Which Cybersecurity Certification Should You Get?
Answer 5 quick questions and get a personalized certification recommendation based on your experience, goals, and budget. Free, no sign-up.
Question 1 of 5
How much IT or security experience do you have?
Question 2 of 5
What is your immediate goal?
Question 3 of 5
What sounds most like you?
Question 4 of 5
Do you need a US Department of Defense approved credential?
Question 5 of 5
How much can you invest right now (exam plus prep)?
How the Certification Quiz Works
Answer five questions about your experience, goals, and budget. Each answer scores points toward Security+, Network+, CISSP, or CISA, and the quiz recommends your strongest match plus a runner-up. It takes about a minute, and every result links to a concrete next step.
Security+ vs Network+ vs CISSP vs CISA: Which Fits You
Short on time? This is the same logic the quiz uses, in one table.
| Certification | Best for | Experience needed | Typical budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | Your first cybersecurity job | None required | Under $500 |
| CompTIA Network+ | Networking fundamentals first | None required | Under $500 |
| CISSP | Security management and architecture | 5 years (4 with a degree) | $1,000+ |
| CISA | IT audit, risk, and compliance | 5 years (waivers available) | $1,000+ |
Cybersecurity Certification FAQs
Which cybersecurity certification should I get first?
For most beginners, CompTIA Security+. It is the entry-level credential employers ask for most often, it needs no prior experience, and it is approved for US Department of Defense roles. Our Security+ SY0-701 study plan walks through the full 8-week prep.
Do I need experience for Security+?
No. Unlike CISSP and CISA, which formally require around five years of experience, Security+ and Network+ have no experience requirement, which is why they are the standard starting point.
How long does certification prep take?
With an IT background, most candidates are ready in 6 to 8 weeks at about 10 hours per week. Build your schedule with our free study timetable generator.