Best cybersecurity certifications 2025 – Compare CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH, and 12+ top certs. Find costs, requirements, salary impact, and career paths for your goals.
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Let’s be honest—cybersecurity is one of the few fields where demand genuinely outstrips supply. With data breaches making headlines almost weekly and ransomware attacks costing businesses millions, organisations are desperate for qualified security professionals. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre reported a 77% increase in cyber incidents from 2023 to 2024, and that trend isn’t slowing down.
But here’s the catch: breaking into cybersecurity or advancing your career often hinges on having the right certifications. Employers want proof you know your stuff, and in this field, that proof comes in the form of industry-recognised credentials. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to specialise, or aiming for senior leadership roles, the right certification can be your ticket to better opportunities and significantly higher salaries.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the 15 best cybersecurity certifications for 2025—from entry-level credentials perfect for career changers to advanced certifications that’ll position you for six-figure roles. You’ll find honest breakdowns of costs, prerequisites, difficulty levels, and what each cert actually gets you in the real world.
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Key Highlights
- 15 top certifications covering entry-level through to expert credentials across multiple security specialisms
- Clear career pathways from beginner (CompTIA Security+) to advanced (CISSP, OSCP) with realistic progression timelines
- Transparent cost breakdown from £300 to £5,000+, including exam fees, study materials, and renewal costs
- Salary impact data showing how certifications affect earning potential in the UK and globally
- Specialisation options in ethical hacking, cloud security, governance, forensics, and penetration testing
Whether you’re protecting networks, hunting threats, or managing security strategy, there’s a certification here that’ll help you level up in 2025.
The 15 Best Cybersecurity Certifications for 2025
1. CompTIA Security+
What it is: CompTIA’s foundational cybersecurity certification covering essential security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and basic security practices. It’s widely recognised as the starting point for cybersecurity careers.
Why it’s great: Security+ is vendor-neutral, meaning you learn fundamental concepts rather than specific products. It’s approved by the US Department of Defense and meets ISO 17024 standards, making it globally respected. Most importantly, it actually prepares you for real security work rather than just passing an exam.
Who it’s for: Complete beginners, IT professionals transitioning to security, help desk technicians, network administrators looking to specialise.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: None required (though A+ and Network+ help)
- Exam cost: Around £350-380
- Study time: 3-6 months part-time
- Validity: 3 years (renewable with continuing education)
- Salary impact: Entry-level security analysts earn £28,000-42,000 in the UK
Learn more: Register at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
What it is: (ISC)²’s premier certification for experienced security practitioners, covering eight domains including security management, asset security, architecture, and operations.
Why it’s great: CISSP is the gold standard in cybersecurity—the certification that opens senior-level doors. It’s not about technical skills alone; it’s about strategic thinking and understanding security holistically. Having CISSP after your name commands respect and significantly boosts your salary potential.
Who it’s for: Security consultants, managers, architects, auditors, and analysts with at least five years of experience.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: 5 years of paid work experience in security (or 4 years with qualifying degree)
- Exam cost: Around £600-700
- Study time: 6-12 months
- Validity: 3 years (requires 120 CPE credits)
- Salary impact: CISSP holders earn £55,000-90,000+ in the UK
Learn more: Get certified at https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
What it is: EC-Council’s certification teaching you to think like a hacker—legally. You’ll learn penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and how attackers exploit systems so you can defend against them.
Why it’s great: CEH gives you hands-on hacking skills with over 20 of the most common attack vectors. It’s perfect if you’re more interested in the offensive side of security. The certification is ANSI accredited and recognised globally, particularly strong in Asia and the Middle East.
Who it’s for: Penetration testers, security analysts, network administrators, anyone interested in ethical hacking.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: 2 years of security-related experience (or complete official training)
- Exam cost: Around £950-1,200 (or £1,800+ including mandatory training)
- Study time: 4-6 months
- Validity: 3 years (renewable with continuing education)
- Salary impact: Ethical hackers earn £40,000-70,000 in the UK
Learn more: Explore CEH at https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
What it is: ISACA’s certification designed specifically for security managers and those who manage enterprise security programmes.
