Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners in 2025
Introduction
Table of Contents
In today’s digital world, where cybercrime is rising fast, cyber security certifications are the key to launching a career in one of the most in-demand fields globally. Whether you’re a student, IT professional, or someone switching careers, getting certified is the best way to prove your skills and get noticed by employers.
This blog covers the top 10 beginner-friendly cyber security certifications in 2025, what each one offers, how much it costs, how long it takes, and where to get affordable, high-quality training.
Table of Top Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners
Table Coming Soon
If you’re searching for the best cyber security certification for beginners, CompTIA Security+ is a strong contender. It’s vendor-neutral, globally recognized, and often a requirement for government and private sector roles.
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized entry-level cybersecurity certification that covers foundational security skills like threat management, risk assessment, and network security. It’s ideal for beginners looking to start a career in IT security.
🧠 Key Features:
- Exam Fee: ~$392
- Focus: Threats, risk management, cryptography
- Validity: 3 years
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera) is a beginner-friendly, self-paced certification program designed to teach essential cybersecurity skills like threat detection, network security, and incident response. Offered on Coursera, it prepares learners for entry-level jobs with no prior experience required.
Key Features:
- Cost: $49/month
- Duration: ~6 months
- Topics: Risk management, security tools, networking basics
Start learning cybersecurity from Google on Coursera. 7-day free trial!
Cisco Certified Support Technician – Cybersecurity is an entry-level certification that introduces foundational cybersecurity concepts, including network defense, security operations, and basic threat analysis. It’s ideal for beginners aiming to start a support or security technician role in IT.
For those with a networking background, Cisco’s CCST Cybersecurity certification teaches threat detection and mitigation in real-world environments.
🧠 Key Features:
- Exam Fee: $125
- Duration: 2–3 months
- Format: Multiple-choice
Prepare for CCST Cybersecurity with Cisco Networking Academy.
Interested in cloud security? This Microsoft certification gives an overview of security concepts within Azure and Microsoft 365.
Microsoft SC-900: Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals is a foundational certification that covers core concepts of security, compliance, and identity within Microsoft cloud services. It’s ideal for beginners who want to understand Microsoft’s security solutions and start a career in cloud-based cybersecurity.
🧠 Key Features:
- Cost: $99
- Ideal for: Beginners in cloud and compliance
Get SC-900 fundamentals on LinkedIn Learning.
(ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is a free entry-level certification designed for beginners with no prior experience, offering foundational knowledge in security principles, network security, and access controls. It’s a great starting point for those pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
This free certification is designed for complete beginners and introduces core cybersecurity concepts like access control, network security, and governance.
🧠 Key Features:
- Cost: Free (for a limited time)
- Duration: 1–2 months
- Offered by: (ISC)²
Enroll for (ISC)² CC Certification for free on (ISC)²’s Official Site.
If you’re unsure whether cybersecurity is for you, this entry-level IT cert is a great place to start.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is an entry-level certification that introduces basic IT concepts such as hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity. It’s perfect for absolute beginners exploring a potential career in information technology or cybersecurity.
🧠 Key Features:
- Cost: ~$130
- Focus: Computer basics, software, security
Learn ITF+ basics on Pluralsight or Udemy.
Want free cyber security certifications that still carry weight? Fortinet’s NSE 1–3 cover foundational concepts with real-world examples.
Fortinet NSE 1–3 Certifications are free, self-paced certifications that cover basic cybersecurity concepts, threat landscapes, and Fortinet product awareness. They are ideal for beginners wanting to understand network security fundamentals and explore a career in cybersecurity.
🧠 Key Features:
- Cost: Free
- Focus: Threat landscape, firewalls, access control
Join Fortinet’s NSE program at Fortinet NSE Institute.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is an entry-level certification that provides a broad understanding of AWS cloud services, security, pricing, and support. It’s ideal for beginners interested in cloud computing and how security operates within the AWS ecosystem.
A strong foundation for cloud security roles, this AWS certification introduces cloud architecture and security best practices.
🧠 Key Features:
- Cost: ~$100
- Best for: Cloud security careers
Learn AWS Cloud fundamentals via A Cloud Guru or Coursera.
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst (Coursera) is a beginner-friendly certification program that teaches essential skills like threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management. Offered on Coursera, it prepares learners for entry-level cybersecurity analyst roles with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios.
This beginner-to-intermediate level certificate includes practical labs and real-world tools like QRadar, Wireshark, and more.
🧠 Key Features:
- Cost: $49/month
- Duration: ~6 months
- Outcome: Portfolio-ready capstone projec
Best for: Cloud security careers
Learn from IBM on Coursera. Includes hands-on labs.
If your dream is to become an ethical hacker, CEH is a great place to start. It’s expensive, but highly respected.
CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker is a well-known certification that teaches how to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities ethically. It’s designed for those interested in penetration testing and offensive cybersecurity to help organizations strengthen their defenses.
🧠 Key Features:
- Cost: ~$950+
- Topics: Scanning, hacking tools, malware, web app security
Get trained for CEH via EC-Council or iClass.
Conclusion: Which Cyber Security Certification is Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide based on your goals:
- General security foundation: CompTIA Security+ or Google Cybersecurity Certificate
- Cloud-focused: Microsoft SC-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Free entry point: (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity or Fortinet NSE
- Hands-on labs: IBM Cybersecurity Analyst
- Ethical hacking: CEH by EC-Council
Investing in a cyber security certification is a smart move in 2025. It builds your resume, proves your expertise, and opens doors to jobs in one of the most secure industries worldwide.
🎁 Free Bonus: Download Our Cyber Security Certification Tracker PDF
Track your progress, compare certifications, and plan your career path.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best cyber security certifications for beginners in 2025 depends on your goals, but CompTIA Security+ and Google Cyber security Professional Certificate are excellent starting points. They are beginner-friendly, widely recognized, and offer strong job prospects.
No, you don’t need a degree to earn most cybersecurity certifications. Many programs are open to all learners and focus on skills rather than formal education. Some even provide entry-level job training.
Yes, free cyber security certifications from platforms like Cisco Networking Academy, IBM SkillsBuild, or Fortinet can build your foundation. While they may not carry as much weight as paid ones, they are great for beginners to get started.
Depending on the certification, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Self-paced certifications like Google’s or Coursera’s typically take 2–6 months.
Yes, entry-level roles such as SOC Analyst, IT Security Assistant, or Junior Pentester often accept candidates with certifications, especially if they also have hands-on practice and good soft skills.
CompTIA Security+ is better for beginners looking for a general cybersecurity career, while CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is ideal if you’re specifically interested in ethical hacking and bug bounty.
Some can be challenging if you’re completely new to the field. However, with the right study plan, resources, and practice labs, most beginner-level certifications are manageable.
Yes, most certifications have an expiration period. For example, CompTIA certifications typically expire after 3 years and require renewal. Always check the official website for validity and renewal options.
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