Best Infosec Certifications

For professionals aiming to break into or advance within the cybersecurity field, earning the best infosec certifications is one of the most effective ways to validate expertise, boost employability, and command higher salaries. Infosec certifications not only demonstrate technical proficiency but also signal a commitment to staying ahead in an ever-evolving threat landscape. From foundational credentials like CompTIA Security+ to advanced, globally recognized designations such as CISSP and CISM, the right certification can dramatically accelerate your career trajectory. This guide explores the top infosec certifications, detailing course content, pricing, duration, difficulty, and the return on investment (ROI) each offers. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for leadership roles, understanding which certifications align with your goals is crucial for long-term success in information security.

Why Infosec Certifications Matter in 2024

In today’s digital-first economy, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Organizations across industries face relentless cyber threats, from ransomware to data breaches, making skilled infosec professionals highly sought after. Certifications play a pivotal role in this landscape by providing standardized benchmarks of knowledge and competence. Unlike self-taught skills or academic degrees, infosec certifications are vendor-neutral or vendor-specific credentials that validate hands-on abilities in areas like network security, risk management, and incident response.

Employers rely on certifications to assess candidate readiness, especially in roles requiring compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, NIST). According to (ISC)², over 70% of hiring managers require or prefer candidates with cybersecurity certifications. Moreover, certifications often serve as prerequisites for government and defense contracts, particularly those governed by DoD 8570/8140 mandates. For example, CompTIA Security+ is a baseline requirement for many entry-level positions in U.S. federal agencies.

From an educational standpoint, structured certification paths ensure learners gain comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge. Most top infosec certifications are backed by rigorous curricula, practice labs, and real-world simulations. Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Cybrary offer flexible, self-paced courses to prepare for these exams, making it easier than ever to enter the field regardless of location or schedule.

Top Entry-Level Infosec Certifications

For those new to cybersecurity, starting with foundational certifications is essential. These credentials build core knowledge in security principles, networking, and threat identification without requiring prior experience.

• CompTIA Security+ – Often considered the gold standard for entry-level infosec roles, Security+ covers core security concepts, identity management, risk assessment, and cryptography. Offered by CompTIA, this certification is ANSI-accredited and compliant with DoD 8570. The exam (SY0-701) costs $399, with study materials available through CompTIA’s CertMaster Learn and Labs. Most candidates spend 6–8 weeks preparing using online courses, and the pass rate hovers around 75%. Career outcomes include roles like Security Analyst, Junior Penetration Tester, and IT Auditor.
• CompTIA Network+ – While not strictly an infosec certification, Network+ is a strong prerequisite for Security+. It ensures foundational understanding of networking protocols, firewalls, and secure configurations. Priced at $366, it’s ideal for those transitioning from general IT roles.
• Google Cybersecurity Certificate (Coursera) – A newer, accessible option, this online course covers Python, SIEM tools, and incident response. Delivered through Coursera, it costs $49/month and takes about 6 months to complete at 10 hours per week. While not a standalone certification, it’s recognized by Google and can help land entry-level roles at partner companies.

ROI for entry-level certifications is strong: CompTIA reports that Security+ holders earn an average of $75,000 annually, with many advancing to mid-level roles within two years.

Best Mid-Level Certifications for Career Growth

Once you’ve gained 2–3 years of experience, mid-level certifications help you transition into specialized or leadership-focused roles. These credentials require deeper technical knowledge and often include performance-based questions.

• CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst+) – Focused on threat detection and security analytics, CySA+ bridges the gap between Security+ and advanced certifications. It emphasizes behavioral analytics, vulnerability management, and incident response using tools like Splunk and Wireshark. The exam costs $399, and preparation typically takes 3–4 months. CySA+ is ideal for SOC analysts and threat hunters.
• CompTIA PenTest+ – Designed for ethical hackers, this certification covers penetration testing methodologies, exploit development, and reporting. It includes hands-on simulations and is one of the few entry-level pentesting certs that don’t require prior offensive security experience. The exam is $399, with a recommended study period of 4–6 months.
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – EC-Council – A popular choice for offensive security, CEH covers footprinting, scanning, malware analysis, and social engineering. The official course costs $1,199, and the exam is $1,199 if taken through EC-Council. While criticized for being theoretical, CEH remains widely recognized in government and corporate sectors. Career paths include Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Assessor, and Red Team Member.

Mid-level certifications offer strong ROI, with CEH holders reporting average salaries of $95,000. Online learning options, such as EC-Council’s iLearn platform and Udemy’s CEH prep courses, make preparation accessible and affordable.

Advanced Certifications: CISSP and CISM

For experienced professionals aiming for leadership or strategic roles, advanced certifications like CISSP and CISM are essential. These credentials are globally recognized and often required for senior positions in cybersecurity governance and risk management.

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – (ISC)² – Widely regarded as the best infosec certification for senior roles, CISSP covers eight domains, including security architecture, risk management, and software development security. The exam is 4 hours long, includes 100–150 questions, and costs $749. Candidates must have at least 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more domains. Preparation typically takes 6–12 months, with many using online courses from Pluralsight or the (ISC)² Official Study Guide. CISSP holders earn an average of $138,000 annually, making it one of the highest-ROI certifications in IT.
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) – ISACA – Tailored for managers and executives, CISM focuses on governance, incident management, and program development. The exam costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. Candidates need 5 years of information security management experience. CISM is ideal for roles like CISO, Security Director, or Risk Officer. Salaries average $145,000, with strong demand in finance and healthcare sectors.

