Best Cybersecurity Certifications in 2024

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected through technology, the importance of cybersecurity—a field dedicated to protecting data, networks, and systems from cyber attacks—has never been more critical. With the proliferation of data breaches and cyber threats, cybersecurity stands as the critical defense against potential financial, reputational, and security disasters.

The industry’s rapid expansion is driven by the escalating complexity and frequency of cyber threats, leading to a significant demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals. From a cybersecurity engineer to certified ethical hackers, and from security architects to cloud security experts, the need for skilled personnel spans a wide array of specialties. This surge in demand emphasizes the importance of obtaining a cybersecurity certification, which validates expertise and opens the door to advanced roles within the field.

Information security courses and certifications act as a key lever for career advancement. They serve as a testament to one’s skills and dedication to staying at the forefront of technological and tactical developments. Cybersecurity certifications not only enhance employability and potential earnings but also are often essential for securing specialized roles within the industry. 

In this blog post, we will explore the best cybersecurity certifications in 2024, guiding you through which credentials can help bolster your cybersecurity career path and meet the industry’s critical demands.

The OffSec Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is globally esteemed, particularly designed for cybersecurity professionals with a focus on penetration testing. Developed by OffSec, this certification offers extensive, hands-on cybersecurity training through a stringent testing framework. It uniquely prepares candidates to ethically exploit systems and network vulnerabilities using techniques employed by attackers but in a lawful manner. 

Aspiring OSCP candidates must first tackle the PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux course, which provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in a controlled lab setting, simulating real-world challenges. Successfully obtaining the OSCP demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the penetration testing lifecycle and critical thinking necessary for defending against cyber threats.

The OSCP covers a range of critical topics essential for penetration testing:

• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Report Writing for Penetration Testers
• Information Gathering
• Vulnerability Scanning
• Introduction to Web Applications
• Common Web Application Attacks
• SQL Injection Attacks
• Client-Side Attacks
• Locating Public Exploits
• Fixing Exploits

Upon completion of the OSCP course, participants will have developed:

• Proficiency in using penetration testing tools and scripts.
• The ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in different operating environments.
• Skills to develop custom exploits.
• Understanding of how to conduct advanced penetration testing techniques.
• The capability to document and report test outcomes effectively.

The OSCP certification opens up several career paths, each with promising salary prospects:

Penetration Tester

• Average Salary: Approximately $71,000 to $130,000 annually.

Security Consultant

• Average Salary: Roughly $64,000 to $134,000 annually.

Security Analyst

• Average Salary: Around $52,000 to $117,000 annually.

Vulnerability Analyst

• Average Salary: Typically $60,000 to $115,000 annually.

Network Security Engineer

• Average Salary: Approximately $65,000 to $133,000 annually.

Exam Duration

The OSCP exam is a rigorous 24-hour practical test.

Exam Requirements

Learners must demonstrate their ability to identify, exploit, and report on vulnerabilities in live systems within a lab environment. Following the exam, there are an additional 24 hours to submit a comprehensive penetration testing report.

• The cost to take the PEN-200 course varies depending on the chosen subscription. The course is available through the Course & Cert Exam Bundle, Learn One, Learn Unlimited, and Learn Enterprise. 

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a globally recognized credential for advanced-level IT security professionals, managed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to effectively design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. With a focus on in-depth technical and managerial competencies, skills, and experience, the CISSP is aimed at the leaders of information security who are responsible for developing the overall security posture of their organizations.

CISSP curriculum includes:

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Architecture and Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security

By earning the CISSP, individuals demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge of security concepts and practices.
• Ability to design security architectures.
• Proficiency in risk management and mitigation.
• Skills to develop and manage secure systems.

The CISSP opens doors to senior roles like:

• Chief Information Security Officer
  • Average Salary: Approximately $165,000 annually.
• Security Manager
  • Average Salary: Roughly $110,000 annually.
• IT Director/Manager
  • Average Salary: Around $130,000 annually.
• Security Auditor
  • Average Salary: Typically $85,000 annually.
• Security Architect
  • Average Salary: About $125,000 annually.

Exam Duration: 

• 6 hours

Exam Requirements:

• A minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the CISSP domains.

• The cost of the CISSP exam is around $749, varying slightly by location. Additional costs may include preparation materials and courses.

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) course is structured around four primary domains: Information Security Governance, Information Risk Management, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management. Designed for experienced security professionals, the CISM focuses on the management and governance aspects of information security. It aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to design and manage an enterprise’s information security program, ensuring alignment with broader business goals. This certification is ideal for IT managers, CISOs, and other security management roles.

The CISM certification curriculum includes four key domains:

1. Information Security Governance
2. Information Risk Management
3. Information Security Program Development and Management
4. Information Security Incident Management

The CISM certification equips professionals with:

• Skills in establishing and managing an information security governance framework.
• Expertise in assessing and managing information risk strategically.
• Proficiency in developing and managing information security programs.
• Abilities in planning and responding to information security incidents.