Why it’s great: Whilst CISSP is technical, CISM is management-focused. It’s about governance, risk management, incident response, and aligning security with business objectives. If your goal is security leadership rather than hands-on technical work, CISM is often the better choice.
Who it’s for: Security managers, IT directors, consultants, anyone managing or building security programmes.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: 5 years of information security work experience (with 3 years in management)
- Exam cost: Around £440-575 (varies by membership status)
- Study time: 6-9 months
- Validity: Annual renewal with continuing education
- Salary impact: CISM holders earn £60,000-95,000+ in the UK
Learn more: Register at https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism
5. CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
What it is: CompTIA’s intermediate certification focusing on threat detection, analysis, and response using behavioural analytics and security tools.
Why it’s great: CySA+ bridges the gap between Security+ and advanced certifications. It’s heavily practical, teaching you to actually analyse logs, identify threats, and respond to incidents—not just understand theory. The certification is DoD approved and highly valued by employers.
Who it’s for: Security analysts, threat intelligence analysts, SOC analysts moving beyond entry-level.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: Security+ or equivalent knowledge plus 3-4 years of hands-on experience
- Exam cost: Around £350-380
- Study time: 3-6 months
- Validity: 3 years (renewable with continuing education)
- Salary impact: CySA+ holders earn £35,000-55,000 in the UK
Learn more: Get details at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/cybersecurity-analyst
6. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
What it is: Offensive Security’s hands-on penetration testing certification requiring you to actually hack into systems during a 24-hour practical exam.
Why it’s great: OSCP separates talkers from doers. There’s no multiple choice—you must successfully exploit real machines in a proctored exam environment. It’s brutal, it’s challenging, and it’s one of the most respected certifications in penetration testing. Employers know if you’ve passed OSCP, you can actually do the work.
Who it’s for: Penetration testers, security researchers, anyone serious about offensive security.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: Strong Linux knowledge, networking fundamentals, scripting experience
- Exam cost: Around £1,100-1,600 (includes course access and exam attempts)
- Study time: 3-12 months depending on experience
- Validity: Lifetime (no renewal required)
- Salary impact: OSCP holders earn £45,000-75,000+ in the UK
Learn more: Challenge yourself at https://www.offsec.com/courses/pen-200/
7. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
What it is: GIAC’s certification demonstrating competency in information security beyond simple terminology and concepts, covering hands-on security tasks.
Why it’s great: GSEC is part of SANS Institute’s prestigious certification programme. SANS training is expensive but incredibly comprehensive, and GIAC certs are highly technical and practical. GSEC proves you can actually perform security tasks, not just understand them theoretically.
Who it’s for: Security practitioners, systems administrators, security consultants wanting vendor-neutral validation.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: None formally, but significant security experience recommended
- Exam cost: Around £1,700-2,000 (often bundled with SANS training at £5,000+)
- Study time: 4-8 months
- Validity: 4 years (renewable with continuing education)
- Salary impact: GSEC holders earn £40,000-65,000 in the UK
Learn more: Explore GIAC at https://www.giac.org/certifications/security-essentials-gsec/
8. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
What it is: (ISC)²’s certification for cloud security specialists, covering cloud concepts, architecture, design, operations, and compliance.
Why it’s great: As organisations migrate to cloud platforms, cloud security expertise has become essential. CCSP is vendor-neutral but applicable across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It’s the cloud equivalent of CISSP and increasingly required for security architect and cloud security roles.
Who it’s for: Security architects, cloud engineers, security consultants working with cloud platforms.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: 5 years of IT experience (3 in information security, 1 in cloud security)
- Exam cost: Around £550-600
- Study time: 6-9 months
- Validity: 3 years (requires continuing education)
- Salary impact: CCSP holders earn £55,000-85,000+ in the UK
Learn more: Register at https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CCSP
9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
What it is: ISACA’s certification for professionals who audit, control, monitor, and assess information systems and business technology.
