Cybersecurity Certifications

Most widely recognised entry-level cert. Covers network security, cryptography, risk management, and compliance — often required for gov IT roles.

• 90 questions, 90 min
• Valid for government clearance roles
• Prof. Messer free study guide available

Think like a hacker. Covers footprinting, scanning, system hacking, malware, web app attacks, social engineering, and DoS techniques.

• 125 questions, 4 hours exam
• 20 attack modules covered
• Practical lab option available

The gold standard for security professionals. Covers 8 CISSP domains from risk management and asset security to software development security.

• 100–150 CAT questions, 4 hours
• Requires 5 years work experience
• Recognized worldwide for senior roles

The most respected hands-on pentesting cert. 24-hour practical exam — hack into machines, write a professional pentest report. No MCQ, pure skills.

• 24-hour practical exam window
• Professional report required
• Includes PEN-200 training course

Focused on security analytics and detection. Ideal for SOC analysts — covers vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and incident response.

• 85 questions, 165 min exam
• Perfect for SOC Analyst roles
• Bridges Security+ to CASP+

Management-focused cert covering information security governance, risk management, and incident management. Great for aspiring CISOs and security managers.

• 150 questions, 4 hours exam
• Requires 5 years security mgmt exp.
• Widely valued by enterprises

Validate expertise securing AWS workloads. Covers incident response, logging, infrastructure security, IAM policies, and data protection on the AWS platform.

• 65 questions, 170 min exam
• Requires AWS associate-level exp.
• High value for cloud security roles

Premium specialised certs from SANS. Includes GSEC, GCIH, GPEN, GREM, and 30+ specialist tracks. Regarded as the most technically rigorous certifications.

• Exam format varies per cert
• GSEC, GCIH, GPEN most popular
• SANS training courses available