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.

Last updated on Apr 23, 2024

Written by Mirren McDade

Technical review by Laura Iannini

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 Certifications

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.

CompTIA Certifications

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.

GIAC Certifications

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.

ISACA Certifications

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.

ISC2 Cybersecurity Certifications

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.

OffSec

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.

The Top 6 IT Security Certification Providers

Everything You Need to Know About IT Security Certification Providers (FAQs)

What Are IT Security Certification Providers?

IT Security Certification Providers are organizations or institutions that offer professional certification courses aimed at validating an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in various IT security domains. They enable IT professionals to credibly demonstrate their expertise in fields such as cybersecurity, information security management, network security, and forensic investigation, and they give employers the confidence that their IT teams are well-equipped to protect the organization’s data.

How Do IT Security Certification Providers Work?

IT Security Certification Providers create and deliver specialized courses that project real-world scenarios and tasks to test an individual’s knowledge and skill in certain IT security domains. This includes providing learning resources, conducting training sessions, administering examinations, and granting certifications upon successful completion. Most providers offer graded certification levels ranging from beginner to advanced depending on the complexity and depth of the content matter.

What Are The Benefits Of IT Security Certification Providers?

The benefits of obtaining a certification from an IT Security Certification Provider include:

Validating Knowledge and Skills: A certification stands as evidence of your knowledge and skills in the respective IT security area
Career Advancement: Certified professionals may have an upper hand during job recruitments, job retention, and promotions
Increased Earnings: Certified professionals often attract higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts
Professional Networking: It provides an opportunity to connect with a community of certified professionals, fostering networking and potential collaborations
Continuous Learning: It encourages continuous learning and staying up to date, which is crucial in a fast-paced field like IT security

What Features Should You Look For In An IT Security Certification Provider?

When choosing an IT Security Certification Provider, certain features should be considered to ensure you receive a valuable, comprehensive, and recognized certification:

Accreditation: The provider should be accredited by global standards and recognized by industry experts.
Course Content: Relevant, up-to-date, and comprehensive course content that covers major aspects of IT security.
Examination: Rigorous examination process to truly assess your knowledge and skills.
Training Resources: Adequate resources for self-study, including guides, tutorials, videos, and practice tests.
Support: Access to a network of professionals or a forum where queries can be asked and experiences can be shared.
Career Advancements: The certification should be aligned with your career goals and help in potential job advancements or promotions.

Mirren McDade

Senior Journalist & Content Writer

Mirren McDade is a senior writer and journalist at Expert Insights, spending each day researching, writing, editing and publishing content, covering a variety of topics and solutions, and interviewing industry experts. She is an experienced copywriter with a background in a range of industries, including cloud business technologies, cloud security, information security and cyber security, and has conducted interviews with several industry experts. Mirren holds a First Class Honors degree in English from Edinburgh Napier University.

Laura Iannini

Cybersecurity Analyst

Laura Iannini is an Information Security Engineer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida. Laura has experience with a variety of cybersecurity platforms and leads technical reviews of leading solutions. She conducts thorough product tests to ensure that Expert Insights’ reviews are definitive and insightful.