Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about a career in cybersecurity? You’ve probably heard about certifications. With a sea of acronyms like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH, decoding which one is right for you can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder if the effort is even worth it. We’re here to tell you that it absolutely is, and getting started is easier than you think. 

Pursuing a cybersecurity certification is a powerful way to validate your skills, stand out to employers, and boost your earning potential. It’s a clear signal that you have the knowledge to protect digital assets. With a Codecademy Pro membership, you can begin learning the foundational material needed for these exams at your own pace. Our courses are designed to make complex topics accessible, so you can build confidence and start your journey with a trusted guide by your side. 

Ahead, we’ll demystify the world of cybersecurity certifications. We’ll answer the most common questions beginners have, from which certifications to consider first to how to prepare for the exams. Let’s clear up the confusion and set you on the path to a rewarding career in cybersecurity. 

Jump to an answer:

What can I do with cybersecurity certifications? 

Cybersecurity certifications act as your professional “calling card,” opening doors to high-paying roles. They’re often required by employers, especially in regulated industries like finance and healthcare, and help you stand out whether you’re breaking into cybersecurity or advancing from another IT role. Beyond the salary boost, certifications keep your skills current with evolving threats, improve job security, and connect you to valuable professional communities. 

What certification should I get for cybersecurity?  

If you’re just starting out, your best bet is either CompTIA Security+ or ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC). Here’s why these two stand out for beginners: 

CompTIA Security+ is the gold standard for entry-level cybersecurity. It’s the most widely held certification among professionals (over 1,200 people in Skillsoft’s IT Skills & Salary Report have it), and many employers specifically ask for it in job postings. You’ll learn foundational security concepts, risk management, and network security basics. Plus, it pays well for an entry-level cert — around $88,600 a year in North America. (Good to know: Networking fundamentals are essential to cybersecurity, which is why CompTIA recommends that you start with Network+ before moving onto Security+. Luckily for you, we offer cert prep paths for both of these!)  

Start preparing for CompTIA Security+ 

ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is designed specifically for people who are brand new to the field. It covers security principles, access controls, and network security without requiring years of experience. Think of it as a stepping stone to more advanced ISC2 certifications like CISSP down the road.  

Start preparing for ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) 

Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, you can level up with certifications like: 

• CompTIA PenTest+ if ethical hacking sounds interesting  
• CompTIA CySA+ for threat detection and analysis roles  
• Cisco CyberOps Associate for security operations center work  

TL;DR: Start with Security+ or CC if you’re brand new. Get some hands-on experience through labs, home networking projects, virtual machines, or Capture the Flag exercises. Then move to specialized certifications based on what interests you — whether that’s incident response, penetration testing, or security analysis. 

The key is picking certifications that employers will recognize and that don’t require years of experience you don’t have yet. 

How long does it take to get a cybersecurity certificate?  

Honestly? It varies wildly depending on which cert you’re going for and how you like to study. 

Here’s the thing — you don’t need to quit your job and study for months. Take our ISC2 CC prep path, for example. It’s about 7 hours of content total. That could be a weekend binge-watch session, or you could spread it out over a few weeks doing an hour here and there. 

Some folks are motivated and power through the prep in a day or two. Others treat it like a Netflix series — a little bit each evening after work. And if you’re lucky enough to work somewhere that supports upskilling, you might even get to study during work hours. (BTW, if you want Codecademy for your whole workplace, check out Codecademy Teams.) 

Once you’ve finished prepping, you’ll need to actually book and take the exam. The good news is most entry-level exams aren’t marathon sessions. The ISC2 CC gives you 2 hours and Security+ is 90 minutes. You’re not looking at an all-day ordeal unless you’re going for something advanced like CISSP (which is 3 hours, but that’s way down the road). 

Start with what fits your schedule. Even 30 minutes a few times a week will get you there. 

Do job recruiters actually verify cybersecurity certifications?   

It depends on the company, but most serious employers do verify certifications — especially for cybersecurity roles.  

The reality is that verification practices aren’t standardized across the industry. Some companies are super thorough and use third-party services to double-check every certification you claim. Others might just take a quick look at your resume and move on. But here’s the thing — cybersecurity is too important for most organizations to mess around with fake credentials.  

Think about it from their perspective: They’re trusting you to protect their company from hackers and data breaches. Would you really want to hire someone whose qualifications you haven’t verified? Most hiring managers feel the same way. 

Many employers use verification services that can quickly confirm whether you actually earned that CompTIA Security+ or CISSP certification. These services connect directly with certification bodies to validate your credentials, so there’s no hiding fake certifications. 

The verification process has become even more important with the rise of cloud security roles. Companies need to know you can handle cloud-specific threats, not just talk about them in an interview. 

Bottom line: Always be honest about your certifications. The verification process is getting more sophisticated, and getting caught with fake credentials will end your career before it starts. Plus, legitimate certifications are totally achievable with some study time — so why risk it? 

How much can you make with a cybersecurity certification?  

A lot. Cybersecurity certifications are some of the highest-paying in all of IT, and companies are desperate to hire people with these skills.  

Here’s what you can realistically expect: Entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ can get you started with salaries around $65,000-$79,000. Mid-level certifications like CISSP average around $146,000 globally. And if you work your way up to advanced certifications like ISSMP, you’re looking at nearly $190,000 on average. Bottom line: Certified cybersecurity professionals earn significantly more than non-certified peers. 

Why the big paychecks? Simple supply and demand. According to data from Skillsoft’s most recent IT Skills & Salary Report, 38% of IT hiring managers say cybersecurity is their hardest area to fill — meaning companies are willing to pay premium salaries to get the talent they need. 

The best part is you don’t need years of experience to start earning well. Even beginners with the right certifications can command competitive salaries because the skills are in such high demand. Your exact pay will depend on your location, experience, and specific role, but cybersecurity consistently outearns most other IT specializations. 

Can I get a cybersecurity job with just a certificate?  

Absolutely. You can land an entry-level cybersecurity job with a recognized certificate like CompTIA Security+ or ISC2 CC. According to the Skillsoft IT Skills & Salary Report, certifications are now nearly universal in IT and are often required for junior security roles. Many employers value skills and certifications over degrees, especially for beginners and career changers. While experience helps you advance, a certificate proves you have the foundational knowledge to get started and grow in the field. 

Of course, employers are looking for more than just a certificate — they want to see hands-on skills, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to keep learning. Technical skills, work history, and “soft skills” like communication and teamwork are just as important as certifications. If you can show practical experience (even through labs, projects, or internships) and demonstrate adaptability, you’ll stand out to hiring managers.  

Certifications open the door and prove you have foundational knowledge to get started. Combining them with real-world skills and a growth mindset will help you thrive in cybersecurity. 

Start earning cybersecurity certifications 

Breaking into cybersecurity might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and approach, you can confidently start in this growing field. Focus on earning certifications, gaining hands-on experience, and developing problem-solving skills to prepare for the challenges ahead. The industry values adaptability, continuous learning, and practical knowledge. 

Ready to begin your cybersecurity journey? Codecademy’s certificate prep paths offer comprehensive training to build your technical expertise and practical skills. Whether you’re learning the basics or working toward advanced certifications, we’ve got you covered. 

Start today with interactive courses, projects, and a supportive community. Explore our cybersecurity prep paths and lay the foundation for a successful career in this dynamic field!