{"id":3682,"date":"2022-01-07T18:01:01","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T18:01:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/he-cyberdegrees-org-sonic.lndo.site\/?p=3682"},"modified":"2022-10-04T17:21:23","modified_gmt":"2022-10-04T17:21:23","slug":"careers-security-specialist-certifications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/careers\/security-specialist\/certifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Security Specialist Certifications"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying career fields in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> projects information security analyst jobs will grow by 33% between 2020 and 2030. The median annual salary for these professionals was $103,590 as of 2020. <\/p>\r\n

Problem-solvers who enjoy working with technology may find security specialist jobs<\/a> enticing. On this page, we use the terms \"security specialist\" and \"cybersecurity specialist\" interchangeably. However, in other industries, \"security specialist\" may refer to physical security jobs. Internet security is our focus here.<\/p>\r\n

This page introduces the best security specialist certifications, how to earn them, and what benefits they can offer. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

What Is Certification in Cybersecurity?<\/h2>\r\n

Unlike some professions, cybersecurity workers do not need state licensure to practice. However, earning one of the top security specialist certifications can lead to higher salaries and more advanced roles. Cybersecurity specialist certifications serve two purposes: to train entry-level professionals and to provide seasoned experts with validation of their skills. <\/p>\r\n

Private companies and professional associations provide an array of security-related certifications. Vendor-neutral security certifications \u2014 usually offered through professional associations \u2014 validate holders' skills and expertise. Vendor-provided certifications \u2014 typically offered from software companies \u2014 verify that holders can use a specific software product.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n

Why Pursue Certification as a Cybersecurity Specialist?<\/h2>\r\n

Employers appreciate security certifications because they signal deep knowledge, commitment to the field, and credibility. A 2015 study from CompTIA<\/a> found that 93% of human resources professionals valued IT certifications. Approximately 72% of employers required IT certifications, and 60% used them to confirm subject matter expertise.<\/p>\r\n

Certifications can also help security specialists increase their salaries. The 2020 Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report<\/a> revealed IT professionals who earned certification received a $12,000-$13,000 pay raise on average. The certified information systems security professional certification (CISSP) certification from (ISC)2 offered the top average salary at $119,170.<\/p>\r\n

The report also revealed multiple certifications often provide more value than single certifications: in 2020, professionals with six or more certifications earned $13,000 more on average than experts with just one certification.<\/p>\r\n

Earning a cybersecurity certification often requires several years of experience along with passing a rigorous exam. Even entry-level security specialists can earn a beginner certification, however, such as CompTIA's security+ or network+ certifications. <\/p>\r\n

Read more about working as a security specialist at the links below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n