Security consultants specialize in safeguarding their employers' computing networks and digital assets. They are also known as cybersecurity consultants and information security consultants.<\/p>\r\n
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes security consultants within its \"information security analyst\" occupation data. This field is poised to benefit from an explosive rise in demand, with the BLS projecting 33% employment growth<\/a> for information security analysts from 2020 to 2030. This equates to more than 47,000 new jobs<\/a> in the field.<\/p>\r\n Security consultants typically hold general or specialized degrees in computer science or cybersecurity. However, many of these professionals also add industry-standard security consultant certifications. These credentials assure employers that the certification-holder possesses the knowledge and skills required for this high-level work.<\/p>\r\n This guide explains the various security consulting certifications available to cybersecurity professionals. It also reviews associated recommendations and requirements for obtaining them and addresses frequently asked questions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Security consultant certifications function as endorsements of a tech professional's mastery of cybersecurity best practices. They usually cover a targeted area of focus. Popular certifications cover subjects such as security essentials, cybersecurity auditing, information security management, and ethical hacking.<\/p>\r\n In professional circles, security consultant<\/a> certifications are optional, though many employers prefer candidates who hold them, sometimes valuing them as much as or more than academic credentials. While they are not necessarily required, they are strongly recommended.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n Industry-standard certifications validate a cybersecurity professional's skills and abilities. Because security consultants must usually pass rigorous, comprehensive examinations to earn these certifications, the credentials assure employers of professionals' ability to meet demanding performance expectations in relevant roles.<\/p>\r\n The credibility a cybersecurity professional gains through certification carries significant weight in the job market. Employers are likely to choose a certified job applicant over an uncertified competitor if the candidates' qualifications are otherwise comparable. Cybersecurity consultant certifications can also help established professionals take on higher-ranking roles.<\/p>\r\n Cybersecurity has emerged as a top area of need in an increasingly interconnected, internet-dependent world. Yet, tech insiders note that a skills gap<\/a> persists in the general cybersecurity field. Security consultant certifications thus function as highly marketable credentials in this high-growth, high-demand, and well-paid field<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Read more about working as a security consultant at the links below.<\/p>\r\n Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n Multiple certifying bodies issue security consultant certifications. Candidates should evaluate a number of factors for these certifications to determine which are best suited to their professional aspirations.<\/p>\r\n One major such factor relates to the bodies that offer security consulting certifications. These groups include but are not limited to:<\/p>\r\n\r\n Major technology companies including Cisco, Google, and Microsoft also certify the skill sets of information security professionals.<\/p>\r\n One way to confirm the relevance and legitimacy of a given certification is to reverse-search cybersecurity job listings. Candidates should consider pursuing certifications that employers identify as desirable or required qualifications.<\/p>\r\n Also, note that multiple organizations offer certifications in similar areas, including ethical hacking and information security management. Candidates should research competing certifications individually and prioritize those most relevant to their career goals.<\/p>\r\n The subsections that follow examine three leading organizations that provide multiple cybersecurity-related certifications.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Established in 1999, GIAC focuses exclusively on computing, network, information, and software security certifications. The organization takes a skills-focused approach to examinations. GIAC tests specific hard skills rather than general knowledge about information security. This unique approach has vaulted GIAC's cybersecurity consulting certifications to a position of industry leadership.<\/p>\r\n GIAC endorsements remain valid for four years. Professionals must then recertify to ensure their knowledge and skills have adapted to the notoriously fast-changing tech industry.<\/p>\r\n Examples of popular GIAC security consultant certifications include:<\/p>\r\n\r\nWhat Is a Certification in Security Consulting?<\/h2>\r\n
Why Pursue a Security Consultant Certification?<\/h2>\r\n
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Top Online Programs<\/h2>\n \n
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GIAC
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