CERTIFICATION DIRECTORY Cybersecurity Certifications Guide & Free Practice Tests 2026
Explore your next path.
Complete cybersecurity certification roadmap: Security+, CISSP, CEH, OSCP, CISM, CISA, CRISC. Find the right security cert for your career.
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Cybersecurity Certifications Guide & Free Practice Tests 2026
Complete cybersecurity certification roadmap for security professionals
About Cybersecurity Certifications
Cybersecurity certifications validate your expertise in protecting organizations from cyber threats. With the cybersecurity skills gap widening, certified professionals command premium salaries—CISSP holders average $130,000+ annually.
Cybersecurity Career Progression
Build expertise from entry-level security to leadership roles:
- ✓ Entry: CompTIA Security+ (Security fundamentals)
- ✓ Practitioner: CEH or OSCP (Hands-on security testing)
- ✓ Management: CISSP, CISM, or CISA (Security leadership)
- ✓ Specialized: CRISC (Risk management) or CCSP (Cloud security)
Available Cybersecurity Certifications
CompTIA Security+
Entry-level security certification covering threats, vulnerabilities, and risk management.
CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. It establishes core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
CompTIA CySA+
Cybersecurity analyst certification for threat detection and response.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) validates your ability to detect and respond to security incidents through continuous security monitoring. It bridges the gap between Security+ and advanced certifications like CASP+ or CISSP.
CISSP
Gold standard for security management and leadership roles.
(ISC)² CISSP is the world's premier cybersecurity certification for experienced security professionals. It validates expertise across all domains of cybersecurity and is required for many senior security positions.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
Ethical hacking and penetration testing certification.
OSCP
Hands-on penetration testing certification with practical exam.
CISM
Information security management for leadership roles.
CISA
Information systems auditing certification.
CRISC
IT risk management and control certification.
CCSP
Cloud security certification from ISC2.
Popular Comparisons
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Access free practice tests for all cybersecurity certifications.
Start Security+ Practice TestOverview and next steps
Complete cybersecurity certification roadmap including Security+, CISSP, CEH, OSCP, CISM, CISA, and CRISC. Find the right security cert for your career.
Compare Certifications
| Certification | Difficulty | Study Time | Avg Salary | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | Intermediate | 3-4 months | $70,000 - $95,000 | $392 | Practice Test |
| CompTIA CySA+ | Intermediate | 3-5 months | $85,000 - $115,000 | $392 | Practice Test |
| CISSP | Expert | 6-12 months | $120,000 - $160,000 | $749 | Practice Test |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Intermediate | 3-6 months | $90,000 - $120,000 | $1,199 (includes training) or $950 (exam only) | Practice Test |
| OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) | Expert | 6-12 months | $95,000 - $130,000 | $1,649 (includes 90 days lab access + exam) | Practice Test |
| CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) | Expert | 6-9 months | $125,000 - $160,000 | $575 (ISACA member) or $760 (non-member) | Practice Test |
| CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) | Advanced | 6-9 months | $110,000 - $145,000 | $575 (ISACA member) or $760 (non-member) | Practice Test |
| CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) | Advanced | 6-9 months | $115,000 - $150,000 | $575 (ISACA member) or $760 (non-member) | Practice Test |
| CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) | Advanced | 4-6 months | $130,000 - $165,000 | $599 | Practice Test |
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker validates your knowledge of hacker tools, techniques, and methodologies. It's designed for security professionals who want to understand how to think like a hacker to better defend systems.
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
OSCP is the most respected hands-on penetration testing certification. It requires 24 hours of live exploitation in a controlled environment, proving real-world pentesting skills.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
ISACA's CISM is designed for experienced professionals who manage, design, and oversee an enterprise's information security program. It's the preferred certification for security managers and aspiring CISOs.
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
ISACA's CISA is the world-renowned certification for information systems audit, control, and security professionals. It validates expertise in auditing, compliance, and assurance.
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
ISACA's CRISC validates your expertise in identifying and managing enterprise IT risk and implementing and maintaining information systems controls. It's designed for IT risk management professionals.
CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
(ISC)² CCSP demonstrates advanced technical skills and knowledge to design, manage, and secure data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud. It's the premier cloud security certification.
Certification Comparisons
Not sure which certification to pursue? Compare certifications side-by-side.
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Additional details from the guide
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- Last updated: January 1, 2026