Both certifications require continuing professional education (CPE) credits to maintain, encouraging lifelong learning. Online CPE courses are widely available through ISACA and (ISC)², allowing professionals to stay compliant while advancing their knowledge.

Specialized Certifications for Technical Experts

For professionals seeking to specialize in niche areas like cloud security, digital forensics, or industrial control systems, specialized certifications offer targeted expertise and high earning potential.

• CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) – (ISC)² – As cloud adoption grows, CCSP validates expertise in securing cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). It builds on CISSP knowledge and requires 5 years of IT experience, with 3 in cloud security. The exam costs $549 and is ideal for cloud architects and security consultants.
• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Offensive Security – Known for its difficulty, OSCP is a hands-on penetration testing certification requiring candidates to hack into multiple systems in a 24-hour exam. The course (PEN-200) costs $1,499 and includes lab access for 90 days. OSCP is highly respected in the infosec community and opens doors to elite red team and penetration testing roles. Pass rates are around 30%, reflecting its rigor.
• GIAC Certifications (SANS Institute) – SANS offers over 30 GIAC certifications, including GCIH (incident handling), GCFA (forensics), and GSEC (security essentials). These are among the best infosec certifications for technical depth. Courses are expensive—typically $7,000–$9,000 per week-long bootcamp—but often employer-sponsored. ROI is high, with GIAC holders frequently earning six-figure salaries in incident response and threat intelligence.

Online learning for these certifications includes SANS OnDemand, which offers self-paced versions of live courses, and platforms like Pentester Academy for OSCP prep.

Free and Low-Cost Learning Paths

Not all high-value certifications require large financial investments. Several reputable, low-cost, or free learning paths can lead to certification and career advancement.

• TryHackMe and Hack The Box – These platforms offer gamified cybersecurity labs and learning paths aligned with certifications like Security+ and CEH. Free tiers are available, with Pro subscriptions at $10–$15/month.
• Cybrary Free Courses – Offers free modules on network security, ethical hacking, and compliance. While not a certification itself, Cybrary’s content prepares users for CompTIA, CEH, and CISSP exams.
• Microsoft Learn – Azure Security – Free training paths for Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) certification. Covers identity, platform protection, and data security. Exam cost: $165.
• Infosec Free Certification Paths – Provides free study guides and practice exams for Security+, CISSP, and CISM. Ideal for budget-conscious learners.

These resources make it possible to gain foundational skills without upfront costs. Many learners combine free content with low-cost exam vouchers (e.g., CompTIA’s exam bundles) to minimize total investment.

Career Outcomes and Return on Investment (ROI)

Investing in the best infosec certifications pays off in both salary growth and career mobility. According to the 2023 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study, certified professionals earn 25–35% more than their non-certified peers. The ROI varies by certification:

• Security+ – Average salary: $75,000. Cost: ~$400. Payback period: under 1 year.
• CISSP – Average salary: $138,000. Cost: ~$800 (exam + study materials). Payback: 6–8 months post-salary bump.
• OSCP – Average salary: $110,000+. Cost: $1,499. ROI is high due to demand for skilled pentesters.
• CISM – Average salary: $145,000. Strong ROI for management-track professionals.

Career outcomes include promotions to roles like Senior Security Analyst, Security Architect, CISO, and Consultant. Certifications also improve job security—cybersecurity roles have a near-zero unemployment rate. Online learning platforms have further increased ROI by reducing training time and costs, enabling professionals to upskill while working full-time.

FAQ: Common Questions About Infosec Certifications

What is the best infosec certification for beginners?

CompTIA Security+ is widely regarded as the best starting point. It’s vendor-neutral, globally recognized, and meets DoD 8570 requirements. Most beginners prepare for 2–3 months using online courses from platforms like Udemy or Cybrary.

Do I need a degree to earn infosec certifications?

No. While a degree can help, most infosec certifications—especially CompTIA and EC-Council—do not require one. Experience and training are often sufficient. However, advanced certifications like CISSP require 4–5 years of work experience.

How much do infosec certifications cost?

Costs vary: Security+ is $399, CISSP is $749, and OSCP is $1,499. Additional costs include study materials and training courses. Free and low-cost online resources can help reduce total expenses.

How long does it take to prepare for CISSP?

Most candidates spend 6–12 months preparing. Online self-paced courses from (ISC)², Pluralsight, or Udemy are effective. Many also join study groups or use flashcards to reinforce concepts.

Are online certification courses effective?

Yes. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, SANS OnDemand, and Cybrary offer high-quality, instructor-led courses that replicate classroom learning. Many include labs, quizzes, and community support.

Which certification leads to the highest salary?

CISM and CISSP lead to the highest salaries, averaging $140,000+. Specialized certs like OSCP and CCSP also command six-figure incomes, especially in consulting and red team roles.

Can I get certified entirely online?

Yes. Most exams, including Security+, CISSP, and CISM, can be taken online via Pearson VUE’s remote proctoring. Training courses are also widely available online through accredited providers.

Do certifications expire? How do I maintain them?

Yes, most certifications expire in 3 years. You must earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits through training, webinars, or conferences. (ISC)² requires 120 CPEs, ISACA requires 120, and CompTIA requires 50. Many CPEs are available online at low or no cost.