Information security certifications recognized in the industry

By: The Capella University Editorial Team

Reading time: 5 min read

The right certification sharpens technical skills and opens the door to roles with more responsibility. It signals readiness for what’s next.

In information security, certifications are credentials issued by professional organizations or technology vendors that validate specific knowledge or skills. They can help employers gauge a candidate’s preparation for a role, but requirements, exams and renewal policies vary by issuer.

Here are some relevant certifications in Information Security

Information security certifications validate skills for specific roles or technologies. Vendor-neutral certifications assess broad security knowledge, while vendor and specialty certifications focus on particular platforms or areas such as cloud security, auditing or incident response. Requirements vary by issuer and may include an exam, work experience, continuing education or renewal. Review each issuing organization’s current eligibility, exam and renewal details before choosing a certification.

Here’s a brief rundown of some of the industry’s popular certifications:

Security+ from CompTIA

• Security+ is a foundational certification that covers technical skills and knowledge across multiple security disciplines.
• CompTIA recommends two years of experience, but it’s not required.
• It’s built for people pursuing roles such as security engineer, security consultant, network administrator, IA technician or IA manager.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from (ISC)2

• The CISSP is an advanced cybersecurity certification that assesses knowledge across eight security domains.
• Candidates generally need five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more domains to earn the CISSP, although (ISC)2 provides other eligibility paths for qualifying candidates.
• It prepares experienced professionals for roles such as security consultant, IT director, security architect, security auditor, chief information security officer or director of security.

Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®) from ISACA®

• The CISA certification assesses information systems auditing, governance and management of IT, system acquisition and implementation, IT operations and resilience and information asset protection.
• Candidates need five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control or security. ISACA may grant experience waivers or substitutions – candidates should confirm current eligibility requirements with ISACA.
• This certification can prepare professionals for roles such as information systems auditor, IT audit manager, information security manager, security consultant or chief information security officer.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) from GIAC

• GSEC covers core information-security concepts and hands-on skills used across security roles.
• GIAC does not require prior experience for this certification.
• It offers a strong starting point for people in information security compliance, security analysis, security operations architecture or compliance analysis.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council

• This intermediate-level credential focuses on identifying system vulnerabilities, testing potential entry points and protecting networked information systems from unauthorized access.
• A training course is highly recommended – documented experience and education may also support eligibility.
• It can prepare those interested in becoming a penetration tester, network security specialist, ethical hacker, security consultant, site administrator, auditor or similar positions.

CyberSec First Responder (CFR) from Logical Operations

• CyberSec First Responder covers skills that security professionals use to protect digital assets before, during and after a cyberattack.
• Specialized training includes threat analysis, secure network and computing environment design, network defense, rapid response and incident investigation.
• Approved training courses may qualify for continuing education credits for select certifications from CompTIA or GIAC.
• This certification is for people interested in working as cybersecurity first responders during a cyberattack.

GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED) from GIAC

• GCED builds on the foundational security skills assessed by GSEC.
• This advanced certification assesses the technical skills used to defend an enterprise environment.
• Topics include network infrastructure defense, packet analysis, penetration testing, incident handling and malware removal.
• GIAC does not require a specific training course.
• GCED may suit security professionals who want to manage security across an organization.

Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) from CompTIA

• Vendor-neutral credential that applies behavioral analytics to improve information security.
• Validates the skills to configure and use threat detection tools, analyze data and interpret results to identify vulnerabilities, risks and threats.
• Exam is a performance-based assessment, including hands-on simulations.
• No experience required, but a minimum of 3–4 years of practical information security experience is recommended. Intended to follow CompTIA Security+ or equivalent certification.
• This can prepare professionals seeking higher-level positions as a security analyst, security specialist, threat intelligence analyst, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst and similar roles.

The job titles listed in this article are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

Earn certifications as part of your Capella degree

Some Capella programs build opportunities to earn industry certifications directly into coursework, so students can showcase career readiness on their resume and LinkedIn profile while working toward their degree.

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Students in select Capella degree programs can earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate at no additional cost – it’s included in tuition.*

CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification, and Capella University provides vouchers for BS in Information Technology, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity students to take the exam at no additional cost.

*Certificates are not Capella credit-bearing. If this Capella and Coursera partnership ends, students will be responsible for the cost of completing the remaining portion of any uncompleted Career Academy professional certificate program in which the student has enrolled. The Coursera Career Academy program page and website are prepared and maintained by Coursera. The statements and views expressed on Coursera’s website do not necessarily reflect the statements or views of Capella University.