CISM certification opens pathways to several strategic and managerial roles:

• Information Security Manager
  • Average Salary: Approximately $120,000 annually.
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Average Salary: Roughly $160,000 to $240,000 annually.
• Risk and Compliance Professional
  • Average Salary: Around $100,000 annually.
• Information Security Consultant
  • Average Salary: Typically $115,000 annually.

Exam Duration:

• 4 hours.

Exam Requirements:

• A minimum of five years of work experience in information security management, across at least three of the CISM domains.

• The cost to take the CISM exam varies based on membership and location but typically ranges from $575 to $760. Preparation and additional study materials may incur extra costs.

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, administered by ISACA, is designed for audit, control, and security professionals. CISA certifies an individual’s expertise in managing vulnerabilities and instituting control within an enterprise, focusing on the governance and management of IT.

The CISA certification encompasses five domains:

1. Information Systems Auditing Process
2. Governance and Management of IT
3. Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
4. Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
5. Protection of Information Assets

• Expertise in auditing information systems.
• Proficiency in IT governance and management.
• Skills in managing and controlling IT project investments.
• Understanding of disaster recovery and information asset protection.

CISA certification leads to roles such as:

• IT Auditor
  • Average Salary: Approximately $85,000 annually.
• IT Risk and Assurance Manager
  • Average Salary: Roughly $108,000 annually.
• Chief Information Officer
  • Average Salary: Around $160,000 annually.
• Compliance Program Manager
  • Average Salary: Typically $95,000 annually.

Exam Duration:

• 4 hours.

Exam Requirements:

• A minimum of five years of professional information systems auditing, control, or security work experience.

• The exam fee for CISA varies from $575 to $760, depending on membership status and registration timing. Additional costs may include study materials and preparation courses.

The OffSec Defense Analyst (OSDA) certification, provided through the SOC-200: Foundational Security Operations and Defensive Analysis course by OffSec, is designed for cybersecurity professionals focusing on security operations and defensive strategies. This certification equips learners with the skills to effectively respond to, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity threats in real-time environments.

The SOC-200 course covers:

• Attack Methodology Introduction
• Windows Endpoint Introduction
• Windows Server Side Attacks
• Windows Client-Side Attacks
• Windows Privilege Escalation
• Windows Persistence
• Linux Endpoint Introduction
• Linux Server Side Attacks
• Network Detections
• Antivirus Alerts and Evasion

• Mastery in identifying and responding to security incidents
• Advanced knowledge of network and endpoint security
• Proficiency in evasion techniques and threat hunting

• SOC Analyst
  • Average Salary: $70,000 annually.
• Threat Hunter
  • Average Salary: $100,000 annually.
• Incident Responder
  • Average Salary: $90,000 annually.
• Security Engineer (Defense focus)
  • Average Salary: $95,000 annually.

Exam Duration

• 24-hour, hands-on practical exam

Exam Requirements:

• Practical demonstration of skills in a lab environment, plus submission of an incident response report within 24 additional hours.

• The cost to take the SOC-200 course varies depending on the chosen subscription. The course is available through the Course & Cert Exam Bundle, Learn One, Learn Unlimited, and Learn Enterprise. 

The OffSec Experienced Penetration Tester (OSEP) certification, awarded after completing the PEN-300: Advanced Evasion Techniques and Breaching Defenses course, signifies advanced competency in penetration testing. This certification recognizes an individual’s ability to perform high-level penetration tests, develop custom exploits, and overcome various security implementations. The OSEP is ideal for professionals seeking to validate their expertise in challenging and secure environments, preparing them for senior roles in cybersecurity.

• Operating System and Programming Theory
• Client-Side Code Execution with Office
• Client-Side Code Execution with Jscript
• Process Injection and Migration
• Introduction to Antivirus Evasion
• Advanced Antivirus Evasion
• Application Whitelisting
• Bypassing Network Filters
• Linux Post-Exploitation
• Windows Post-Exploitation

• Proficiency in bypassing well-secured environments.
• Development of custom exploits for various modern operating systems.
• Advanced knowledge in maintaining access and maneuvering through compromised networks.

• Senior Penetration Tester
  • The average salary is around $130,000 annually.
• Security Consultant:
  • Typically earns $120,000 annually.
• Red Team Specialist:
  • Generally makes about $100,000 annually.

Exam Duration:

• 48 hours for the practical exam.

Exam Format:

• Hands-on practical scenario.

• The cost to take the PEN-300 course varies depending on the chosen subscription. The course is available through the Course & Cert Exam Bundle, Learn One, Learn Unlimited, and Learn Enterprise. 

The WEB-200: Foundational Web Application Assessments with Kali Linux course offered by OffSec leads to the OffSec Web Assessor (OSWA) certification. This certification showcases a professional’s expertise in web application security, emphasizing their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities effectively. The OSWA certification is a testament to the holder’s practical skills in navigating and securing web environments, making them a valuable asset in the cybersecurity industry.

