Your Complete Guide to Where and How to Apply
The global cybersecurity landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. With rising cyber threats, increased regulatory requirements across jurisdictions, and digital transformation accelerating in every sector, organizations worldwide are desperately seeking qualified security professionals. Whether you're breaking into the field or advancing your career, the right certification can be your ticket to opportunity.
Let's cut through the noise.
The Certifications That Employers Want
01 CISSP
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
The CISSP remains the gold standard globally, recognized across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond. This ISC² certification demonstrates broad expertise across eight security domains and is often a requirement for senior security roles.
Where to apply:
Register directly through ISC² at isc2.org. You'll need five years of relevant work experience (or four years with a relevant degree) to be eligible.
Why it matters globally:
CISSP holders earn approximately 25% more than their non-certified peers, with average salaries reaching $148,000 in North America. It's recognized by major employers worldwide from financial institutions to tech giants. The certification aligns well with international security frameworks including ISO 27001, making it valuable for roles requiring cross-border security expertise.
02 CompTIA Security+
Your Entry Point to Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+ is the most popular entry-level cybersecurity certification worldwide, with over 700,000 certified professionals. This vendor-neutral credential covers foundational security concepts and is often the starting point for cybersecurity careers.
Where to apply:
Through CompTIA at comptia.org. No formal prerequisites, though 2 years of IT experience is recommended. The exam costs approximately $370-$400.
The global advantage:
Security+ is recognized internationally and serves as a baseline requirement for many government and private sector positions. In the U.S. alone, there are over 450,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions, and Security+ is frequently the minimum credential employers seek. Average salaries range from $60,000-$90,000 globally.
03 OSCP
Offensive Security Certified Professional
The OSCP is widely regarded as the "gold standard" for penetration testing certifications. This hands-on credential from Offensive Security validates your ability to identify vulnerabilities and conduct real-world penetration tests through a rigorous 24-hour practical exam.
Where to apply:
Through Offensive Security at offsec.com. You'll complete the PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux course before attempting the exam. Costs range from $1,500-$2,500 depending on the package.
Why it matters globally:
OSCP's practical, hands-on approach is respected by technical hiring managers worldwide. Unlike theoretical exams, you must actually exploit vulnerabilities in a live lab environment. Penetration testers with OSCP certification earn between $90,000-$130,000 annually, with particularly strong demand in tech hubs across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Learn more & apply
04 CISM
Certified Information Security Manager
ISACA's CISM focuses on security management and governance—crucial for organizations navigating complex regulatory frameworks worldwide. It's particularly valued for management-track cybersecurity professionals.
Where to apply:
Through ISACA at isaca.org. You'll need five years of information security work experience, with at least three years in security management. Exam cost is approximately $575-$760.
The global advantage:
CISM's emphasis on governance and risk management aligns with international compliance requirements including GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO standards. CISM holders earn an average of $150,000 in North America, with strong demand for security managers across all continents.
05 CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker
EC-Council's CEH certification is the go-to credential for penetration testing and ethical hacking roles globally. It covers ethical hacking methodologies, vulnerability assessment, and attack vectors.
Where to apply:
Through EC-Council at eccouncil.org. You can take the exam after completing official training or by demonstrating two years of security-related experience. Exam costs approximately $1,100-$1,300.
The global advantage:
CEH is recognized internationally and often required for government contracts and compliance-driven organizations. Pentesting roles are booming worldwide, with particularly strong demand in major cities. CEH-certified professionals earn an average of $126,000 annually, making it an excellent entry point into offensive security roles.
06 CCSP
Certified Cloud Security Professional
As organizations migrate to cloud environments, the ISC² CCSP has become increasingly critical. This certification validates expertise in cloud security architecture, governance, compliance, and operations across major cloud platforms.
Where to apply:
Through ISC² at isc2.org. Prerequisites include five years of IT experience with three years in information security and one year in cloud security. Many candidates pursue CCSP after obtaining CISSP.
Why it matters globally:
Cloud adoption is accelerating worldwide, creating massive demand for cloud security specialists. CCSP demonstrates expertise across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and other platforms. Cloud security professionals command premium salaries, often exceeding $130,000 globally, as organizations prioritize securing their cloud infrastructure.
07 ComTIA CySA+
Cybersecurity Analyst
CompTIA CySA+ focuses on threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management—essential skills for security analysts and SOC teams. This intermediate certification bridges the gap between Security+ and advanced credentials.
Where to apply:
Through CompTIA at comptia.org. Security+ or equivalent knowledge is recommended. Exam costs approximately $400.
The global advantage:
CySA+ emphasizes behavioral analytics and practical threat hunting skills increasingly demanded by security operations centers worldwide. It's ideal for professionals targeting blue team roles focused on defense and detection. Security analysts with CySA+ certification are in high demand across all industries globally.
08 GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Advanced Security Fundamentals
SANS Institute's GSEC certification validates hands-on technical skills beyond basic security knowledge. It covers practical security tasks including access controls, cryptography, incident handling, and network security.
Where to apply:
Through SANS/GIAC at giac.org. While there are no formal prerequisites, GSEC is positioned as an intermediate to advanced certification. SANS training courses typically cost $8,000+, though the exam can be taken independently.
Why it matters globally:
SANS is renowned for cutting-edge security training, and GSEC demonstrates practical security competence recognized worldwide. GIAC certifications are particularly valued in government, defense, and critical infrastructure sectors. The hands-on focus ensures certified professionals can immediately apply skills to real-world security challenges.
09 ComTIA PenTest+
Performance-Based Penetration Testing
PenTest+ validates hands-on penetration testing skills through performance-based questions and scenarios. This intermediate credential bridges the gap between CEH and OSCP, offering practical validation of offensive security capabilities.
Where to apply:
Through CompTIA at comptia.org. Four years of related security experience is recommended. Exam costs approximately $400.
The global advantage:
PenTest+ combines the best of both worlds: vendor-neutral recognition and hands-on performance testing. It's more practical than CEH but more accessible than OSCP, making it an excellent mid-career credential. Penetration testers are in demand globally as organizations increasingly adopt offensive security testing programs.
10 CISA
Certified Information Systems Auditor
ISACA's CISA is the premier certification for IT audit, assurance, and compliance professionals. It validates expertise in auditing information systems, ensuring compliance, and assessing organizational controls.
Where to apply:
Through ISACA at isaca.org. You'll need five years of information systems auditing, control, or security work experience. Exam cost is approximately $575-$760.
The global advantage:
As regulatory requirements intensify worldwide—from GDPR in Europe to data protection laws across Asia-Pacific—organizations need certified auditors who can assess compliance and controls. CISA holders earn competitive salaries (average $102,000+) and are essential for organizations navigating complex audit and compliance landscapes across multiple jurisdictions.
Ready to start your certification journey? Pick the certification that aligns with your current experience level and career goals, register through the official provider, and begin building the skills that employers seek worldwide.