Obtaining a security certification is a valuable way to demonstrate your expertise, knowledge and ability to show you are a self-starter in the field of cyber security. Identify your career goals and the specific area of cyber security you want to specialize in, this will help narrow down the available certifications.

Research how to complete, with so many security certifications available, some can be limited requiring some evidence of experience in addition to completing an exam.  If you do not have the years of experience yet, those are certifications to defer until a later date.

Ask around, ask practitioners the pros and cons of each certification and about their own experience including the direction you think the certification provider is going. Read reviews on social media too it is not always the case well-advertised certifications are the most popular in the field. 

Example security certifications include (these are not endorsements):

   – CompTIA Security+

   – Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

   – Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

   – Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

   – Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

   – Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

   – Various SANS Institute certifications (GIAC).

Some of the above certifications require specific educational backgrounds or work experience. Check before purchase or registration!

My personal preference is to self-study as much as possible, look at the subject areas, then read material online, buy some books then attempt the exam.  This is a cheaper way to achieve your goal.  The alternative is to buy a course or bootcamp week that teaches you the content before attempting the exam, these types of courses can be expensive.

When it comes to exam preparation, determination and consistency are key, be methodical, trying to cover all the areas the exam tests against.  There are many online resources for self-study to fill the gaps in your knowledge as you go.  Try to complete some sample exams, especially if you are nervous and have not done an exam in a long time, this helps become familiar with the exam process.

Certifications are valuable, but don’t forget to undertake practical experience to compliment the theory learned.  There can be surprising differences between the theory and the real-world experience.

On a final note, remember to be ethical, do not cheat, misrepresent yourself or the credentials you have and follow all rules in good faith.  It takes only one time to be caught out and it can affect your career and reputable in a negative way.