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10 Best Cybersecurity Certifications of 2026
This list is for people already working in IT, such as help desk, sysadmin, network and cloud staff, who want to move into a security role. We compared ten certifications from CompTIA, ISC2, Google, GIAC, ISACA, OffSec and EC-Council using what each body documents: exam format, passing score, required or recommended experience, renewal and published U.S. fees. Scores weigh features (recognition, depth and the jobs the credential maps to) at 40 percent, and ease of access (prerequisites, exam format and prep needed) and value at 30 percent each. We compared documented features and published prices. CompTIA and EC-Council do not show a USD exam fee on the pages we checked, so those rows are marked pending. Fees are for one exam attempt unless noted.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 10, 2026 · 10 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 10, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
CompTIA Security+ is our top pick for IT workers moving into security: one exam, no formal prerequisite, a credential CompTIA calls the most widely recognized in the field, and a long list of DoD 8140 work roles. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity is the cheapest accredited start at U.S. $199, and the Google Cybersecurity Certificate is the best low-cost training if you want guided labs first. After your first security job, add CySA+ for SOC analyst work, OSCP for penetration testing or CCSP for cloud security. CISSP and CISM are leadership credentials that need years of experience, so plan them as later steps. GSEC is a strong technical option when an employer pays, and CEH mainly helps with HR filters.
Top picks
Best overall
CompTIA Security+
8.9 / 10
Sysadmins, network and help desk staff with a couple of years in IT who want their first security credential, especially for U.S. government or defense work.
Read the review →Runner-up
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
8.7 / 10
Help desk staff and career changers with no security experience who want a low-cost, recognized first credential.
Read the review →Also great
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
8.4 / 10
IT workers who want structured, hands-on training before they pay for a proctored exam such as Security+.
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA Security+ | Sysadmins, network and help desk staff with a couple of years in IT who want their first security credential, especially for U.S. government or defense work. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.9 |
| 2 | ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) | Help desk staff and career changers with no security experience who want a low-cost, recognized first credential. | U.S. $199 standard exam registration in the Americas | 8.7 |
| 3 | Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate | IT workers who want structured, hands-on training before they pay for a proctored exam such as Security+. | $49 per month on Coursera in the U.S. and Canada after a 7-day free trial | 8.4 |
| 4 | CompTIA CySA+ | People already working in or next to a SOC who want to prove analyst skills after Security+. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.3 |
| 5 | ISC2 CISSP | IT managers and senior engineers with five years of security-related work who want a leadership credential. | U.S. $749 standard exam registration in the Americas | 8.2 |
| 6 |  GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) | IT engineers whose employer pays for SANS training and who want a technical credential with more hands-on weight than Security+. | $999 per certification attempt; retakes $899 | 7.8 |
| 7 |  ISACA CISM | IT managers and team leads who want to run security programs rather than do hands-on technical work. | US$575 for ISACA members, US$760 for non-members, plus a US$50 application fee | 7.7 |
| 8 |  OffSec OSCP | Sysadmins and network engineers with solid Linux, Windows and scripting skills who want to move into penetration testing. | OSCP+ standalone exam $1,699; PEN-200 course with one exam attempt $1,749 | 7.6 |
| 9 | ISC2 CCSP | Cloud engineers and administrators with five years of IT experience who want a cloud security specialty. | U.S. $599 standard exam registration in the Americas | 7.5 |
| 10 |  EC-Council CEH | IT staff who want structured ethical hacking training with labs, often through an employer or training center. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.1 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
CompTIA Security+
A vendor-neutral exam on threats, security architecture, operations and risk that CompTIA maps to security analyst, security engineer and sysadmin roles.
comptia.org8.9
out of 10
Best for: Sysadmins, network and help desk staff with a couple of years in IT who want their first security credential, especially for U.S. government or defense work.
