Best Cybersecurity Certifications: 5 Credentials to Consider
Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity certifications validate knowledge in a specific technical area: Security+ covers cybersecurity fundamentals, Network+ and CCNA cover networking, CEH covers ethical hacking, and SecAI+ covers AI security.
- Network+ and Security+ are two certifications to consider for beginners. CEH and SecAI+ suit candidates who already have networking and security knowledge.
- Standard exam fees for these five certifications range from about $300 to $1,199.
- ECPI University subsidizes certification exam costs for eligible students, so ECPI students pay less than standard prices. ECPI also builds certification preparation into many degree programs and provides a dedicated Certification Hub.
What Are Cybersecurity Certifications?
Cybersecurity certifications are professional credentials from organizations such as CompTIA, Cisco, and EC-Council. Earning one typically requires passing an exam that tests competencies the issuer defines. A certification validates knowledge in a specific technical area, while a degree provides broader education in computing, networking, and security principles.
What Are the 5 Best Cybersecurity Certifications?
The five cybersecurity certifications to consider are CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA SecAI+. They cover complementary areas of information security and are not interchangeable.
| Certification | Issuer | Primary focus | Best for | Exam cost (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security+ | CompTIA | Threat management, security architecture, incident response | Building foundational cybersecurity knowledge | $439 |
| Network+ | CompTIA | Networking, connectivity, troubleshooting, infrastructure security | Developing networking knowledge | $399 |
| CCNA | Cisco | Network infrastructure, IP connectivity, automation | Network administration and network security | $300 |
| CEH | EC-Council | Ethical hacking, vulnerabilities, attack techniques | Offensive security and vulnerability assessment | $1,199 |
| SecAI+ | CompTIA | AI system security, AI-related threats, AI-enabled security operations | Cybersecurity professionals expanding into AI security | $298 |
Costs are US list prices for one exam attempt as of October 2026. They exclude training and study materials. Eligible ECPI students pay less because ECPI subsidizes certification exam costs.
1. CompTIA Security+: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
CompTIA Security+ is a foundational certification covering threats, vulnerabilities, risk management, security architecture, and incident response. It suits people moving from general IT into cybersecurity.
Requirements: No mandatory prerequisites. CompTIA recommends networking knowledge (such as Network+) and about two years of IT experience with a security focus.
Cost: $439 for the exam ($579 with a retake). Less for eligible ECPI students.
2. CompTIA Network+: Networking and Infrastructure
CompTIA Network+ is a foundational certification covering network architecture, IP addressing, routing and switching, troubleshooting, and network security. It suits people with limited networking experience.
Requirements: No mandatory prerequisites.
Cost: $399 for the exam ($519 with a retake). Less for eligible ECPI students.
3. Cisco CCNA: Network Infrastructure and Security
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) validates skills in IP connectivity, network access, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation. It suits aspiring network administrators and engineers.
Requirements: No formal prerequisites.
Cost: $300 for the exam. Less for eligible ECPI students.
4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Ethical Hacking
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), from EC-Council, teaches the attack techniques and vulnerability assessment methods used in authorized security testing. It suits aspiring penetration testers.
Requirements: Two years of information security work experience, or completion of official EC-Council training.
Cost: $1,199 for the exam, plus a $100 application fee if you qualify by experience. Official training costs extra.
5. CompTIA SecAI+: AI Security
CompTIA SecAI+ covers securing AI systems, responding to AI-related threats, and using AI in security operations. It suits experienced cybersecurity professionals specializing in AI security.
Requirements: No mandatory prerequisites. CompTIA recommends 3–4 years of IT experience, 2+ years of hands-on cybersecurity experience, and a certification such as Security+, CySA+, or PenTest+.
Cost: $298 for the exam.
How Do You Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification?
To choose a cybersecurity certification, weigh three factors: your current technical knowledge, the responsibilities of your target role, and the topics the exam covers. In practice:
- For beginners new to IT or security, start with Network+ or Security+.
- For network security roles, choose CCNA or Network+.
- For ethical hacking, choose CEH after building networking and security fundamentals.
