Monday, March 23, 2020

History of Cybersecurity Certifications

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing career fields in the world. Job seekers, career switchers, and hiring managers alike need a fast but rigorous way to qualify candidates for jobs. Certifications prepare cybersecurity specialists for jobs and help companies determine which candidates are best qualified for their open positions.
How are cybersecurity certifications different from degrees?

Colleges and universities award academic degrees in cybersecurity or related fields. Typically, students earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. An associate degree usually requires 60-75 hours with about 15-30 of those credits in the field. Bachelor’s degrees often require 120-130 hours and may have a major in cybersecurity or a major in computer science with a specialization in cybersecurity. A master’s degree typically requires 30-36 credits and may have extensive admissions requirements.

Certifications, on the other hand, are not awarded at the conclusion of an academic program. Instead, prospects have to pass a rigorous examination to earn their certificates. CompTIA, a private membership and education agency, now offers most of the recognized cybersecurity certificates. Typically, people earn certificates as a way to launch a career in cybersecurity without paying the high price tag and enduring long time frame of a degree. IT degree holders may also seek certification to demonstrate skills in new areas.

Certifications do make a difference. IT professionals with certifications gain skills that enable them to perform more quickly, easily and confidently, which often translates into higher salaries. If you’re new to the IT security field and seeking to validate your skills to current or prospective employers, then the CompTIA Security+ is a great vendor-neutral credential that will add value to your certification portfolio. On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned security professional, you may want to take a closer look at the CISM or CISSP, since these certifications are a better fit for experienced security professionals.

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