Security+ is the certification most IT workers should take first when they move into security. It is a single exam of up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple choice with performance-based tasks, and you pass at 750 on a 100 to 900 scale. The objectives cover threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, identity and access, cryptography, risk and compliance, which lines up with what sysadmins and network staff already touch at work. CompTIA lists it for a long set of DoD 8140 work roles, from cyber defense analyst to system administrator, so it is often a hard requirement for government and contractor jobs. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years in a security or sysadmin role, which is the profile of most career movers from IT. Timing matters right now: V8 is expected around November 17, 2026, while the English V7 exam stays available until June 11, 2027. Pick the version your study material covers.
Standout feature
The most common first security credential, with a long list of DoD 8140 work roles.
Use cases
Systems administrators
Move into a security analyst or engineer role
Outcome: A widely requested credential that matches their existing infrastructure work
IT staff at defense contractors
Meet DoD 8140 role requirements
Outcome: An approved baseline credential for many cyber and IT work roles
Key features
- Exam SY0-701: up to 90 multiple choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes
- Passing score of 750 on a 100 to 900 scale
- Listed for DoD 8140 work roles including cyber defense analyst, incident responder and vulnerability analyst
- CertMaster Learn, Practice and Labs prep, sold alone or bundled with a voucher and retake
- Security+ V8 is expected on or around November 17, 2026, with more coverage of AI-related risks
Pros
- Vendor neutral, so it fits any employer's tools
- One exam with no formal prerequisite
- Performance-based questions reward the hands-on work IT staff already do
Cons
- CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years in a security or sysadmin role
- USD exam fee not confirmed for this list
- A version change is close: the English V7 exam retires June 11, 2027
Rank 2 · Runner-up
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
ISC2's entry-level certification covering security principles, access control, network and cloud security concepts and incident response.
isc2.org8.7
out of 10
Best for: Help desk staff and career changers with no security experience who want a low-cost, recognized first credential.
Certified in Cybersecurity is the cheapest serious credential on this list and the easiest to qualify for. ISC2 requires no work experience, and the exam covers five domains: security principles, security governance, identity and access management, network and cloud security concepts, and security operations with incident response. It is accredited by ANAB under ISO/IEC 17024 and approved under DoDM 8140.03, which gives it more weight than most course certificates. Standard registration in the Americas is U.S. $199, and ISC2 sells an exam option with two attempts called Peace of Mind Protection. For IT workers the main draw is cost and speed: you can use existing networking and access control knowledge to pass quickly, then move on to Security+ or, years later, CISSP. The trade-off is depth. CC is a foundation credential, so treat it as a signal of intent on a resume rather than proof that you can run a SOC shift.
Standout feature
An accredited entry credential for $199 with no experience requirement.
Use cases
Help desk technicians
Add a first security credential quickly
Outcome: An accredited certificate for internal security openings
Future CISSP candidates
Learn the ISC2 exam format early
Outcome: A low-cost first step on the ISC2 track
Key features
- Five exam domains: security principles, governance, access control, network and cloud security, security operations and incident response
- No work experience required
- ANAB accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and approved under U.S. DoDM 8140.03
- Official self-paced and instructor-led ISC2 training
- Exam with Peace of Mind Protection includes two attempts
Pros
- Lowest exam fee among the major security bodies on this list
- No experience requirement
- Familiarizes you with ISC2 exam style before CISSP
Cons
- Less depth than Security+, so it appears less often as a job ad requirement
- Covers concepts more than hands-on tools
- Proves foundations only, with no performance-based tasks
Rank 3 · Also great
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
A nine-course online program from Google on Coursera that teaches SIEM tools, Python, Linux and SQL for entry-level security analyst work.
coursera.org8.4
out of 10
Best for: IT workers who want structured, hands-on training before they pay for a proctored exam such as Security+.
