Not all cybersecurity certifications require years of experience. This guide ranks the most accessible cybersecurity certifications by entry requirements and difficulty level, using verified exam data, so you can choose a realistic first credential. Confirm current requirements on each official page before registering.
| Certification | Level | Provider | Exam cost | Related roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC | Foundational | ISC2 | May be FREE under active ISC2 'One Mil… | Entry-Level Cybersecurity Analyst, SOC Analyst |
| Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate | Foundational | Google/Coursera | — | Cybersecurity Analyst, SOC Analyst |
| GSEC | Associate | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Security Analyst, SOC Analyst |
| PSAA | Associate | TCM Security | Official page shows $249 with a discou… | SOC Analyst, Security Operations Analyst |
| CCSK | Professional | Cloud Security Alliance | $445 for exam and chatbot | Cloud Security Analyst, Cloud Security Engineer |
| CCZT | Professional | Cloud Security Alliance | $175 exam token | Zero Trust Architect, Security Architect |
| CCSP | Professional | ISC2 | — | Cloud Security Architect, Cloud Security Engineer |
| CDPSE | Professional | ISACA | ISACA pricing varies by member/non-mem… | Privacy Engineer, Data Privacy Analyst |
| CEH | Associate | EC-Council | — | Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester |
| CRISC | Professional | ISACA | ISACA pricing varies by member/non-mem… | IT Risk Analyst, Risk Manager |
| CGEIT | Professional | ISACA | ISACA pricing varies by member/non-mem… | IT Governance Manager, GRC Manager |
| CISM | Professional | ISACA | ISACA pricing varies by member/non-mem… | Information Security Manager, Security Governance Manager |
| CISA | Professional | ISACA | ISACA exam registration pricing varies… | IT Auditor, Information Systems Auditor |
| CND | Associate | EC-Council | — | Network Defender, Network Security Analyst |
| CSSLP | Professional | ISC2 | — | Application Security Engineer, Secure Software Developer |
| SecurityX / CAS-005 | Advanced | CompTIA | $509 retail exam voucher price accordi… | Security Architect, Senior Security Engineer |
| CHFI | Professional | EC-Council | — | Digital Forensics Investigator, Incident Responder |
| CSX-P | Professional | ISACA | — | Cybersecurity Auditor, IT Auditor |
| eCPPT | Professional | INE Security | — | Penetration Tester, Security Consultant |
| eJPT | Foundational | INE Security | — | Junior Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity Analyst |
| GCED | Professional | GIAC | — | Enterprise Security Defender, SOC Analyst |
| GCFA | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Digital Forensics Analyst, Incident Responder |
| GCIH | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Incident Responder, SOC Analyst |
| GCIA | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Intrusion Analyst, SOC Analyst |
| GCUX | Professional | GIAC | — | Linux Security Administrator, UNIX Systems Administrator |
| GCWN | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Windows Security Administrator, Systems Administrator |
| GCSA | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Cloud Security Engineer, DevSecOps Engineer |
| GDSA | Professional | GIAC | — | Security Architect, Security Engineer |
| GXPN | Expert | GIAC | — | Exploit Researcher, Advanced Penetration Tester |
| GNFA | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Network Forensics Analyst, Incident Responder |
| GPEN | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Penetration Tester, Security Consultant |
| GPCS | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Cloud Security Engineer, Cloud Security Analyst |
| GSLC | Professional | GIAC | — | Security Manager, Information Security Manager |
| GSTRT | Professional | GIAC | — | Security Manager, Cybersecurity Program Manager |
| GWAPT | Professional | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Web App Penetration Tester, Application Security Analyst |
| HCISPP | Professional | ISC2 | — | Healthcare Security Analyst, Healthcare Privacy Officer |
| OSCP | Professional | OffSec | — | Penetration Tester, Offensive Security Consultant |
| OSDA | Professional | OffSec | — | SOC Analyst, Detection Analyst |
| OSEP | Expert | OffSec | — | Advanced Penetration Tester, Red Team Operator |
| OSED | Expert | OffSec | — | Exploit Developer, Security Researcher |
| OSIR | Professional | OffSec | — | Incident Responder, SOC Analyst |
| OSWE | Expert | OffSec | — | Application Security Engineer, Web Application Penetration Tester |
| PJPT | Foundational | TCM Security | $249 exam voucher | Junior Penetration Tester, Security Analyst |
| PNPT | Professional | TCM Security | $499 exam voucher plus training bundle | Penetration Tester, Security Consultant |
| PSAP | Professional | TCM Security | — | Threat Hunter, Incident Responder |
| SAL1 | Foundational | TryHackMe | From €297. Official page states €349 w… | SOC Analyst, Junior Security Analyst |
| SSCP | Associate | ISC2 | — | Systems Security Administrator, Security Administrator |
| CISSP | Expert | ISC2 | $749 USD (Americas / Asia Pacific | Information Security Analyst, Security Manager |
| GREM | Expert | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | Approximate | Malware Analyst, Reverse Engineer |
| LPT Master | Expert | EC-Council | — | Senior Penetration Tester, Red Team Consultant |
Data reflects verified values where available; confirm current details on each official page. "—" means not yet verified.
A well-rounded choice that balances accessibility, recognition, and the roles it supports.
Entry-level requirements make this a practical first certification (Foundational level).
The most advanced option here — commonly associated with senior and leadership roles.
The lowest verified exam cost in this guide at $175 exam token; includes two test attempts with 2 years to use..
Start from your target role, not the certification. If you're entering the field, a lower-cost entry credential gets you past screening fastest. If you already have experience, an advanced certification signals depth for senior roles. Match the certification's typical roles (in the table above) to the jobs you're actually applying for, and confirm cost and prerequisites on the official page before committing.
Build a resume targeted to these roles, then track every application in one place.