Top 10 Security Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important in the security engineering job market as they demonstrate to employers that a potential employee has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job. Certifications also provide proof of experience and recognition from industry experts. They can be used to show that an individual is knowledgeable about specific areas or technologies, and that they have taken the time to learn how to use them properly. In addition, certifications can help distinguish a security engineer from other applicants, giving them an edge in the job market.

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

What are Security Engineer Certifications?

Security engineer certification is a type of professional certification that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills to design, develop, implement and maintain secure systems. This certification is designed for those who are interested in working in the field of information security engineering. It covers topics such as cryptography, network security, system security, database security, application security, and other related topics.

Having this certification can help individuals obtain job opportunities in the information security sector, as it demonstrates their expertise in the field. Companies may also prefer to hire certified professionals due to the assurance that they have been trained in best practices for securing their networks and systems. In addition, those who possess a security engineer certification may be eligible for higher salaries than those without one. Furthermore, having this certification can provide individuals with additional credibility within the industry which can lead to networking opportunities or career advancement prospects.

Pro Tip: If you are considering a security engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements and benefits of each program thoroughly. Look into the curriculum, any prerequisites, and the cost of the certification before committing to one. Make sure that the program is accredited by a recognized organization and that it meets your professional goals.

Related: What does a Security Engineer do?

Top 10 Security Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized information security certification from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to assess and validate a person’s knowledge of information security principles, practices, and procedures. It is considered one of the most prestigious certifications in the field of information security.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 6 hours. The exam covers 8 domains: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Security Architecture and Design, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Legal Regulations and Compliance, and Operations Security.

In order to become certified as a CISSP professional, you must meet certain prerequisites including having at least 5 years of cumulative paid full-time work experience in two or more of the 8 domains listed above. You must also pass the CISSP exam with a minimum score of 700 out of 1000.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges between $700-$1000 USD.

2. 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 provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to identify, assess, and counter threats posed by malicious hackers. The CEH credential is recognized worldwide as a standard of excellence in ethical hacking.

The CEH certification requires candidates to pass a four-hour exam consisting of 125 multiple-choice questions. To qualify for the exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in network security or related fields. The exam covers topics such as Network Security, System Hacking, Cryptography, Malware Analysis, Web Application Security and more.

To get certified as a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), you must first register with EC-Council and pay the required fee. You will then need to take and pass the CEH exam within three months of registering. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CEH certification.

The cost for taking the CEH exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an industry-leading certification for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in network security. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers topics such as authentication, access control, cryptography, risk management, and more.

The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes up to 90 minutes to complete. The exam is available in English and Japanese. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 750 out of 900 points.

In order to get the CompTIA Security+ certification, you must first pass the Security+ exam. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $320-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate within 6-8 weeks after taking it. The CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the Security+ exam every three years.

4. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification that validates a security professional's knowledge and skills in information security. It is administered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) organization, which is part of the SANS Institute. The GSEC certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to secure networks, systems and applications from malicious attacks.

The GSEC exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the information security field or have completed a GIAC training course.

To obtain the GSEC certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $1,499 - $2,199 USD.

5. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a globally recognized certification for professionals who design, implement, and manage an enterprise’s information security. It is the most sought-after certification for IT professionals in the field of information security management.

The CISM exam consists of four domains: Information Security Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management. The exam is administered by ISACA and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

To become certified as a CISM, applicants must have at least 5 years of experience in information security management or related fields. They must also pass the CISM Exam with a minimum score of 450 out of 800 points. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also agree to abide by ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics and submit an application that includes their work experience verification from their current or former employer(s).

The cost for taking the CISM Exam is $575 for members of ISACA ($760 for non-members). Additionally, there are fees associated with registering for the exam ($50), obtaining a certificate after passing ($50), and maintaining your certification ($45/year).

6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in cloud security. It is the only globally recognized certification that covers the six domains of cloud security, including architecture, operations, data security, legal and compliance, identity and access management, and application security. The CCSP credential is offered by (ISC)² – an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the information security field.

The CCSP requires candidates to have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in information technology with three years of information security and one year of cloud computing-related experience. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by (ISC)² to obtain the credential. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete.

To get the CCSP credential, you must first register for the exam through (ISC)²’s website. After registering for the exam, you can purchase study materials from (ISC)² or other third-party providers. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your certificate via email within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining a CCSP credential varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. The registration fee for taking the exam is $599 USD; however, if you are a member of (ISC)² then the fee is reduced to $499 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or enrolling in a training course.

7. EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND)

EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND) is a certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of network security technologies and best practices. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for protecting, detecting, and responding to network intrusions and vulnerabilities. The CND program focuses on the skills required to protect networks from attacks and threats by implementing defense-in-depth strategies.