The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is training first and a credential second, which is why it works well as a step before an exam. The program is nine courses on Coursera, rated beginner level with no prior experience required, and Google says you can finish in under six months at under 10 hours a week. You practice with Python, Linux, SQL, SIEM tools and intrusion detection systems, and each course includes portfolio activities you can show employers. In the U.S. and Canada, Coursera charges $49 per month after a 7-day free trial, so a fast learner pays little. Graduates get discounted access to the CompTIA Security+ exam and training, and Google's employer consortium lists over 150 U.S. companies. For IT workers the early courses will repeat what you know about networks and operating systems, so expect to move quickly through them. The limit is recognition: it is not a proctored, accredited exam, so most job ads will still ask for Security+.
Standout feature
Hands-on analyst training for $49 a month with a discount on Security+.
Use cases
Desktop support staff
Learn SIEM and Python basics before applying for SOC roles
Outcome: Portfolio projects and a Google credential for applications
Security+ candidates
Get guided study and a discount on the exam
Outcome: A dual credential once both are complete
Key features
- Nine-course series, beginner level, no prior experience required
- Hands-on work with Python, Linux, SQL, SIEM tools and intrusion detection systems
- Portfolio activities in each course
- Discounted access to the CompTIA Security+ exam and training for graduates
- Graduates can apply to Google and over 150 U.S. employers through the program
Pros
- Low monthly cost and a 7-day free trial
- Teaches the tools analysts use, not only theory
- Built-in path toward Security+
Cons
- A course certificate, not an accredited proctored exam
- Basic for IT staff who already know Linux and networking
- Monthly billing adds up if you study slowly
Rank 4
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA's intermediate analyst exam on threat detection, vulnerability management and incident response in security operations.
comptia.org8.3
out of 10
Best for: People already working in or next to a SOC who want to prove analyst skills after Security+.
CySA+ is the analyst step after Security+. The current V4 exam, CS0-004, launched on June 23, 2026 and has up to 85 questions over 165 minutes, with a passing score of 750 on a 100 to 900 scale. CompTIA weights it toward real SOC work: security operations is 34 percent, vulnerability management 26 percent and incident response and management 24 percent. The objectives name SIEM and EDR platforms, packet analysis, threat intelligence, MITRE ATT&CK and the Cyber Kill Chain, and V4 adds AI use in security operations. That makes it a better match than CISSP for someone whose next job is analyst or threat hunter. The catch is experience: CompTIA recommends about four years in a SOC or vulnerability analyst role, so most IT workers will take it a year or two after their first security job. The V3 English exam retires on December 22, 2026, so do not start V3 material now.
Standout feature
A 2026 exam built around SIEM, EDR and incident response work.
Use cases
Junior SOC analysts
Move up to a mid-level analyst role
Outcome: A credential built around detection, vulnerability management and response
Vulnerability management staff
Show they can prioritize and report risk
Outcome: Proof of analyst skills beyond Security+
Key features
- Exam CS0-004: up to 85 questions in 165 minutes
- Passing score of 750 on a 100 to 900 scale
- Security operations is 34 percent of the exam, vulnerability management 26 percent and incident response 24 percent
- Covers SIEM and EDR tools, MITRE ATT&CK and AI in security operations
- V4 launched June 23, 2026
Pros
- Focused on daily SOC analyst tasks
- Newest exam version on this list, launched in 2026
- Natural next step after Security+
Cons
- CompTIA recommends about four years as a SOC or vulnerability analyst
- USD exam fee not confirmed for this list
- V4 is English only for now, with other languages coming
Rank 5
ISC2 CISSP
ISC2's senior certification across eight security domains, aimed at people who lead or design an organization's security program.
isc2.org8.2
out of 10
Best for: IT managers and senior engineers with five years of security-related work who want a leadership credential.
CISSP is the credential to aim for once you have years of security-related work behind you, not the one to start with. ISC2 requires five years of work experience and tests eight domains: security and risk management, asset security, architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, assessment and testing, security operations and software development security. ISC2 lists roles from security analyst to chief information security officer, and the credential is ANAB accredited and approved under DoDM 8140.03. The exam costs U.S. $749 in the Americas. The breadth is also the limit: CISSP shows you understand a whole security program, but it does not test hands-on skills like Security+ performance tasks or OSCP labs. Note that a new exam outline starts April 15, 2027.