Why it’s great: If you’re interested in governance, compliance, and auditing rather than hands-on security work, CISA is ideal. It’s globally recognised, particularly valuable in financial services, and opens doors to auditor and compliance roles that typically pay very well.
Who it’s for: IT auditors, compliance professionals, security consultants, governance specialists.
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Key details:
- Prerequisites: 5 years of professional information systems auditing experience
- Exam cost: Around £440-575 (varies by membership)
- Study time: 6-9 months
- Validity: Annual renewal with continuing education
- Salary impact: CISA holders earn £50,000-80,000 in the UK
Learn more: Get started at https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa
10. AWS Certified Security – Specialty
What it is: Amazon’s advanced certification demonstrating expertise in securing AWS workloads, including data protection, incident response, and compliance.
Why it’s great: With AWS dominating the cloud market, AWS-specific security skills are in massive demand. This cert proves you can actually secure AWS environments—not just understand concepts. It’s practical, technical, and directly applicable to real-world jobs.
Who it’s for: Cloud security engineers, DevSecOps engineers, security architects working in AWS environments.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: AWS Solutions Architect or Developer Associate cert recommended, plus 2+ years AWS experience
- Exam cost: Around £240-280
- Study time: 3-6 months
- Validity: 3 years (renewal exam required)
- Salary impact: AWS security specialists earn £50,000-80,000 in the UK
Learn more: Certify at https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-security-specialty/
11. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
What it is: GIAC’s certification for incident handlers, focusing on detecting, responding to, and resolving security incidents.
Why it’s great: Incident response is one of the most critical cybersecurity skills. GCIH teaches you to handle real incidents—from initial detection through containment, eradication, and recovery. The SANS training associated with this cert is intensive but excellent.
Who it’s for: Incident responders, SOC analysts, security engineers, anyone handling breaches.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: None formally, but security fundamentals essential
- Exam cost: Around £1,700-2,000 (or £5,000+ with SANS training)
- Study time: 4-8 months
- Validity: 4 years (renewable with continuing education)
- Salary impact: Incident handlers earn £40,000-70,000 in the UK
Learn more: Explore at https://www.giac.org/certifications/certified-incident-handler-gcih/
12. CompTIA PenTest+
What it is: CompTIA’s certification for penetration testers, covering planning, scoping, vulnerability assessment, and exploiting systems.
Why it’s great: PenTest+ sits between CEH and OSCP in terms of difficulty and cost. It’s more hands-on than CEH (includes practical simulations) but less intense than OSCP. It’s DoD approved and excellent value for money, making it a smart choice for aspiring pen testers on a budget.
Who it’s for: Aspiring penetration testers, security analysts, network administrators exploring offensive security.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: Network+, Security+ or equivalent, plus 3-4 years of security experience
- Exam cost: Around £350-380
- Study time: 4-6 months
- Validity: 3 years (renewable with continuing education)
- Salary impact: Junior pen testers earn £35,000-55,000 in the UK
Learn more: Register at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/pentest
13. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
What it is: ISACA’s certification for professionals who identify and manage IT risk and implement information systems controls.
Why it’s great: Risk management is increasingly crucial as boards demand better oversight of cyber risks. CRISC focuses on the business side of security—identifying risks, implementing controls, and communicating security issues to executives. It’s perfect if you’re interested in GRC (governance, risk, and compliance).
Who it’s for: Risk managers, compliance officers, security consultants, anyone managing enterprise risk programmes.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: 3 years of experience in IS risk management
- Exam cost: Around £440-575 (varies by membership)
- Study time: 6-9 months
- Validity: Annual renewal with continuing education
- Salary impact: Risk managers earn £50,000-80,000 in the UK
Learn more: Get certified at https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/crisc
14. Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
What it is: Microsoft’s entry-level certification covering security, compliance, and identity concepts across Microsoft 365, Azure, and related services.
Why it’s great: It’s affordable, accessible, and perfect for organisations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem (which is most companies). It’s an excellent starting point before pursuing more advanced Microsoft security certifications, and it’s much cheaper than most alternatives.
