Leading Security Certifications To Earn In 2025
At Accumentum, we understand that finding your way through the complex landscape of the IT sector can be challenging. Yet, obtaining premier cybersecurity certifications can dramatically enhance your career path.
Curious about which certifications are worth pursuing in cybersecurity? To assist in plotting out your educational journey, we’ve assembled a selection of top-tier information security certifications for 2025, suitable for everyone from novices to seasoned experts. Here’s a quick overview of the certifications we’ll explore:
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA CASP+ (SecurityX)
EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
We’ve gauged the importance of these certifications using several key factors: employment prospects, potential earnings, and above all, their appeal to employers, as per our detailed analysis.
Let’s explore some of the leading cybersecurity certifications you might consider earning in 2025, and understand why they stand out in the field. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to assess these certification programs effectively, helping you choose one that matches your career aspirations and skill level.
The CompTIA Security+ certification underwent an update in November 2023, with the prior SY0-601 version phasing out in July 2024. This certification acts as an entry-level benchmark for those new to cybersecurity, ideal for individuals with some IT background looking to transition into cybersecurity roles.
The certification focuses on essential knowledge areas such as handling cyber threats, utilizing security technologies, and grasping security architecture principles.
Prerequisites: There are no strict prerequisites, though CompTIA suggests having a Network+ certification or equivalent knowledge, along with one to two years in an IT or security administration position.
Exam: Comprises up to 90 questions, including both multiple-choice and performance-based, within 90 minutes. The passing threshold is 750 on a scale from 100 to 900.
Exam fee: The registration costs $392, which is included in our cybersecurity training programs.
Beginning your certification journey with Security+ can be highly beneficial for your cybersecurity career path. It’s the most recognized cybersecurity certification globally, with more than 700,000 professionals certified. This certification signals to employers your proficiency in practical security measures, giving you a notable advantage in the job market.
It opens doors to positions like Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, or Information Security Analyst, which are among the rapidly expanding career opportunities in the U.S., boasting an average salary of $99,446. Additionally, Security+ aligns with ISO 17024 standards and complies with the Department of Defense’s Directive 8570.01-M, enabling certification holders to secure roles with the DoD and its contractors.
CompTIA has revealed that the certification previously known as CASP+ will be renamed to SecurityX starting in 2025. To understand the implications of this change for both the certification and its seekers, check out our recent article discussing how CompTIA CASP+ Is Becoming SecurityX.
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification is ideal for cybersecurity experts who wish to stay in technical roles rather than transition into management. It represents the pinnacle of the CompTIA cybersecurity certification path, following after Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+, which respectively address the defensive and offensive aspects of cybersecurity.
Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, though CompTIA advises having a decade of hands-on IT experience, including at least five years dedicated to security.
Exam: Consists of up to 90 questions, both multiple-choice and performance-based, with a duration of 165 minutes. Unlike other CompTIA tests, this exam only reports pass or fail, without a detailed score.
Exam fee: The cost is $494, which is part of our comprehensive training programs.
As the highest level in CompTIA’s certification hierarchy, CASP+ confirms your expertise in high-level cybersecurity and can lead to significant career opportunities. Those with this certification can aspire to roles such as Enterprise Security Architect, Security Operations Manager, or Information Assurance Analyst. Like other certifications here, it fulfills the DoD 8570/8140 certification criteria. The average salary for CASP+ certified professionals stands at $165,661, making it the highest-paying security certification on our list.
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is tailored for those seeking an entry-level understanding of network security and threat management with a hands-on approach. It’s particularly valuable for individuals aiming to launch their careers in offensive security, positioning them well for roles like Security Analyst or Penetration Tester. This certification stands out as one of the premier choices for penetration testing qualifications, making it an essential step on many cybersecurity certification journeys, especially if you’re keen on exploring the proactive side of cybersecurity.
Prerequisites: You don’t need any prior experience if you enroll in an officially recognized training program, like those offered by Accumentum. However, if you prefer to bypass formal training, the EC-Council stipulates that you must have two years of experience in information security to be exam-eligible.
Exam: The test consists of 125 multiple-choice questions which you have four hours to answer. The passing score threshold can range between 65% and 85%, depending on the specific questions you encounter.
Exam fee: An exam voucher directly from the EC-Council is priced at $950, while those from Pearson VUE are $1,199.
The CEH certification is recognized by the Department of Defense under the 8140/8570 directives. Salaries for those holding a CEH certification can differ widely based on factors like job title, location, and sector, but the average salary for 2024 is approximately $134,217.
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is renowned for its prestige in the IT audit sector, serving as a hallmark of expertise in audit, control, and assurance. This certification not only confirms a professional’s capability in managing vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and setting up effective controls within organizations but also signals a deep understanding of the complexities involved in securing business operations.
Prerequisites: To obtain the CISA certification, candidates must have five years of professional experience in fields like auditing, control, security, or assurance. However, there’s an option for an experience waiver similar to the ISACA CISM certification.
Exam: The examination comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, with a total duration of four hours. Scores can vary from 200 to 800, where 450 is the benchmark for passing.
Exam cost: The fee is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members.
With the CISA certification in hand, professionals can pursue careers in roles such as IT Auditor, Internal Auditor, Public Accounting Auditor, or Information Risk Analyst, with an average salary of about $102,827 in 2024. CISA is particularly well-suited for those interested in the high-demand fields of auditing, risk management, and compliance. Additionally, it complies with the DOD 8570/8140 standards, making it a valuable asset for those looking to work in government or defense-related sectors.
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is highly regarded as one of the top certifications for professionals looking to advance into managerial roles within the information security domain. It provides a comprehensive focus on the governance and organizational aspects of security, equipping candidates with the skills needed for effective information security governance, risk management, program development, and incident management. This certification is particularly beneficial for those who aim to lead security initiatives, ensuring they can adeptly navigate the complexities of security strategy and policy at an executive level.
Prerequisites: To qualify for the CISM, candidates must have five years of experience in information security, including a minimum of three years in a security management role covering at least three out of the job practice areas. However, there’s an option for an experience waiver to help meet these requirements.
Exam: The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with a four-hour time limit. Scores range from 200 to 800, with 450 as the passing score. It tests knowledge across four key domains and can be taken either online with remote proctoring or at a physical testing center.
Exam cost: The fee is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members.
Holding the CISM certification prepares you for positions like Information Security Manager or Security Consultant. The financial rewards are substantial, with CISM professionals averaging a salary of $156,420, though this can vary by industry and specific job role.
Here at Accumentum, we recognize that the cybersecurity certifications listed above are highly sought after, but remember, your career growth doesn’t stop there. As you advance, there are additional certifications to consider that can further enhance your expertise and marketability. We’ve compiled invaluable advice for both newcomers and those in the midst of their careers:
What Is The Right Path For My Career?
Cyber Pathways: Navigating Your Future In Cybersecurity
The Best Cybersecurity Success Path
No matter which certification path you decide to take, it’s almost certainly a worthwhile investment. According to the latest ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 86% of professionals see significant value in their certifications.
Accumentum® is the leading training provider for a vast array of technology vendors including AWS, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, EC-Council, Fortinet, GIAC, HRCI, ISACA, ITIL, Microsoft, Palo Alto, PMI, Scrum, SHRM, Veritas, VMWare, and more.