The CND certification consists of four courses: Network Security Fundamentals, Host Security, Network Security Technologies, and Incident Response & Forensics. Each course takes approximately 40 hours to complete. After completing all four courses, candidates must pass the EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND) exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as a CND, candidates must first purchase the CND Certification Kit from EC-Council's website. The kit includes access to all four courses as well as the exam voucher needed to take the exam. The cost of the kit is $1,499 USD. Once purchased, candidates can begin studying for their exams at their own pace.

Once all four courses have been completed and the exam has been passed with a score of 70% or higher, candidates will be awarded with their EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND) certification.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Security (MCSE:Security)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Security (MCSE:Security) is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing secure solutions with Microsoft technologies. This certification validates the ability to design and implement secure solutions across multiple platforms and devices.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the MCSE:Security certification depending on the individual's experience and knowledge. To get certified, you must pass three exams: one core exam and two elective exams. The core exam covers topics such as identity management, security operations, data protection, threat protection, network infrastructure security, application development security, and cloud security. The two elective exams cover topics such as advanced threat analytics, Azure information protection, Microsoft Intune device management, Windows Server 2016 Advanced Threat Analytics or Windows Server 2016 Network Infrastructure Security.

The cost of the MCSE:Security certification varies depending on the country you are in and if you take any courses or other training materials to help you prepare for the exams. Generally speaking though it will cost around $300 for each exam plus any additional costs for any courses or other materials you may use to help prepare for them.

9. SANS Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

SANS Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is a certification program that provides security professionals with the knowledge and skills to protect their organization’s information assets. GIAC certifications are designed to validate a professional’s ability to secure networks, systems, and applications against attacks. The certifications cover topics such as network security, system administration, incident response, forensics, and cryptography.

The length of time it takes to get GIAC certified depends on the specific certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it takes several months of study and preparation before taking the exam. It is recommended that you take an official SANS training course in order to prepare for the exam.

In order to get GIAC certified you must pass one or more exams related to your chosen certification track. Exams are offered online through Pearson VUE testing centers or at SANS Live Online events. You can find more information about each certification track and its associated exams on the GIAC website.

The cost of getting GIAC certified varies depending on which certification track you pursue and how many exams you need to take in order to complete it. Generally speaking, most tracks cost between $1,000-$2,000 USD for all required exams and associated fees.

10. ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is a certification offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of systems security, risk management, and network security.

To obtain the SSCP certification, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers seven domains of information security: Access Controls; Security Operations and Administration; Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis; Incident Response and Recovery; Cryptography; Network Infrastructure; and Business Continuity Planning. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to be eligible for the SSCP certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in information systems security or related field. Applicants may also need to meet additional requirements depending on their experience level.

The cost of the SSCP exam is $599 USD. This fee includes access to online study materials, practice exams, and other resources provided by ISC2.

The time it takes to obtain the SSCP certification varies depending on an individual’s level of preparation. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to one year to complete all of the necessary steps required for certification.

Do You Really Need a Security Engineer Certificate?

Security engineers are responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining security measures to protect a business's computer systems. As such, it is important that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to do their job effectively. A security engineer certificate can provide an individual with the necessary credentials to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

While there is no legal requirement for a security engineer certificate, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have one. This is because it provides evidence that the applicant has the required knowledge and skills to be successful in the role. It also shows that they have taken the time to obtain additional qualifications in order to stay up-to-date with industry developments and best practices.

Having a security engineer certificate may also help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and ongoing learning which can be highly attractive qualities for employers looking for new employees or those considering promoting existing staff members.

Overall, while having a security engineer certificate is not essential, it can give individuals an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions in this field. Additionally, obtaining additional qualifications can help ensure that individuals stay abreast of industry developments and remain capable of dealing with any challenges related to their role as a security engineer.

Related: Security Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Security Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is a Security Engineer Certification?

A1: A Security Engineer Certification is a professional certification that indicates an individual has the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and maintain secure systems. It is usually obtained through accredited training programs or examinations.

Q2: What are the benefits of having a Security Engineer Certification?

A2: Having a Security Engineer Certification can provide employers with assurance that you have the skills needed to protect their networks, data, and applications from malicious attacks. It can also help demonstrate your commitment to security and increase your employability in the field.

Q3: How long does it take to get a Security Engineer Certification?

A3: Depending on the program or examination you choose, it can take anywhere from several months to two years to complete all of the necessary requirements for obtaining a Security Engineer Certification.

Q4: What types of certifications are available for Security Engineers?

A4: There are many different types of certifications available for security engineers, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+, and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH).

Q5: How much does it cost to get certified as a Security Engineer?

A5: The cost of certifying as a security engineer varies depending on the type of certification program or exam chosen. Generally speaking, most certification programs range from $500-$2000 USD.