Who it’s for: IT professionals in Microsoft environments, beginners, support staff looking to specialise.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: None required
- Exam cost: Around £80-100
- Study time: 2-4 weeks
- Validity: Permanent (no renewal required)
- Salary impact: Entry point for roles earning £25,000-40,000
Learn more: Start at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/security-compliance-and-identity-fundamentals/
15. GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
What it is: GIAC’s hands-on certification for penetration testers, covering the technical skills needed to conduct comprehensive security assessments.
Why it’s great: GPEN is extremely technical and practical, backed by SANS Institute’s renowned training. It covers both methodology and hands-on exploitation techniques. Whilst expensive, it’s highly respected in the industry and proves you have real penetration testing skills.
Who it’s for: Professional penetration testers, security consultants, offensive security specialists.
Key details:
- Prerequisites: Strong technical background in networking and systems
- Exam cost: Around £1,700-2,000 (or £5,000+ with SANS training)
- Study time: 6-10 months
- Validity: 4 years (renewable with continuing education)
- Salary impact: GPEN holders earn £45,000-75,000+ in the UK
Learn more: Explore at https://www.giac.org/certifications/penetration-tester-gpen/
Comparison Table: Quick Reference Guide
| Certification | Level | Cost | Prerequisites | Best For | Salary Range (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | Entry | £350 | None | Beginners | £28k-42k |
| CISSP | Advanced | £600 | 5 years exp | Senior roles | £55k-90k+ |
| CEH | Intermediate | £950-1,200 | 2 years exp | Ethical hackers | £40k-70k |
| CISM | Advanced | £440-575 | 5 years exp | Managers | £60k-95k+ |
| CySA+ | Intermediate | £350 | 3-4 years exp | SOC analysts | £35k-55k |
| OSCP | Advanced | £1,100-1,600 | Strong tech skills | Pen testers | £45k-75k+ |
| GSEC | Intermediate | £1,700-2,000 | Experience recommended | Practitioners | £40k-65k |
| CCSP | Advanced | £550 | 5 years exp | Cloud security | £55k-85k+ |
| CISA | Advanced | £440-575 | 5 years exp | Auditors | £50k-80k |
| AWS Security | Intermediate | £240 | AWS experience | Cloud engineers | £50k-80k |
| GCIH | Intermediate | £1,700-2,000 | Security fundamentals | Incident handlers | £40k-70k |
| PenTest+ | Intermediate | £350 | 3-4 years exp | Junior pen testers | £35k-55k |
| CRISC | Advanced | £440-575 | 3 years exp | Risk managers | £50k-80k |
| Microsoft SC-900 | Entry | £80-100 | None | Microsoft admins | £25k-40k |
| GPEN | Advanced | £1,700-2,000 | Strong tech background | Professional pen testers | £45k-75k+ |
How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification
With so many options, picking the right certification can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to decide:
Assess your current experience level honestly. If you’re brand new to cybersecurity, jumping straight to CISSP or OSCP will be frustrating and expensive. Start with Security+ or Microsoft SC-900 to build foundations. Already working in security? Go for intermediate certs like CySA+ or CEH. Five years in? Time for CISSP or CISM.
Consider your career goals and specialisation. Want to be a pen tester? Focus on CEH, OSCP, or GPEN. Interested in management? CISSP and CISM are your targets. Love cloud? CCSP or AWS Security. Audit and compliance? CISA or CRISC. Don’t just chase prestigious certifications—choose ones aligned with where you want to end up.
Factor in the total cost—not just exam fees. Study materials, practice exams, and training courses add up quickly. SANS courses with GIAC certs can exceed £5,000. CompTIA and Microsoft offer more affordable paths. Also consider renewal costs—some certs require expensive continuing education or re-examination every few years.
Research your target employers and regions. Certification value varies by industry and geography. CISSP is globally recognised but especially strong in the US and UK. CEH is popular in Asia and the Middle East. Financial services value CISA heavily. Look at job postings in your target field to see which certs appear most frequently.
