Why go through with the cyber security certification courses, cheap cyber security certification?
I recall how I was introduced to the world of cybersecurity: I was lost in the jungle of abbreviations: CISSP, CEH, OSCP, GIAC, all of which cost a fortune. However, there exists true merit in making the correct certification:
- It serves as an indication to the employer (particularly the HR) that you are serious.
- It also compels you to organize your education- no straying through the various YouTube videos.
- It provides you with a subject of discussion in interviews (Yes, I studied to take the Security exam).
- It can assist you to receive a salary increase or a promotion after gaining some experience.
With that said: affordable cyber security certifications are no longer unimaginable. You do not even need the most expensive cert to be taken. It only takes the right strategy.
Why is a cyber security certification course good ?
My criteria (which I would advise you to evaluate also) before I consider listing certs before I do so are:
| Criterion | Why it matters | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| Industry recognition / employer acceptance | A cert that nobody cares about won’t help in interviews. | See job postings in your region: do they ask for Security+, CEH, CISSP, etc.? |
| Hands-on / labs / simulations | Cybersecurity is not theory only you need practice. | The course must include labs, real exercises, or virtual environments. |
| Reasonable cost & renewal burden | Some certs are cheap upfront but expensive to maintain. | Look at exam fees + recertification costs. |
| Pre-requisites / experience level | Don’t pick something way ahead of your current ability. | If you’re new, start with entry-level ones. |
| Pathway to advanced certs | You want something that scales with you. | E.g. getting Security+ first, then moving to PenTest+ or CEH. |
My suggested courses of cyber security certification courses, affordable cyber security certifications
These are the certs I would personally strive, depending upon my career stage. I have then classified them into friendly-to-beginner and more advanced.
1. CompTIA Security+
- Why I prefer it: It is one of the entry level certs that are available and many employers have it in the job requirements. edX.
- Cost: Around US$425 for the exam (SY0-701). StationX
- Maintenance / repair: approximately 50/yr or 3 years.
- What it is testing: Network security, threat management, risk, architecture, operations, compliance.
- My experience: As I initially studied to take the Security+, when I passed, I had an impression that I had some foundation to base additional studies on. It was admired by many interviewers in the local job markets that I had applied.
2. Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Are Microsoft Certified (SC-900)
- Rationale: It is comparatively light-weight in terms of requirements, the material is modern cloud/security basics, and it is low-cost. ITU Online IT Training.
- Cost: ~$99 (no expiration). StationX
- Best suited: In case you already use the Microsoft or Azure environment, or wish to demonstrate some crossover between cloud and security.
3. Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Google offered through Coursera)
My recommendation: This will provide an organization to many people with a structure and a way into security without a big initial expenditure. Research.com, IT Pro
Cost: ~$49/month on Coursera. It is less than 200, in case you complete in 3 months.
Why it is great: Project based, modules, known by certain recruiters.
Caveat: It is a training to certification path; the certification is Google Certificate, not necessarily industry standard but it forms a solid foundation.
4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Why: This is a well-known badge in most markets coupled with a desire to enter into penetration testing or red teaming.edX
- Price: The highest cost is US1199 (or even less depending on the area/promos) plus training expenses. StationX
- Pre-requisite: Complete 2 years of work experience in the area of security, or complete EC-Council official training. Coursera.
- It is more progressive and thus I would suggest you to get in experience or to get good foundation certs.
5. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Why: The gold standard of real-life hacking/penetration testing. You are actually showing yourself here.
- Cost: Expensive (you pay lab access + exam).
- Difficulty: Very intense. You must by all means be well-founded (networks, Linux, scripting) before you venture.
- My opinion: I had tried labs during a simulation when I was studying it. It was savage but when you win they admire you in the game.
6. High-level / managerial certifications: CISSP, CISM, CCSP, etc
- These work well later on in the career, particularly when you desire to be in leadership positions, strategy, or risk.
- However, these are not to begin with since they may need years of experience and can be highly expensive.
How to choose the best one to you (there is no universal one)
I will take you through my selection process, and you can make an adaptation.
1. Evaluate your prior experience
When you are new (have a small amount of IT experience or networking), then Security+ or a basic one such as SC-900.
In case you have already 1-2 years of experience in IT or security, consider intermediate certs or CEH.
In case you are already a middle-level security individual, OSCP or management certs.
2. Check demand of your job market
Look in the adverts in Sri Lanka (or your country): are there Security+ adverts? CEH? CISSP?
That is what informs you what ones will assist you in getting interviews.
3. Factor cost + return
Better ROI than a 1500 cert that no one will listen to is a $400 exam that can get you a job.
Check recertification or renewal costs (some certs are high in the future).
4. Blend a training path + examination preparation
I would enroll in an organized training course (live or self-study) which also involves labs and exams. Do not simply purchase the exam voucher and dive into deep water.
5. Plan a roadmap
Roadmap that I would develop myself:
- Month 1-3: Pass security +.
- Month 4-6: Do Google Cybersecurity Certificate or Microsoft SC-900.
- Month 7-12: CEH or OSCP (preparation in case my skills are in good shape)
- Year 2-3: Advance to CISSP / managerial certification (as desired).
In this manner, you develop naturally without getting exhausted and wasting money.
The most frequently asked questions of me
Q: Is it possible to use free resources and YouTube and save money on training?
- Yes, many people do. However, the difficulty is structure, discipline and directed feedback. That is why having a nice course of cyber security training certification works - particularly when it has laboratories and assessments. Free stuff should be used as a complement, but never as a solution.
Q: Do online certs have lower importance than the face-to-face ones?
- Not so but so long as the cert has a reputation. Most of the large certification exams are currently examined online. It does not matter the way you studied but the giving of the certification by the body.
Q: What is your time to clear one of these certs?
- Depends on your background. To an average IT knowledgeable person, Security + may require 2-3 months of studying. More developed ones such as OSCP may require 6 or more months. The certificate provided by Google is paid on the basis of a month (approximately 49/month) hence when you approximate 2-4 months it will give you the approximate bill.
Q: But I cannot even afford the so-called affordable certs?
- Free or very low resources are available. As an illustration, EC-Council offers beginner courses in cyber security which are free of charge. EC-Council Also, SANS also offers free introductory materials (e.g. SEC275). SANS Institute. Get them to start your foundation, and then make a savings towards a more serious cert.
My personal experience: the way I have decided on my first cybersecurity certification
My initial employment was a general IT position. I was confused, all the ads I liked required either Security certification or experience. I would read blogs and would look at dozens of cert options, but the prices were scaring me.
I consider the Security+ as my initial big bet:
- It was tolerable in most of the employment advertisements.
- It was not insane as compared to the expenses that I would save.
- There was no memorizing but learning the topics.
When I had my first job interviews after passing it I was an amazed witness of how many people had asked me: Oh, you have Security+ good, that means that you know basics. That had opened the doors where I had not expected them to open. Subsequently, I went off-road into more specialization certs.
Concluding: which course is the most appropriate in cyber security certification?
No one can say that in all cases the best wins out. But in my view:
- In case you are just beginning: security+ (or SC-900) + a structured training course is the best.
- In case of your desire to hack / offensive paths: design CEH or OSCP, when you already feel the ground.
- Never assume what certs employers desire in your area.
- Create a roadmap: you can not do it all at once.
- Get free and cheap materials to squeeze the most out of your budget.
Upon request, I can excavate affordable cyber security certification courses in Sri Lanka, and find out what the prices are in your area, and assist you in selecting one which you can currently afford to enroll in. Do you want me to pull that?
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