Standout feature
The senior security leadership credential, for U.S. $749 per exam.
Use cases
IT managers
Move into a security manager or director role
Outcome: The leadership credential most security job ads name
Senior infrastructure engineers
Qualify for security architect positions
Outcome: Proof of knowledge across all eight domains
Key features
- Eight domains from security and risk management to software development security
- Five years of required work experience
- ANAB accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and approved under U.S. DoDM 8140.03
- Official self-paced, adaptive and instructor-led ISC2 training
- A new exam outline takes effect April 15, 2027
Pros
- The senior security credential employers name most for leadership roles
- Covers the full breadth of a security program
- Accredited and DoD approved
Cons
- Five years of work experience required
- Highest ISC2 exam fee at U.S. $749
- Broad and managerial, so less useful for hands-on technical roles
Rank 6
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
A GIAC practitioner exam on hands-on security tasks across networks, Linux, Windows, cloud and incident handling.
giac.org7.8
out of 10
Best for: IT engineers whose employer pays for SANS training and who want a technical credential with more hands-on weight than Security+.
GSEC is the technical alternative to Security+ for IT engineers. GIAC aims it at new information security professionals with backgrounds in information systems and networking, which describes most people moving over from IT. The exam has 106 questions with a four hour limit and a 72 percent passing score, and you can take it with remote proctoring through ProctorU or at a Pearson VUE center. The objectives go further into system work than most entry exams: access control and passwords, network architecture and protocols, cloud and endpoint security, incident handling, plus Linux hardening and Windows access controls, auditing and automation. Price is the obstacle. A certification attempt costs $999, a retake $899 and renewal $499, and many candidates also take the matching SANS course. If your employer is paying, GSEC is a strong pick. If you are paying yourself, Security+ covers similar ground for less and appears in more job ads.
Standout feature
Hands-on scope across Linux, Windows and cloud in one 4 hour exam.
Use cases
Infrastructure engineers
Take on security duties within their current team
Outcome: A technical credential covering Linux, Windows and network defense
Employer-sponsored staff
Follow SANS training with a certification
Outcome: A GIAC practitioner credential tied to the course
Key features
- One proctored exam: 106 questions, 4 hour limit, 72 percent passing score
- Remote proctoring through ProctorU or onsite at Pearson VUE
- Covers access control, network security, cloud, endpoint, Linux and Windows security
- Aimed at new infosec professionals with information systems and networking backgrounds
- Renewal through CPE credits and a renewal fee
Pros
- Technical scope across Linux, Windows and cloud
- Written for IT people with networking backgrounds
- Remote or test center proctoring
Cons
- $999 per attempt is the highest exam fee for an entry security credential here
- Most candidates also buy SANS training, which costs extra
- Fewer job ads name it than Security+
Rank 7
ISACA CISM
ISACA's management certification on information security governance, risk management, security programs and incident management.
isaca.org7.7
out of 10
Best for: IT managers and team leads who want to run security programs rather than do hands-on technical work.
CISM is a management credential, and that is the reason to choose it. ISACA built it around four domains: information security governance, risk management, the security program and incident management. That makes it a fit for IT managers and team leads who will own security policy, budgets and incident processes, and less useful for someone who wants to be a hands-on analyst. The exam costs US$575 for ISACA members and US$760 for non-members. After you pass, you pay a US$50 application fee and submit proof of your work experience, and you have five years from the exam date to apply, so you can sit it before you fully qualify. ISACA sells an online review course, a 1,047-question practice database and a review manual, and offers a free 10-question quiz. Compared with CISSP, CISM is narrower and more focused on governance and risk, which some employers prefer for security manager roles.
Standout feature
A governance-first security credential with member pricing from US$575.