Don’t collect certifications aimlessly. Quality beats quantity. Three relevant, advanced certifications carry more weight than ten entry-level ones. Focus on depth and expertise in your chosen area rather than breadth across everything. Your goal is competence, not certificate collection.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity isn’t just a career—it’s one of the few fields where your skills genuinely protect people, organisations, and even national security. The certifications in this guide represent your pathway from curious beginner to seasoned expert, with each credential opening new doors and opportunities.
The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Pick one certification that aligns with your current level and career goals, invest in quality study materials, and commit to the process. Yes, these exams are challenging. Yes, they require real effort. But the payoff—in terms of career options, salary potential, and job security—is absolutely worth it.
The cybersecurity skills gap isn’t closing anytime soon. By earning the right certifications, you’re not just advancing your career—you’re positioning yourself as part of the solution to one of the most critical challenges facing organisations worldwide. Ready to get certified? 🔐
Frequently Asked Questions
For complete beginners, start with CompTIA Security+. It’s the industry-standard entry point, vendor-neutral, and provides solid fundamentals without requiring prior certifications. If you’re already in IT, Security+ is perfect. If you work heavily with Microsoft products, consider Microsoft SC-900 as it’s cheaper and more focused. Avoid jumping straight to advanced certs like CISSP—they require years of experience and you’ll struggle without foundational knowledge.
Absolutely, but only if you meet the experience requirements. CISSP remains the gold standard for senior security roles and significantly boosts earning potential—often by £15,000-25,000 annually. However, it requires five years of paid security work experience and is management-focused rather than technical. If you’re early in your career, work towards it but don’t rush. Get Security+, CySA+, or specialist certs first, then pursue CISSP when you have the experience to back it up.
Significantly. According to (ISC)²’s 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, certified professionals earn 15-25% more than non-certified peers on average. In the UK, Security+ can boost entry-level salaries from £25k to £35k+. CISSP holders average £70k-85k versus £50k-60k for equivalent roles without certification. Senior certs like CISM or CCSP can push salaries into six figures. However, remember that experience matters too—certifications without practical skills won’t command top salaries.
Yes, cybersecurity is one of few fields where certifications can substitute for degrees, especially at entry and mid-levels. Many professionals have built successful careers starting with Security+ and no formal degree. However, you’ll need to compensate with: (1) hands-on experience through home labs, bug bounties, or volunteer work, (2) a strong portfolio demonstrating practical skills, and (3) networking within the industry. Senior leadership roles may still prefer degrees, but technical positions often prioritise skills and certifications over formal education.
It varies enormously by certification and your background. Entry-level certs like Security+ or Microsoft SC-900 typically need 2-4 months of part-time study. Intermediate certifications (CEH, CySA+) generally require 4-6 months. Advanced certs like CISSP or CISM demand 6-12 months of dedicated preparation. Practical certifications like OSCP can take 6-18 months depending on your hands-on experience. Be realistic—underestimating study time is a common reason people fail exams and waste money on retakes.
Most do require renewal, typically every 3-4 years. CompTIA certifications need continuing education (CEs) earned through training, work experience, or other activities—relatively affordable at around £50-100 annually. (ISC)² certifications (CISSP, CCSP) require continuing education credits and annual membership fees totalling £100-150 yearly. ISACA certs (CISM, CISA) require annual renewal with fees around £100-130. Some certs like OSCP are lifetime with no renewal. Factor renewal costs into your decision—they add up over a career.
Generally, one premium certification beats multiple cheap ones. Employers value depth over breadth. One CISSP or OSCP demonstrates serious expertise; five random entry-level certs suggest you’re collecting certificates rather than building real skills. However, there’s a logical progression: start with an affordable foundation cert (Security+), add a specialisation (CEH for hacking, CySA+ for analysis), then pursue premium certs (CISSP, OSCP) once you have experience. Think of it as building a pyramid, not collecting trading cards—solid foundation first, then height.