- For AI security, choose SecAI+ after gaining cybersecurity experience.
Experienced professionals may also consider advanced certifications: CISSP (ISC2) covers enterprise security and requires qualifying professional experience, CISM (ISACA) covers security governance and program management, and CCSP (ISC2) covers cloud security.
How Can You Prepare for a Cybersecurity Certification Exam?
To prepare for a cybersecurity certification exam, review the official exam objectives, identify your knowledge gaps, complete relevant coursework and labs, use authorized study resources, and confirm current eligibility, fees, and renewal requirements with the issuer.
How Does ECPI University Help Students Earn Cybersecurity Certifications?
ECPI University helps students earn cybersecurity certifications by subsidizing exam costs, building certification preparation into many degree programs, and providing a dedicated Certification Hub.
- Subsidized exam costs: ECPI subsidizes certification exam costs, so eligible students pay less than the standard prices listed above. Some programs include additional vouchers or retakes. Savings, voucher availability, and retake options vary by certification and program.
- Certification-aligned coursework: Many ECPI degree programs cover topics from CompTIA, Cisco, and AWS exams. For cybersecurity students, Security+, Network+, and CCNA complement coursework in network infrastructure, security operations, and threat management.
- Certification Hub: ECPI's Certification Hub gives students preparation resources, progress tracking, and on-demand support.
- Guidance: ECPI faculty help with technical concepts, and Career Services advisors help students choose credentials that fit their goals.
Learn more at https://www.ecpi.edu/certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity Certifications
How Much Do Cybersecurity Certifications Cost?
Standard exam fees for Security+, Network+, CCNA, CEH, and SecAI+ range from about $300 to $1,199 per exam. CCNA costs $300, SecAI+ $298, Network+ $399, Security+ $439, and CEH $1,199. Eligible ECPI University students pay less because ECPI subsidizes certification exam costs, and the savings vary by certification and program.
Do You Need a Degree to Earn a Cybersecurity Certification?
You do not need a degree to earn most cybersecurity certifications. CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, and Cisco CCNA have no mandatory degree prerequisites, though some advanced or specialized certifications require professional experience or training.
Which Cybersecurity Certification Is Best for Beginners?
CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ are two certifications to consider for beginners. Network+ builds networking knowledge, while Security+ covers threat management and security operations. Beginners without networking experience may benefit from starting with Network+.
Is CompTIA Security+ Better Than Network+ for Cybersecurity?
CompTIA Security+ is more directly focused on cybersecurity than CompTIA Network+. Security+ covers threat management, security architecture, and security operations, while Network+ covers connectivity and troubleshooting, which is foundational knowledge for security work.
Is CCNA a Cybersecurity Certification?
Cisco CCNA is primarily a networking certification that includes security fundamentals, not a cybersecurity-only credential. Its networking content is relevant to protecting enterprise infrastructure.
Is CEH Suitable for Someone New to Cybersecurity?
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is generally better suited to people who already understand networking and cybersecurity fundamentals than to complete beginners. It requires two years of information security experience or official EC-Council training.
Can Cybersecurity Certifications Help You Get a Job?
Cybersecurity certifications can help candidates demonstrate technical knowledge relevant to a job, but they do not guarantee employment. Employers also weigh education, experience, demonstrated skills, and the requirements of the specific position.
Does ECPI University Include Cybersecurity Certifications in Its Degree Programs?
Yes, ECPI University aligns many degree programs with industry certifications, subsidizes exam costs for eligible students, and provides a Certification Hub with preparation resources, progress tracking, and support. Availability, costs, and voucher eligibility vary by program, and students must meet the issuer's requirements and pass the exam to earn a certification.
Develop Cybersecurity Capabilities at ECPI University
Choosing a certification that matches your target responsibilities gives you a focused path for professional development. ECPI University's cybersecurity programs pair hands-on technical education with accelerated pathways for career-focused adults, along with certification-aligned coursework, subsidized exam costs, and dedicated support.
Explore ECPI's https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/cyber-security-bachelor-degree program and https://www.ecpi.edu/certifications certification opportunities.