• Tools for Web Assessors
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
• Exploiting CORS Misconfigurations
• Database Enumeration
• SQL Injection (SQLi)
• Directory Traversal
• XML External Entity (XXE) Processing
• Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI)
• Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

• Web Application Penetration Tester:
  • ~ $100,000 annually.
• Certified Application Security Engineer:
  • ~ $105,000 annually.
• Vulnerability Researcher:
  • ~ $110,000 annually.
• Security Consultant (Web Focus):
  • ~ $115,000 annually.
• Bug Bounty Hunter:
  • Variable based on discoveries.

Exam Duration:

• 24 hours, practical hands-on assessment.

Exam Format:

• Real-time exploitation and report submission.

• The cost to take the WEB-200 course varies depending on the chosen subscription. The course is available through the Course & Cert Exam Bundle, Learn One, Learn Unlimited, and Learn Enterprise. 

The EXP-301: Windows User Mode Exploit Development course culminates in the OffSec Exploit Developer (OSED) certification, demonstrating advanced Windows exploit development skills. This prestigious certification validates the ability to craft sophisticated exploits for modern operating systems, emphasizing deep technical prowess in bypassing robust security measures.

• Windows debugging and crash analysis
• Stack buffer overflows
• SEH overflows
• Reverse engineering with IDA Pro
• Egghunters and shellcode development
• Advanced ROP techniques
• Format string vulnerabilities

• Exploit Developer:
  • ~ $120,000 annually.
• Malware Analyst:
  • ~ $100,000 annually.
• Security Researcher:
  • ~ $110,000 annually.
• Red Team Operator:
  • ~ $115,000 annually.
• Software Security Engineer:
  • ~ $125,000 annually.

Exam Duration:

• 48 hours, practical hands-on assessment.

Exam Format:

• Exploit development and documentation.

• The cost to take the EXP-301 course varies depending on the chosen subscription. The course is available through the Course & Cert Exam Bundle, Learn One, Learn Unlimited, and Learn Enterprise. 

The EXP-401: Advanced Windows Exploitation course, leading to the OffSec Exploitation Expert (OSEE) certification, is training offered exclusively through live sessions. This intensive course is designed for highly skilled professionals seeking mastery of complex and advanced Windows exploitation techniques. Focusing on modern security challenges, it demands deep technical acumen and innovative problem-solving skills to develop effective exploits against fortified systems, making it one of the most challenging and technical security courses available.

• Bypassing user mode security mitigations like DEP, ASLR, and CFG
• Advanced heap manipulation for code execution
• Windows Kernel Driver reverse engineering
• Disarming and bypassing kernel mode security mitigations

Exam Duration:

• 72 hours, practical hands-on assessment

Exam Requirements:

• Development and documentation of exploits within a virtual lab environment

• AWE courses are limited to an in-person, hands-on environment and pricing varies. 

The SEC-100: CyberCore – Security Essentials course leads to the OffSec CyberCore Certified (OSCC) certification, providing foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for those wondering how to get into cybersecurity. This certification is designed for newcomers to the field looking to find a job in cybersecurity without experience and covers basic offensive and defensive techniques, making it an ideal starting point for those aiming to establish a strong footing in cybersecurity.

• Anatomy of Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity Frameworks and Standards
• Cybersecurity Roles
• Linux Basics
• Windows Basics
• Data Transformation Fundamentals
• Python Scripting Fundamentals
• PowerShell Scripting Fundamentals
• Networking Fundamentals

• Cybersecurity Analyst:
  • ~ $70,000 annually
• Junior Penetration Tester:
  • ~ $60,000 annually
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst:
  • ~ $65,000 annually
• IT Security Specialist:
  • ~ $75,000 annually
• Security Consultant (Junior Level):
  • ~ $80,000 annually

• Exam Duration: 6 hours
• Format: Hands-on, proctored assessment covering offensive, defensive, and system administration tasks

• The course costs $899, which includes one year of lab access and two exam attempts. It’s also available through a Learn Unlimited subscription. 

When selecting a cybersecurity certification, it’s crucial to align your choice with your career ambitions, existing skills, and interests. Consider where you see yourself in the future: Are you aiming to become a hands-on security expert, a strategic security manager, or a specialist in areas like risk analysis or compliance? Evaluate your current competencies to determine if you need a foundational course to build upon or if you’re ready to tackle more advanced certifications. Reflecting on these aspects will guide you to the certification that not only enhances your skills but also propels your career forward.

Starting a career in cybersecurity can begin with a degree in computer science, which offers a strong foundation in critical technical skills and theories. However, not everyone takes the traditional academic route. Many enter the field through entry-level training programs or specific cybersecurity courses, bypassing formal education. For those transitioning from other IT roles, positions like network administrator, system administrator, or software developer provide a practical introduction to cybersecurity principles and practices. These roles often involve elements of security management that are essential in a cybersecurity career, allowing for a smooth transition into more specialized positions.

In the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity, certifications serve as a cornerstone for validating expertise and advancing careers. Whether you’re starting out or looking to specialize, the right certification can set you apart. From foundational courses like the SEC-100 to advanced exploits training such as the EXP-401, each certification offers unique benefits tailored to specific career paths and skill sets. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, making these top certifications invaluable for anyone looking to secure digital environments effectively and advance in the cybersecurity field.