Use cases
IT operations managers
Take on responsibility for an information security program
Outcome: A governance and risk credential that matches the role
Risk and compliance staff
Move into security management
Outcome: Proof of knowledge in governance and incident management
Key features
- Four domains: governance, risk management, security program and incident management
- Pass the exam, then apply with proof of work experience
- Five years after passing to submit the certification application
- Official review course, 1,047-question practice database and review manual
- Free 10-question practice quiz
Pros
- Management focus fits IT leads moving into security leadership
- Member pricing lowers the exam fee
- Large set of official ISACA prep material
Cons
- Work experience is required before ISACA awards the certification
- US$760 for non-members, plus a US$50 application fee
- Little hands-on technical content
Rank 8
OffSec OSCP
OffSec's hands-on penetration testing certification, earned by passing a 24-hour proctored lab exam after the PEN-200 course.
offsec.com7.6
out of 10
Best for: Sysadmins and network engineers with solid Linux, Windows and scripting skills who want to move into penetration testing.
OSCP is the practical credential on this list. Instead of multiple choice, you get a 24-hour proctored exam in a private VPN with three standalone machines, graded on initial access and privilege escalation, plus an Active Directory set. The PEN-200 course behind it has 321 hours of content covering XSS, SQL injection, privilege escalation, Active Directory and AWS exploitation, with three challenge labs that mirror the exam. OffSec suggests hands-on knowledge of Linux and Windows administration, networking and scripting before you start, which is exactly what experienced sysadmins bring. The standalone OSCP+ exam costs $1,699, the Course + Cert Bundle is $1,749 with 90 days of lab access and one attempt, and Learn One is $2,749 a year with two attempts (OffSec showed a $550 discount at the time of checking). The base OSCP never expires, while the OSCP+ designation lasts three years unless you keep it current. It is a poor first credential for beginners, but for IT staff aiming at penetration testing it carries the most weight.
Standout feature
A 24-hour hands-on exam instead of multiple choice.
Use cases
Linux and Windows sysadmins
Move into penetration testing
Outcome: A practical credential that pen testing teams recognize
Network engineers
Learn attacker techniques against Active Directory
Outcome: Hands-on skills tested in a 24-hour exam
Key features
- 24-hour proctored practical exam in a private VPN
- Exam includes 3 standalone machines and 1 Active Directory set
- PEN-200 course with 321 hours of content and three exam-style challenge labs
- Covers XSS, SQL injection, privilege escalation, Active Directory and AWS exploitation
- OSCP never expires; the OSCP+ designation lasts three years
Pros
- Fully practical exam, so it proves real attack skills
- Strong match for penetration testing jobs
- Base OSCP certification does not expire
Cons
- Expensive: $1,699 for the exam alone
- OffSec suggests Linux and Windows administration, networking and scripting knowledge first
- A 24-hour exam is demanding
Rank 9
ISC2 CCSP
ISC2's cloud security certification covering cloud architecture, data, platform, application security, operations and compliance.
isc2.org7.5
out of 10
Best for: Cloud engineers and administrators with five years of IT experience who want a cloud security specialty.
CCSP is the specialty pick for IT workers whose path into security runs through the cloud. ISC2 tests six domains: cloud concepts, architecture and design; cloud data security; cloud platform and infrastructure security; cloud application security; cloud security operations; and legal, risk and compliance. It lists cloud architects, engineers, consultants, administrators and auditors as the intended audience, which covers most people who already run cloud workloads. Like CISSP, it requires five years of work experience, is ANAB accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and is approved under DoDM 8140.03. The exam costs U.S. $599 in the Americas. The advantage over provider-specific security exams is that it is vendor neutral, so it holds value across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud environments. The downside is the experience bar and narrower demand: outside cloud teams, Security+ or CISSP will open more doors, so take CCSP when cloud security is the job you want.
Standout feature
Vendor-neutral cloud security in one accredited exam.
