or clients.

5. Certified Network Defender (CND)

Certified Network Defender (CND) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to protect, detect, and respond to network security threats. This certification is offered by the EC-Council and is designed for IT professionals who want to specialize in network security.

The CND program consists of two parts: an online self-paced training course and a hands-on lab exam. The online course covers topics such as network security fundamentals, risk management, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, virtual private networks, wireless security, malware analysis, honeypots, incident response planning and more. The hands-on lab exam tests your knowledge of the topics covered in the online course.

The CND program takes approximately 30 hours to complete. It can be completed at your own pace within 6 months of registration. To get certified you must pass both the online course and the hands-on lab exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the Certified Network Defender program varies depending on where you take it from but typically ranges between $500-$1,000 USD.

6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in cloud security. It is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc., also known as (ISC)². The CCSP credential is designed for IT professionals who have experience with cloud security architecture, design, operations and service orchestration.

The CCSP certification requires five years of cumulative paid work experience in information technology, including three years of information security and one year in one or more of the six domains covered by the exam: Cloud Concepts, Architecture, Design, Operations, Legal & Compliance, and Application Security. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by (ISC)².

The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The cost of the exam is $549 USD for members of (ISC)² and $699 USD for non-members.

To maintain the CCSP credential, holders must earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years and pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD for members and $150 USD for non-members.

7. Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate: Networking Fundamentals (MTA: NF) is an entry-level certification exam designed to validate the foundational knowledge of networking concepts and technologies. The MTA: NF exam covers topics such as network topologies, protocols, services, and security measures. It also covers topics related to network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.

The MTA: NF exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The minimum passing score for the exam is 700 out of 1000.

The cost of the MTA: NF exam varies by region but typically costs around $127 USD. You can purchase the exam through Microsoft’s website or a third-party testing center. Once you have purchased the exam, you will need to schedule it at a local testing center or online proctored testing center.

To prepare for the MTA: NF exam, Microsoft recommends taking their free online course titled “Networking Fundamentals” which covers all the topics on the exam in greater detail. Additionally, there are many third-party study guides and practice tests available online that can help you better prepare for the MTA: NF certification exam.

8. Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)

Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of network security engineers who have experience working with Cisco network security solutions. This certification validates the ability to design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot Cisco network security solutions in order to protect networks from threats and vulnerabilities.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the CCNP Security certification program. To get this certification, you must first pass four exams: 300-210 SITCS (Implementing Cisco Threat Control Solutions), 300-206 SENSS (Implementing Cisco Edge Network Security Solutions), 300-208 SISAS (Implementing Cisco Secure Access Solutions), and 300-209 SIMOS (Implementing Cisco Secure Mobility Solutions).

The cost of the CCNP Security certification depends on where you take the exams. The exams can be taken at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers, which both charge a fee for each exam. The total cost of all four exams is approximately $1,400 USD.

9. EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)

EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to protect an organization's network infrastructure. It focuses on the fundamentals of network security, including secure architecture design, risk management, intrusion detection and prevention systems, firewalls, and virtual private networks.

The CNDA exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as network security fundamentals, secure architecture design, risk management, intrusion detection and prevention systems, firewalls, and virtual private networks.

In order to become certified as a CNDA professional, you must pass the CNDA exam. To register for the exam you must first create an account with EC-Council's website. After registering for the exam you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule your test date.

The cost of taking the CNDA exam is $500 USD.

10. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification offered by ISACA, an international non-profit professional association focused on IT governance. The CISM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills to develop, manage, and oversee an enterprise information security program.

The CISM exam is composed of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam covers topics such as information security governance, risk management and compliance, information security program development and management, incident management and response, and business continuity management.

In order to get the CISM certification, you must first pass the CISM exam. You can register for the exam through ISACA's website or by mail. After passing the exam, you must submit a work experience application with at least five years of relevant work experience in information security management in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost for taking the CISM exam is $575 for members of ISACA or $760 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Network Security Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the goals you have for your career. If you are looking to get a job as a network security consultant, then a certificate may be beneficial. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to do the job well. Additionally, if your goal is to become an independent consultant, having a certificate may help you stand out from other applicants who don’t have one.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in network security or if you plan to focus more on other areas of IT such as software engineering or programming, then a certificate may not be necessary. You can still find success without it—it just may take longer or require more effort. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not getting a certificate is worth the investment of time and money.

Related: Network Security Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Network Security Consultant Certifications

Q1. What types of certifications are available for network security consultants?

A1. Commonly available certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+ and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC).

Q2. How long does it take to become certified in network security consulting?

A2. The amount of time it takes to become certified in network security consulting depends on the certification program chosen and the individual's experience level. Generally, most certification programs require at least one year of professional experience before taking the exam.

Q3. Is there a cost associated with getting certified as a network security consultant?

A3. Yes, there is typically an exam fee associated with each certification program which must be paid before taking the exam. Additionally, some programs may require additional training courses which can incur additional costs for materials or tuition fees.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified network security consultant?

A4. Becoming a certified network security consultant demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field and can make you more attractive to potential employers or clients looking for experienced professionals in this area of technology. Additionally, having a certification can increase your salary potential as well as open up new job opportunities that may not have been available previously.

Q5. Are certifications required to work as a network security consultant?

A5. No, certifications are not required for all positions in this field; however, they can be beneficial when seeking employment since they demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the profession. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who hold industry-recognized certifications due to their higher levels of expertise and training in this specialized area of technology