Top Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners in 2025 | Best Entry-Level Certifications to Start Your Cybersecurity Career

Table of Contents

• Why Are Cybersecurity Certifications Important for Beginners?
• Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners in 2025
• Comparison of Top Cybersecurity Certifications
• How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why Are Cybersecurity Certifications Important for Beginners?

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and companies seek skilled professionals to protect their data and networks. For beginners, certifications act as a stepping stone to validate their knowledge, gain hands-on skills, and increase employability. Certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to cybersecurity, even without prior job experience.

Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners in 2025

Below is a list of the top cybersecurity certifications for beginners in 2025, along with their details.

1. CompTIA Security+

• Why Choose It? It is the most recognized entry-level certification in cybersecurity.
• What It Covers? Network security, cryptography, threat management, risk management.
• Job Roles? Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist.
• Exam Code: SY0-701 (Latest Version).

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - EC-Council

• Why Choose It? Best certification for ethical hacking and penetration testing.
• What It Covers? Ethical hacking techniques, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment.
• Job Roles? Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Security Analyst.
• Exam Code: CEH v12.

3. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

• Why Choose It? Best certification for SOC (Security Operations Center) roles.
• What It Covers? Cybersecurity operations, threat detection, incident handling.
• Job Roles? SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Incident Responder.
• Exam Code: 200-201 CBROPS.

4. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

• Why Choose It? Focuses on hands-on security skills and incident response.
• What It Covers? Network security, access control, cryptography, security operations.
• Job Roles? Security Engineer, IT Security Specialist, Incident Responder.
• Exam Code: GSEC.

5. Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

• Why Choose It? Best for beginners interested in cloud security.
• What It Covers? Cloud security, compliance, risk management, identity protection.
• Job Roles? Cloud Security Analyst, Risk Analyst, Security Consultant.
• Exam Code: SC-900.

6. Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) - EC-Council

• Why Choose It? Specifically designed for beginners who want to work in a SOC team.
• What It Covers? SOC processes, SIEM tools, threat detection, incident response.
• Job Roles? SOC Analyst, Security Operations Engineer, Threat Hunter.
• Exam Code: CSA.

7. (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

• Why Choose It? A new entry-level certification from (ISC)² for security beginners.
• What It Covers? Information security principles, network security, access management.
• Job Roles? Cybersecurity Technician, IT Security Specialist, Junior Analyst.
• Exam Code: CC.

8. Google Cybersecurity Certificate

• Why Choose It? A beginner-friendly, practical certification backed by Google.
• What It Covers? Security tools, incident detection, and response fundamentals.
• Job Roles? Security Analyst, IT Support Security, SOC Analyst.
• Exam Code: Google Cybersecurity Certificate.

Comparison of Top Cybersecurity Certifications

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification?

To select the best certification, consider the following:

1. Career Goal: If you want to enter ethical hacking, choose CEH. For SOC roles, go for CyberOps Associate or CSA.
2. Prior Knowledge: If you are completely new, start with CompTIA Security+ or Microsoft SC-900.
3. Industry Recognition: Certifications like GSEC and (ISC)² CC are well-recognized globally.
4. Job Market Demand: SOC and cloud security roles are in high demand, making CyberOps Associate and SC-900 valuable.
5. Training Resources: WebAsha Technologies provides expert-led training for all these certifications.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cybersecurity certification in 2025 can significantly boost your career. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, Cisco CyberOps, GSEC, and SC-900 provide essential skills and industry recognition. Beginners should focus on certifications that align with their interests, career goals, and industry demand. WebAsha Technologies offers specialized training to help learners prepare for these certifications and gain hands-on cybersecurity experience. By obtaining the right certification, you can take the first step toward a rewarding career in cybersecurity.

 FAQs 

What is the best cybersecurity certification for beginners?

The best cybersecurity certification for beginners is CompTIA Security+, as it covers fundamental security concepts and is widely recognized in the industry.

Is CompTIA Security+ worth it for beginners?

Yes, CompTIA Security+ is worth it because it provides a solid foundation in security principles and is often a requirement for entry-level cybersecurity jobs.

What is the easiest cybersecurity certification to get?

The Microsoft SC-900 (Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals) is considered one of the easiest cybersecurity certifications for beginners.

Can I get a cybersecurity job with just a certification?

Yes, many entry-level cybersecurity jobs accept candidates with certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, even without a degree.

Which cybersecurity certification is best for ethical hacking?

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is the best option for those interested in ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Is CEH a good certification for beginners?

Yes, but CEH requires some basic networking knowledge. Beginners can first complete CompTIA Security+ before attempting CEH.

What is the best certification for a SOC Analyst?

The Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) by EC-Council and Cisco CyberOps Associate are the best certifications for those looking to work in a Security Operations Center (SOC).

Do I need programming skills for cybersecurity certifications?

No, most entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Microsoft SC-900 do not require programming knowledge. However, ethical hacking and penetration testing certifications may benefit from basic programming skills.

What is the best certification for cloud security?

The Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) and AWS Certified Security - Specialty are the best for cloud security beginners.

Is (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) good for beginners?

Yes, the (ISC)² CC certification is designed for beginners and covers basic security principles required for entry-level roles.

How long does it take to prepare for a cybersecurity certification?

The preparation time varies, but most beginners can prepare for CompTIA Security+ in 2-3 months with dedicated study.

What cybersecurity certifications do not require experience?

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, (ISC)² CC, and Microsoft SC-900 do not require prior experience and are ideal for beginners.

Which cybersecurity certification has the highest salary potential?

Certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) lead to high-paying cybersecurity roles but require experience.

Can I take cybersecurity certification exams online?

Yes, most certifications, including CompTIA Security+, CEH, and Microsoft SC-900, offer online proctored exams.

Which certification is best for penetration testing?

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are the best penetration testing certifications.

What certification is best for beginners interested in risk management?

The CompTIA Security+ and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) cover fundamental risk management principles.

How much does a cybersecurity certification cost?

Costs vary. CompTIA Security+ costs around $392, CEH costs $1,199, and Cisco CyberOps Associate costs $300.

Can I get cybersecurity certifications for free?

Some free cybersecurity certifications exist, like Google Cybersecurity Certificate, but most professional certifications require an exam fee.

Which cybersecurity certification is best for government jobs?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is often required for government and military cybersecurity roles.

Which certification is best for working in a Security Operations Center (SOC)?

The Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) and Cisco CyberOps Associate are ideal for SOC roles.

Do cybersecurity certifications expire?

Yes, most certifications require renewal. CompTIA Security+ is valid for three years, and CEH is valid for three years.

Which cybersecurity certification is best for network security?

The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) focus on network security principles.

Are cybersecurity certifications hard?

It depends on the certification. CompTIA Security+ is moderately difficult, while OSCP is considered one of the hardest.

Do I need multiple cybersecurity certifications?

Not necessarily. However, having multiple certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CEH can improve job prospects.

Which certification is best for cybersecurity beginners interested in compliance?

The Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) and Microsoft SC-900 are good choices for compliance-focused cybersecurity roles.

What is the best entry-level cybersecurity certification for IT professionals?

CompTIA Security+ is ideal for IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity.

Is it possible to pass cybersecurity certification exams without training?

Yes, but training from platforms like WebAsha Technologies can increase the chances of passing.

Which cybersecurity certification should I take first?

CompTIA Security+ is the best first certification for those new to cybersecurity.

How do cybersecurity certifications help in job interviews?

Cybersecurity certifications demonstrate technical knowledge, improve resume strength, and increase employability in interviews.