Use cases
Cloud administrators
Move into a cloud security engineer role
Outcome: A vendor-neutral cloud security credential
Cloud architects
Show security design skills across providers
Outcome: Proof of knowledge across six cloud security domains
Key features
- Six domains from cloud architecture and design to legal, risk and compliance
- Five years of required work experience
- ANAB accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and approved under U.S. DoDM 8140.03
- Vendor neutral across cloud providers
- Aimed at cloud architects, engineers, administrators and auditors
Pros
- Direct path for cloud admins into cloud security
- Vendor neutral, unlike AWS or Azure security exams
- Accredited and DoD approved
Cons
- Five years of work experience required
- U.S. $599 exam fee
- Less useful for people outside cloud roles
Rank 10
EC-Council CEH
EC-Council's ethical hacking certification, now branded CEH AI, with a multiple choice exam and an optional practical exam for CEH Master.
eccouncil.org7.1
out of 10
Best for: IT staff who want structured ethical hacking training with labs, often through an employer or training center.
CEH is the best known ethical hacking credential among recruiters, though not the most respected among pen testers. EC-Council now brands it CEH AI. The main exam is four hours with 125 multiple choice questions covering threats, attack vectors, detection and prevention. A separate six-hour practical exam with 20 real-world challenges on a live network of virtual machines earns CEH Master. The course side is large: 20 modules, 221 hands-on labs, 550 attack techniques and over 4,000 tools. To sit the exam you must either complete official training through EC-Council or an authorized center, or apply for eligibility, which carries a $100 application fee and reference checks. EC-Council sells training packages that bundle eCourseware, labs and an exam voucher, but it does not publish a single exam price we could confirm in USD. For IT workers who want offensive skills, OSCP proves more, while CEH can help with HR filters.
Standout feature
221 hands-on labs and an optional practical exam for CEH Master.
Use cases
Security-curious sysadmins
Learn attack techniques in guided labs
Outcome: A widely recognized ethical hacking credential
Employer-sponsored staff
Complete ethical hacking training through a training center
Outcome: Exam eligibility without the separate application
Key features
- 4-hour knowledge exam with 125 multiple choice questions
- Optional 6-hour practical exam with 20 challenges for CEH Master
- 20 modules with 221 hands-on labs and over 4,000 hacking and security tools
- Eligibility through official training or an application with a $100 fee
- Year-long access to 12 capture the flag challenges in some packages
Pros
- Large lab library covering many attack techniques
- Well known among HR screeners
- Practical exam available for CEH Master
Cons
- Exam eligibility requires official training or an application with a $100 fee
- Pricing is not published as a simple exam fee
- Main exam is multiple choice, so it says less about hands-on skill than OSCP
Frequently asked questions
+What is the best security certification to get?
For IT workers moving into security, CompTIA Security+ is the best security certification to get in 2026. It is one exam of up to 90 questions, has no formal prerequisite and is listed for many DoD 8140 work roles. Experienced staff aiming at leadership should plan for CISSP later.
+Which certification is best for cyber security beginners?
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity is the best accredited starting credential: no work experience is required and the exam costs U.S. $199 in the Americas. The Google Cybersecurity Certificate at $49 a month is the best guided training, and Security+ is the credential most job ads ask for next.
+Which IT security certification is best for sysadmins?
Security+ fits most sysadmins because CompTIA's recommended background is two years in a security or systems administrator role. Sysadmins with strong Linux, Windows and scripting skills who want offensive work should look at OSCP, and those with employer funding can consider GIAC GSEC.
+Which security certification is best for management roles?
CISSP is the broadest leadership credential and requires five years of work experience, with an exam fee of U.S. $749. CISM from ISACA focuses on governance, risk and incident management and costs US$575 for members or US$760 for non-members.
+What is the best cybersecurity certification to start with?
Start with Security+ if you have a couple of years in IT, or with ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity if you are coming from help desk work with no security exposure. Both are single exams. Check whether you will sit Security+ V7 or the new V8 expected around November 17, 2026.
+Is OSCP or CEH better for penetration testing?
OSCP is the stronger proof of skill because it is a 24-hour proctored hands-on exam, while the main CEH exam is 125 multiple choice questions. CEH is better known to HR screeners. The OSCP+ standalone exam costs $1,699; EC-Council does not publish a simple USD exam fee.
About this list
Updated November 10, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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