Cybersecurity certifications are valuable credentials that can boost your career and demonstrate your skills in protecting data and systems from cyber threats. However, not all certification providers are created equal. How can you find a trustworthy cybersecurity certification provider that meets your needs and goals? Here are some tips to help you choose wisely.
Accreditation is a process of validating the quality and standards of a certification program by an independent and reputable organization. Accreditation ensures that the certification provider follows industry best practices and adheres to ethical and professional codes of conduct. Look for certification providers that are accredited by recognized bodies such as ANSI, ISO, NIST, or EC-Council.
I don't think looking at accreditation is a good start at all, to be honest. We have a major disparity between credentialing and education. I've interviewed countless highly credentialed candidates over the years who couldn't perform or comprehend the most basic of tasks. Accreditation didn't help either. For my part, some of the best training I've ever received was unaccredited, and some of the worst was highly accredited. I think the only way forward is to crowdsource opinions from people you trust. Most importantly, focus on gathering knowledge, instead of adding letters after your name.
I disagree with this. Many accredited certification providers may not necessarily offer high-quality training, and the reverse can also be true. I believe one of the best approaches is to conduct thorough research on the certification provider and gather community feedback. This often provides valuable and trustworthy information for making an informed decision.
Different certification providers may have different curricula and exam formats for the same or similar certification titles. For example, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification offered by EC-Council has a different exam than the Certified Professional Ethical Hacker (CPEH) certification offered by Mile2. Compare the topics, objectives, prerequisites, and exam details of each certification provider to see which one matches your level of knowledge, skills, and interests.
Reviewing the certification curriculum and exam is considered a fundamental and essential step before making a decision. However, some certification providers may use buzzwords in their marketing to create the impression that their certification is more prestigious than it actually is. Therefore, it's crucial to go beyond marketing claims and delve into the specifics of the curriculum and exam
Reputation and feedback are important indicators of the credibility and value of a certification provider. Look for certification providers that have a solid track record of delivering high-quality training and certification services, as well as positive reviews and testimonials from past and current students, employers, and industry experts. You can also check online forums, blogs, social media, or professional networks for recommendations and opinions from other cybersecurity professionals.
I agree. Verifying community feedback is one of the most crucial steps when validating the worthiness of a certification. The experiences and insights of others who have gone through the same process can provide valuable guidance and insights into the certification's real-world value.
Cost and benefits are another factor to consider when choosing a certification provider. Cost includes not only the fees for the training and exam, but also the expenses for the materials, resources, and renewal. Benefits include not only the recognition and validation of your skills, but also the access to the certification provider's network, community, and opportunities. Compare the cost and benefits of each certification provider to see which one offers the best return on investment for your career.
Validity and security are essential aspects of a trustworthy certification provider. Validity means that the certification provider has the legal authority and legitimacy to issue the certification, and that the certification is widely accepted and respected by the industry and employers. Security means that the certification provider has the proper measures and procedures to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the certification process, data, and credentials. Verify the validity and security of each certification provider by checking their website, policies, and contact information.
Choosing a trustworthy cybersecurity certification provider is not an easy task, but it is worth the effort. By following these tips, you can find a certification provider that suits your needs and goals, and that can help you advance your cybersecurity career.