In 2025, cybersecurity remains a top priority for enterprises as the demand for cybersecurity experts continues to surge due to the increasing frequency of cyberattacks. According to data from Cyberseek, there were 457,000 cybersecurity job openings in the U.S. in January 2025.
For those looking to enhance their cybersecurity careers or venture into the field, obtaining cybersecurity certifications has proven to be invaluable. These certifications not only help individuals secure jobs but also boost their careers and provide protection against job loss. To assist aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals, a guide has been compiled listing the top 10 cybersecurity certifications that are highly regarded in the industry.
The list begins with entry-level and management-track certifications and progresses to offensive security certifications for individuals involved in hands-on penetration testing and ethical hacking. Additionally, the guide includes a section on the top vendor-specific certifications that security professionals typically need a mix of all three types of certifications for management training, hands-on experience, and vendor/product-specific knowledge.
A diverse range of individuals within the security industry, including course providers, consultants, professors, and leading trade groups and certification providers, were consulted in curating this list. The certifications highlighted in the guide have been recommended by those with expertise and experience in the cybersecurity field.
Among the certifications featured in the guide are the CompTIA Security+, ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EC-Council CEH (Practical), CompTIA PenTest+, Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), and Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge (CCAK).
Each certification program has its own unique set of requirements, exam formats, and pricing structures. Additionally, the guide includes information on the jobs typically held by individuals who have obtained these certifications, providing insight into the career opportunities available to cybersecurity professionals.
Overall, cybersecurity certifications play a crucial role in the advancement and success of individuals in the cybersecurity field, and selecting the right certifications can help professionals achieve their career goals while also contributing to the overall security landscape of organizations in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment.