Elevate your career in information security with these in-demand credentials.
Cybersecurity protects computers, networks, and data from theft, damage, loss, or unauthorised access.
As interconnectivity increases, so do the opportunities for bad actors to steal, damage, or disrupt. The rise in cybercrime has fueled a demand for cybersecurity professionals. In the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study that surveyed 15,852 global cybersecurity practitioners, 90 percent of respondents found that getting a cybersecurity certification before their first cybersecurity job was beneficial for their career, and 65 percent agreed that cybersecurity certifications are the best way to demonstrate knowledge of cybersecurity concepts [1].
Whilst most cybersecurity professionals have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, many companies prefer candidates who also have a certification to validate knowledge of best practices. There are many certifications available, from general to vendor-specific, entry-level to advanced.
Before choosing which certification to earn, it’s important to find one that will give you a competitive advantage in your career. If you're just starting in cybersecurity, consider an entry-level credential, like the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. You can build job-ready skills in less than six months while earning a shareable certificate from an industry leader.
*All base salaries represent average base salaries in India from Glassdoor as of June 2025.
The CISSP certification from the cybersecurity professional organisation ISC2 ranks among the most sought-after credentials in the industry. Earning your CISSP certification demonstrates that you’re experienced in IT security and capable of designing, implementing, and monitoring a cybersecurity programme.
This advanced certification is for experienced security professionals looking to advance their careers in roles like:
Chief information security officer: ₹63,00,000
Security administrator: ₹9,00,000
IT security engineer: ₹8,00,000
Senior security consultant: ₹14,00,000
Requirements to qualify for the CISSP exam: You’ll need five years of cumulative work experience in at least two of the eight cybersecurity domains. A four-year degree in computer science or an approved credential might satisfy one year of work experience. Part-time work and paid internships also count. The eight domains include:
Security and risk management
Asset security
Security architecture and engineering
Communication and network security
Identity and access management
Security assessment and testing
Security operations
Software development security
Cost: 749 USD [2]
If you're new to cybersecurity and lack the necessary experience, you can still take the exam to become an Associate of ISC2. Once you pass the exam, you'll then have six years to build the relevant experience for full CISSP certification.
This credential from the professional IT association ISACA helps demonstrate your expertise in assessing security vulnerabilities, designing and implementing controls, and reporting on compliance. It’s among the most recognised certifications for careers in cybersecurity auditing.
The CISA is designed for mid-level IT professionals looking to advance into jobs like:
IT audit manager: ₹23,00,000
Information security analyst: ₹7,00,000
IT security engineer: ₹8,00,000
IT project manager: ₹14,00,000
Compliance programme manager: ₹24,00,000
Requirements: You need at least five years of experience in IT or information security (IS) audit, control, security, or assurance. A degree can be substituted for years of experience.
Cost: 575 USD for members, 760 USD for non-members [3]
With the CISM certification, also from ISACA, you can validate your expertise in the management side of information security, including topics like governance; program development; and program, incident, and risk management.
If you’re looking to pivot from the technical to the managerial side of cybersecurity, earning your CISM certification could be a good choice. Jobs that use the CISM include:
IT manager: ₹12,00,000
Information systems security officer: ₹13,00,000
Director of information security: ₹36,00,000
Data governance manager: ₹30,00,000
Requirements to take the CISM exam:
At least five years of experience in information security management
You may satisfy up to two years of this requirement with general information security experience or waive one or two years with another certification in good standing or a degree in an information security-related field
Cost: 575 USD for members, 760 USD for non-members [4]
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level security certification that validates the core skills needed in any cybersecurity role. With this certification, you can demonstrate your ability to assess the security of an organisation; monitor and secure cloud, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT) environments; understand laws and regulations related to risk and compliance; and identify and respond to security incidents.
Earning your Security+ certification can help you in roles such as:
Systems administrator: ₹5,00,000
Help desk manager: ₹4,80,000
Security engineer: ₹8,00,000
Cloud engineer: ₹6,00,000
Security administrator: ₹9,00,000
IT auditor: ₹8,00,000
Software developer: ₹6,00,000
Requirements: Whilst there are no strict requirements for taking the Security+ exam, you’re encouraged to earn your Network+ certification first and gain at least two years of IT experience with a security focus.
Cost: 425 USD [5]
If you’re just getting started in information technology (IT), you might consider getting your Google IT Support Professional Certificate first. You’ll build foundational skills in IT whilst preparing to pass the CompTIA A+ exams—the first step in the CompTIA certification path.
Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red team, involves lawfully hacking organisations to try and uncover vulnerabilities before malicious players do. The EC-Council offers the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. Earn it to demonstrate your skills in penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention.
The CEH certification helps you to think like a hacker and take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. Consider this certification for jobs like:
Penetration tester: ₹6,00,000
Threat intelligence analyst: ₹6,00,000
Cloud security architect: ₹19,00,000
Cybersecurity engineer: ₹8,00,000
Requirements: You can take the CEH exam if you have two years of work experience in information security or complete an official EC-Council training.
Cost: 1,699 USD [6]
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) is an entry-level security credential for those with some information systems and networking background. Earning this credential validates your skills in security tasks such as active defence, network security, cryptography, incident response, and cloud security.
Consider taking the GSEC exam if you have some background in IT and wish to move into cybersecurity. Job roles that use the skills demonstrated by the GSEC include:
IT security manager: ₹16,50,000
Computer forensic analyst: ₹6,00,000
Penetration tester: ₹6,00,000
Security administrator: ₹9,00,000
IT auditor: ₹8,00,000
Software development engineer: ₹14,00,000
Requirements: There are no specific requirements to take the GSEC exam. First, set yourself up for success by gaining some information systems or computer networking experience.
Cost: 999 USD [7]
GIAC also offers the Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) as its entry-level certification for those new to IT. If you're still gaining experience with networking and information systems, this could be a good place to start.
With this intermediate security credential from ISC2, you can show employers that you have the skills to design, implement, and monitor a secure IT infrastructure. The exam tests expertise in access controls; risk identification and analysis; security administration; incident response; cryptography; and network, communications, systems, and application security.
The SSCP is designed for IT professionals working hands-on with an organisation’s security systems or assets. This credential is appropriate for positions like:
Network security engineer: ₹6,00,000
System administrator: ₹5,00,000
Systems engineer: ₹4,00,000
Security analyst: ₹6,00,000
Database administrator: ₹7,00,000
Security consultant: ₹8,00,000
Requirements: Candidates for the SSCP need at least one year of paid work experience in one or more of the testing areas. This can also be satisfied with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a cybersecurity-related programme.
Cost: 249 USD [8]
The SecurityX certification (formerly CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner or CASP+) is designed for cybersecurity professionals who demonstrate advanced skills but want to continue working in technology (as opposed to management). The exam covers advanced topics like enterprise security domain, risk analysis, software vulnerability, securing cloud and virtualisation technologies, and cryptographic techniques.
The SecurityX certification can open up opportunities for advanced architecture, risk management, and enterprise security integration roles. Possible job titles include:
Security architect: ₹22,00,000
Security engineer: ₹8,00,000
Application security engineer: ₹10,90,000
Technical lead analyst: ₹12,00,000
Vulnerability analyst: ₹8,00,000
Requirements: While there’s no formal prerequisite for taking the SecurityX exam, CompTIA recommends it only for experienced cybersecurity professionals with at least 10 years of IT administration experience (including five years of broad hands-on experience with security).
Cost: 529 USD [9]
Earning the GCIH validates your understanding of offensive operations, including common attack techniques and vectors, and your ability to detect, respond, and defend against attacks. The certification exam covers incident handling, computer crime investigation, hacker exploits, and hacker tools.
This certification is meant for anyone working in incident response. Job titles might include:
Security architect: ₹22,00,000
System administrator: ₹5,00,000
Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for taking the GCIH exam, though it’s a good idea to have an understanding of security principles, networking protocols, and the Windows Command Line.
Cost: 999 USD [7]
The OSCP from OffSec has become one of the most sought-after certifications for penetration testers. The exam tests your ability to compromise a series of target machines using multiple exploitation steps and produce detailed penetration test reports for each attack.
The OSCP is a good option for jobs like:
Penetration tester: ₹6,00,000
Ethical hacker: ₹5,00,000
Threat researcher: ₹9,00,000
Application security analyst: ₹5,00,000
Requirements: There are no formal requirements to take the exam. OffSec recommends familiarity with TCP/IP networking, Linux, Bash scripting, Python, and Windows.
