Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 33 percent growth rate for information security professionals<\/a> by 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. You can thrive in different cyber security careers, including cryptographer, security analyst, and security software developer, with the right education and credentials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Investing in professional cyber security certifications is a great way to improve your odds of success in the field. Certifications for cyber security can prepare you for entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level roles. This article features the highest-paying cyber security certifications, what they involve, and how much they cost, as well as training resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A professional certification is an advanced credential earned by a professional to reinforce their expertise in an industry. Certification proves that you have the skills, experience, and knowledge to succeed in specific positions. The credential is usually obtained through taking an exam offered by industry-specific organizations like CompTIA, ISACA, or EC-Council for the cyber security field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several important differences between certification and a certificate<\/a>. A professional certification involves an assessment of your skills, knowledge, and experience in the field. A certificate is an academic award that you receive upon completion of an educational program. You can pursue a certificate as a beginner, but you need work experience to achieve certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certification is valid only for a specific timeframe, meaning that you will have to renew it, usually after one to three years. On the other hand, a certificate doesn\u2019t require renewal and can act as a gateway to a degree program in a relevant field. Overall, certification carries more weight than a certificate because it proves that you meet a standard of expertise in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certification in cyber security is important because it facilitates professional development and credibility in the industry. Cyber security certifications are challenging, and earning one demonstrates your skill level and depth of knowledge in the industry. In fact, US News & World Report states that 91 percent of employers prioritize applicants with a cyber security certification<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, expanding your cyber security certification portfolio improves your earning potential. cyber security professionals earn different salaries depending on the certification. For example, a Certified Information Security Manager earns $129,000<\/a> per year on average, whereas someone with a CompTIA Security+ certification earns $78,000<\/a> per year on average.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is a Professional Certification?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Is Certification in Cyber Security Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Cyber Security Certifications by Salary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
| Certification<\/th>\n | Provider<\/th>\n | Average Salary<\/th>\n | Cost<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)<\/td>\n | ISACA<\/td>\n | $129,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $575 for Members $760 for Non-members<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)<\/td>\n | International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2<\/td>\n | $121,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $599<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)<\/td>\n | International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2<\/td>\n | $119,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $749<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)<\/td>\n | ISACA<\/td>\n | $107,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $575 for Members $760 for Non-members<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)<\/td>\n | GIAC Certifications<\/td>\n | $100,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $949<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)<\/td>\n | CompTIA<\/td>\n | $93,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $480<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)<\/td>\n | GIAC Certifications<\/td>\n | $91,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $949<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)<\/td>\n | Cisco Systems<\/td>\n | $88,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $300<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)<\/td>\n | EC-Council<\/td>\n | $82,966<\/a><\/td>\n | $1,699<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
| CompTIA Security+<\/td>\n | CompTIA<\/td>\n | $78,000<\/a><\/td>\n | $381<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Best Cyber Security Certifications to Further Your Career<\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n |