Security Service Providers

The Top 6 IT Security Certification Providers

Explore the Top 6 IT Security Certification Providers offering industry-recognized certifications and training programs to validate and enhance cybersecurity skills and expertise.

The Top 6 IT Security Certification Providers include:
  • 1. Cisco Certifications
  • 2. CompTIA Certifications
  • 3. GIAC Certifications
  • 4. ISACA Certifications
  • 5. ISC2 Cybersecurity Certifications
  • 6. OffSec

IT security certifications are globally recognized credentials that validate an individual’s expertise in different areas of cybersecurity. An essential requirement for most IT security roles today, IT security certifications are provided by prominent certifying bodies that design programs to train professionals with up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

These programs cover a range of cybersecurity topics, including network security, cloud security, penetration testing, ethical hacking, forensics, and encryption, among others. Being certified not only increases competitiveness in the job market, but it also ensures that professionals are adequately equipped to protect organizations’ networks and digital assets.

Certifying bodies offering IT security certifications operate in stringent, highly regulated environments, and their certifications are considered authoritative benchmarks in the industry. These certifications are often tiered from foundational to expert level, offering progressive expertise and insights into the different aspects of the cybersecurity field. 

In this guide, we’ll present the top six IT security certification providers. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous programs and comprehensive certification tracks, which make them popular choices among security professionals and employers worldwide. We will explore each provider’s certification courses, exam details, and recognition and value in the industry.

Cisco Logo

Cisco Certifications are recognized and established IT training experiences, created to verify and enhance IT skills. The program, which has already certified over 4 million individuals, offers various levels of training tailored to suit both beginners and professionals.

The Cisco Certification program offers four levels of certification: Entry, Associate, Professional, and Expert. Entry is aimed at those just beginning their networking career, while the Associate level is designed for those seeking to advance in their career by mastering essential IT skills. The Professional level allows for further specialization in core technology tracks, while the Expert level is reserved for those striving to achieve the highest level of certification.

Cisco offers resources to streamline certification preparation, such as Learning Paths that guide you through suitable courses and labs. There are also assessments to verify learning progress. To maintain the value of certification, Cisco has a Continuing Education program which allows for continuous learning and renewal of certification every three years.

In summary, Cisco Certifications provide a comprehensive route to IT skill verification and enhancement, catering for different career stages and interests. With their additional resources and ongoing education program, they ensure current and applicable knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of IT.

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CompTIA Logo

CompTIA certifications offer a robust framework for IT professional development. Spanning from foundational knowledge, like the A+ certification, through to specialized skill paths including cybersecurity, data analytics, and infrastructure, there are certifications tailored to various IT career trajectories. Additional professional skills certifications enhance your career by focusing on areas such as project management and training.

CompTIA’s certifications cover broad topics such as operating systems, security, and networking. Specialized pathways like cybersecurity provide practical skills to protect organizations from cyber threats. Meanwhile, the data analytics pathway fosters the ability to make informed business decisions based on data.

In addition to technical training, CompTIA offers resources to guide your journey. The CompTIA Career Pathway and CompTIA Career Roadmap help shape your learning to fit your career ambitions, and the program also offers exam objectives and practice test questions to better prepare you for the certification exams.

Overall, CompTIA certifications offer a comprehensive way to deepen your IT expertise. From understanding the science behind computer hardware and software to advanced skills in areas like cybersecurity and cloud computing, CompTIA offers a solid platform for developing professional IT skills.

CompTIA Logo
GIAC Logo

GIAC Certifications are cyber security qualifications recognized worldwide for their high standard and rigorous evaluation process. Known for delivering assurance of advanced knowledge and skills, these certifications cater to diverse sectors, including corporate, government, and military entities.

GIAC offers two categories of certifications to cater to varying professional needs. GIAC Practitioner Certifications emphasize foundational skills within Information Security, available across over forty subject areas. The Applied Knowledge Certifications are designed for experienced professionals, testing hands-on skills and proficiency in practical scenarios via a virtual machine environment.