Cost: 1,699 USD with two exam attempts [10]
Earning a certification in cybersecurity can validate your hard-earned skills and help you advance your career. Here are some things to consider when choosing which certification is right for you.
Your level of experience: Start with a certification that matches your current skill set. Invest in a certification you know you can achieve, and use it to advance towards more challenging certifications later in your career. If you're new to IT, look at beginner IT certifications and certificates.
Cost: Getting certified typically costs several thousand rupees (or more), plus the additional fees to maintain it. The right certification can open up better job prospects or higher salaries, but investing wisely is important.
Tip: Some employers will help pay for your certification, so it's always a good idea to ask first. According to the 2025 Pearson VUE Value of IT Certification report, 84 percent of respondents from India said that their employers increased investments in IT skills training and certifications between 2022 and 2024, with employer-sponsored training being more prevalent in India compared to other surveyed regions [10].
Area of focus: If you’re just getting started in cybersecurity or want to move into a managerial role, a more general certification might be a good choice. As you advance in your career, you might decide to specialise. A certification in your concentration area can validate your skills to potential employers.
Potential employers: Check some job listings of employers you may want to work for (or job titles you plan to apply for) to see what certifications are commonly required.
Many of the most coveted certifications require or recommend some previous experience in cybersecurity or IT. If your career goals include a job in this in-demand industry, there are some steps you can take now to start gaining the experience you need.
Whilst you don’t always need a degree to enjoy a successful career in cybersecurity, it can help you build a strong foundation. Many of the most prestigious certifications will waive some work experience requirements if you’ve earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Hands-on experience is often the most effective way to prepare for certification exams. Start accumulating work experience with an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst. Many cybersecurity professionals start off in more general IT roles.
Enhance your resume and make yourself more attractive to hiring managers with a certificate that doesn’t require previous experience. Start building job-ready skills in cybersecurity with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. Get hands-on experience with industry tools and examine real-world case studies, all at your own pace. Upon completion, you’ll have a certificate for your resume and be prepared to explore job titles like security analyst, SOC (security operations centre) analyst, and more.
Getting a cybersecurity certification typically involves passing an exam (sometimes multiple exams). Some certifications also require you to sign a code of ethics. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete a specified amount of continuing education.
The length of time you’ll need to prepare for a certification exam will depend on what you already know and what you’ll need to learn. Preparing could take anywhere from a week to several months (assuming you meet the work prerequisites).
If you're just starting out in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate to build foundational skills and get hands-on experience to get you job-ready in six months or less.
You probably won’t need to know how to code for most entry-level cybersecurity jobs. Reading and understanding code becomes increasingly helpful as you advance in the field. Some programming languages you might consider learning include JavaScript, HTML, Python, C, and C++.
If you’re interested in computers, networks, and how they work, a career in cybersecurity could be a good fit for you. Jobs in the field tend to be in demand and high-paying. For example, the average base salary for an information security analyst in India is ₹7,44,000 per year [11].
The skills, practices, and technologies you’ll use as a cybersecurity professional will continue to evolve along with computer and network technology. The desire to learn, ability to problem solve, and attention to detail will serve you well in this field. Other, more technical skills and technologies to learn include:
ISC2. "2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2024/10/ISC2-2024-Cybersecurity-Workforce-Study." Accessed 30 June 2025.
ISC2. “CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional, https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cissp” Accessed 30 June 2025.
ISACA. “CISA, https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa#register.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
ISACA. “CISM, https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism#register.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
CompTIA. “Security+, https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security/.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
EC-Council. “Certified Ethical Hacker v13, https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh-v13-north-america/.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
GIAC Certifications. “Cybersecurity Certifications: Pricing, https://www.giac.org/pricing/.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
ISC2. “SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner, https://www.isc2.org/register-for-exam/isc2-exam-pricing.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
CompTIA. “SecurityX, https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/securityx/.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
OffSec. “OSCP+ standalone exam, https://www.offsec.com/products/oscp-plus/.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
Pearson VUE. “2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report, https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/voc/pearson-vue-2025-value-of-certification-report.pdf." Accessed 30 June 2025.
Glassdoor. “Information Security Analyst salaries in India, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/information-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm?clickSource=searchBtn.” Accessed 30 June 2025.
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.