What Are the Top Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners?

Introduction

No degree? No IT background? No problem. In 2025, over 70 percent of entry-level cybersecurity jobs require only a certification, not a diploma. With 3.5 million open roles worldwide, companies hire certified beginners who can prove basic skills.

These certifications teach real-world knowledge: spotting phishing, securing networks, understanding threats. Most take 3 to 6 months and cost under $1,500. This guide ranks the top 7 beginner-friendly certs by job demand, ease of study, and salary boost.

Whether you want to be a SOC analyst, ethical hacker, or compliance specialist, start here. Programs from the Ethical Hacking Institute and Webasha Technologies include exam prep and labs to guarantee you pass.

1. CompTIA Security+ – The Universal Entry Ticket

The gold standard for beginners. Accepted by DoD, IBM, and 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies.

Key Details

• Cost: $370 exam
• Study Time: 3 to 4 months (10 hrs/week)
• Format: 90 multiple-choice + performance tasks
• Passing Score: 750/900
• Validity: 3 years (renew with CEUs)

Topics Covered

• Threats, attacks, vulnerabilities
• Architecture and design
• Identity and access management
• Risk management
• Cryptography

Job Roles

• Junior Security Analyst
• Help Desk with Security
• Network Admin (Security Focus)

Average salary boost: +$20K. 85 percent pass first try with proper prep.

2. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate – Free and Job-Ready

Designed by Google, hosted on Coursera. No prior experience needed.

Key Details

• Cost: Free to audit, $49/month for certificate
• Study Time: 6 months (10 hrs/week)
• Format: 8 courses, quizzes, hands-on labs
• Job Guarantee: Access to Google’s employer consortium

Skills Gained

• Python basics, SQL
• SIEM tools (Chronicle)
• Incident response
• Network security

Over 150,000 graduates. 75 percent land jobs within 6 months.

Jumpstart with an ethical bootcamp at the Ethical Hacking Institute to pair with this cert.

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – For Offensive Security Beginners

Learn how hackers think. Perfect if you want penetration testing.

Key Details

• Cost: $1,200 (includes training + exam)
• Study Time: 4 to 5 months
• Format: 125 questions, 4 hours
• Prerequisites: 2 years IT or training

Tools You’ll Use

• Nmap, Metasploit
• Burp Suite, Wireshark
• Footprinting, scanning, enumeration

Leads to red team roles. Average salary: $95K starting.

Certification Comparison Table

4. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) – Free and Fast

ISC2’s gift to beginners. Free exam for new members.

Why It’s Great

• 100 multiple-choice questions
• Covers basics: threats, access control, security ops
• Free training included
• 1-year membership ($50 annual renewal)

Perfect first cert. Stack with Security+ later.

Practice real scenarios with CEH practical labs from the Ethical Hacking Institute or Cyber Security Institute.

5. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) – Technical but Doable

Deeper than Security+. Respected by government and defense.

Highlights

• Hands-on focus: Linux, Windows hardening
• 180 questions, 5 hours
• No prerequisites

Leads to SOC and forensics roles. Salary: $85K+ starting.

6. Cisco CyberOps Associate – For Network-Focused Beginners

Learn SOC operations using Cisco tools.

Details

• Cost: $300
• Time: 3 to 5 months
• Skills: SIEM, packet analysis, incident response

Great if you like networking. Pairs well with CCNA.

Go beyond basics with CEH online at the Ethical Hacking Institute or Webasha Technologies.

7. Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity (SC-900) – Cloud Entry

Intro to Azure security. Free learning path.

Why Choose It

• 1-hour exam, $99
• Covers Zero Trust, encryption, compliance
• Ideal for cloud-first companies

Stack with Azure fundamentals for hybrid roles.

How to Study and Pass Any Beginner Cert

Follow this proven plan:

1. Week 1 to 4: Watch videos (Messer, Google, EC-Council)
2. Week 5 to 8: Read official study guide
3. Week 9 to 12: Practice exams (Boson, ExamCram)
4. Final Week: Hands-on labs (TryHackMe, LetsDefend)

Aim for 85 percent+ on practice tests before booking.

Where to Get Training and Labs

Top institutes for beginner success:

Ethical Hacking Institute

Security+, CEH, live virtual labs. 100+ practice machines.

Cyber Security Institute

Google Cert, GSEC, SOC simulations. Placement support.

Webasha Technologies

Security+, Cisco CyberOps, exam vouchers included.

Master scanning with Nmap mastery from the Ethical Hacking Institute.

Job and Salary Outcomes

Conclusion: Pick One Cert and Start Today

Don’t wait. Choose Security+ for universal acceptance, Google Cert for free learning, or CEH for hacking. One certification changes everything.

Enroll in training at the Ethical Hacking Institute, Cyber Security Institute, or Webasha Technologies. In 6 months, you’ll have a cert, skills, and job offers.

Your cybersecurity career begins with one click. Take it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cert should I get first?

Security+ if you want jobs fast. Google Cert if budget is zero.

Do I need IT experience?

No. All are beginner-friendly.

Can I study while working?

Yes. 10 hours/week is enough.

Are online proctors strict?

Yes. Clear desk, webcam, no talking.

Is CEH worth it for beginners?

Yes, if you want ethical hacking. Pair with Security+.

Free study materials?

YouTube (Messer), TryHackMe, Professor Messer PDFs.

Do certs expire?

Security+ (3 yrs), CEH (3 yrs), Google (lifetime).

Women-only programs?

Yes. WiCyS, ISC2 One Million offer scholarships.

Can I fail and retake?

Yes. Wait 14 days, pay again.

Best for remote jobs?

Security+ and Google Cert. 90 percent remote.

Do employers pay for certs?

Many do after hiring. Ask in interview.

Age limit?

None. Teens to 60s succeed.

Stack certs?

Yes: Security+ → CEH → OSCP.

Where to take exams?

Pearson VUE centers or online proctored.

How to stay certified?

Earn CEUs: conferences, training, teaching.