Beyond these, GIAC also offers Portfolio Certifications, allowing candidates to compile their credentials and showcase their diverse expertise. From establishing themselves as GIAC Security Professionals (GSPs), candidates can set sights on the pinnacle certification, the GIAC Security Expert (GSE).

In summary, GIAC Certifications provide a robust framework to validate and enhance cyber security skills. From foundational proficiency to expert-level knowledge, the versatile range of certifications is designed to meet the varied needs of Information Security professionals worldwide.

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ISACA Logo

ISACA Certifications offer specialized credentials catering to IT professionals seeking to validate their expertise and knowledge in various disciplines. These certifications cover a range of topics, including information systems audit, information security management, risk and information systems control, and enterprise IT governance.

ISACA offers a range of certifications. The Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA) is recognized globally and particularly useful for professionals involved in auditing, monitoring, and controlling information technology and business systems. The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM) is sought after by professionals looking to gain expertise in information security governance and incident management. The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control™ (CRISC) helps professionals specializing in identifying and managing IT risk. Other certification offerings include CDPSE, which focuses on implementing privacy laws into IT systems, and CGEIT, which helps professionals design, implement, and manage enterprise IT governance systems. Once learners have achieved their accreditation, they can showcase their abilities online and share their achievements with peers and potential employers, thanks to ISACA’s digital badges, which are managed by Acclaim.

Overall, ISACA Certifications offer a structured pathway for IT professionals looking to advance their careers and credibility in the field by demonstrating proficiency in increasingly specialized areas of information technology.

ISACA Logo
ISC2 Logo

ISC2 is an internationally recognized association offering credible cybersecurity certifications. These include widely acknowledged certifications that are recognized globally as industry-standard achievements essential for every cybersecurity career phase. Securing an ISC2 certification enables cybersecurity professionals to validate their competencies and abilities, while providing assurance to organizations and government agencies that they are well-equipped to protect their critical data.

ISC2 offers an array of specialized certifications like CISSP, CCSP, CGRC, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, and CSSLP, catering to various facets of cybersecurity. These certifications aim to build capabilities across different security areas such as cloud security, information systems security management, and secure software life cycle management.

ISC2 provides multiple learning routes to cater to each individual’s unique learning style. You can learn at your convenience through online self-paced training or online instructor-led programs, which offer easy access to an ISC2-authorized instructor. There’s also a classroom-based training option for those who prefer interactive sessions with instructors and fellow students.

In summary, ISC2 presents a holistic suite of globally recognized cybersecurity certifications that elevate individual capabilities and build trust among employers. Whether you prefer self-paced learning or thrive in a classroom setting, ISC2 caters to diverse learning preferences. An ISC2 certification not only strengthens your knowledge base but also substantiates your ability to safeguard businesses from cyber threats.

ISC2 Logo
OffSec Logo

OffSec offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity training solutions with the objective of helping organizations and individuals tackle cyber threats effectively. Their training services are delivered online and include an extensive Learning Library, targeted Learning Paths, and the exclusive OffSec Cyber Range. Each course is underpinned by practical applications and real-world scenarios to offer a comprehensive understanding of various threat landscapes.

OffSec’s Learning Library empowers technical teams with practical knowledge and the skills to identify and protect against vulnerabilities. The library covers a wide range of topics, from entry-level to advanced specializations such as penetration testing, web application security, security operations, exploit development, cloud security, and software security.

Their solution also offers Learning Paths, where team members can hone specific skills through small, focused blocks of content. This includes subjects like “Network Penetration Testing Essentials,” “Security Operations Essentials,” “IT Generalist – Advanced”, and coding language focus with “Get Good at Python”. Apart from the explicit course content, the strength of OffSec lies in its emphasis on practical, hands-on experiences, delivered via the OffSec Cyber Range (OCR). This provides teams with the experience of conducting fire drills in realistic virtual labs.

Overall, OffSec delivers an all-embracing cybersecurity training suite. It enables technical teams to develop practical, in-depth skills, providing a distinctive competitive edge while also facilitating efficient and effective threat protection.

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The Top 6 IT Security Certification Providers