Top Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners: How to Pick Your First One

Quick answer: Most beginners start with CompTIA Security+, ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) or a fundamentals exam such as Microsoft SC-900. If you want a security operations (SOC) role, look at Cisco's CCNA Cybersecurity exam (200-201). If you want offensive security, CEH is a common next step once you know networking. Choose by the job you want, then check the current exam version on the vendor's site before you pay.

Key takeaways

• Security+ is a vendor-neutral base. At the time of review the current exam is SY0-701, and CompTIA says Security+ V8 is expected around 17 November 2026.
• ISC2 CC and Microsoft SC-900 have no experience requirement and suit people who are new to IT security.
• Exam versions, fees and renewal rules change. Use the official pages linked in this article for prices.
• One certification backed by lab work is worth more to most employers than several entry-level badges with no practice behind them.

Why certifications help beginners

Without job experience, a certification gives an employer a checkable sign that you know the basic vocabulary and concepts. It does not replace hands-on skill. Pair your study with a home lab: a few virtual machines, an open-source SIEM or log tool, and notes on what you tried.

Entry-level cybersecurity certifications compared

The details below were checked against each vendor's own site on 18 October 2026.

1. CompTIA Security+

• What it covers: core security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and risk and governance.
• Exam (V7, SY0-701): up to 90 questions, multiple-choice and performance-based, 90 minutes, passing score 750 on a 100 to 900 scale.
• Recommended background: CompTIA suggests Network+ and two years in a security or systems administration role. This is a recommendation, not a requirement.
• Version note: CompTIA lists the English SY0-701 retirement date as 11 June 2027, and Security+ V8 is expected to launch on or around 17 November 2026. If you start studying now, decide which version you will sit.
• Typical roles: security analyst, junior SOC analyst, systems administrator with security duties.

2. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

• What it covers: five domains: security principles; security governance; identity and access management concepts; networking and cloud security concepts; security operations and incident response.
• Exam: computerized adaptive test, 100 to 125 items, 2 hours, passing score 700 out of 1000.
• Experience: ISC2 states that no work experience is required.
• Typical roles: junior analyst, IT support moving into security.

3. Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

• What it covers: security, compliance and identity concepts, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft security solutions and Microsoft compliance solutions.
• Exam: proctored, 45 minutes, may include interactive components. Microsoft lists it at Beginner level.
• Update note: Microsoft says the English version will be updated on 21 October 2026. Check the study guide for the changed skills.
• Best for: people working with Azure or Microsoft 365 who want a short first exam before a role-based certification.

4. Google Cybersecurity Certificate

• What it is: an online program of eight courses on Coursera, assessed through quizzes, assignments and hands-on activities. It is a certificate program, not a proctored certification exam.
• Experience: Google states no prior cybersecurity experience is required.
• Link to Security+: Google says the program helps prepare graduates for Security+ and offers graduates a discount on that exam. Security+ remains a separate CompTIA exam.

5. Cisco CCNA Cybersecurity (exam 200-201)

• What it covers: security operations fundamentals, including monitoring, host and network analysis, and incident handling.
• Exam: 200-201 CCNACBR, Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals (v1.2 at the time of review), 120 minutes.
• Name note: the 200-201 exam previously led to the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate. Cisco's current page presents it as the CCNA Cybersecurity exam.
• Typical roles: SOC analyst, incident responder.

6. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EC-Council

• Version: EC-Council lists CEH as currently on version 13 (CEH AI).
• Exam: 125 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours. The passing score ranges from 60% to 85% depending on the exam form. An optional CEH Practical (20 challenges, 6 hours) can be added; passing both earns CEH Master.
• Background: no mandatory prerequisites, but EC-Council recommends two years of IT security experience. Most beginners find it easier after Security+ or equivalent networking knowledge.
• Typical roles: junior penetration tester, vulnerability analyst.

7. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

• What it covers: practical security skills across networking, defence, cryptography and operating system security.
• It usually costs more than the options above and is often taken alongside SANS training. Check exam details and fees on the GIAC site.

8. Certified SOC Analyst (CSA), EC-Council

• What it covers: SOC processes, SIEM use, log analysis and incident detection.
• Check current exam details on EC-Council's CSA page before you book.

Comparison table

How to choose your first certification

• Career goal: for SOC work, consider Cisco 200-201 or CSA after a foundation. For ethical hacking, plan Security+ (or similar) first, then CEH.
• Starting point: if you are new to IT, ISC2 CC, SC-900 or the Google certificate are gentler first steps. If you already work in IT, go straight to Security+.
• Job adverts: read ten postings for the role you want in your city and note which certifications they name. That tells you more than any ranking.
• Budget: fees vary by country. Check the official price page and official vouchers before buying from a reseller.
• Practice: build a small lab alongside your study so you can talk about real tasks in interviews.

WebAsha Technologies runs instructor-led cyber security training in Pune if you want guided labs.

Related reading

• Cisco certification roadmap for beginners and experts
• Which cybersecurity certification is best for beginners?
• Value of the Cisco CyberOps Associate (CBROPS) certification

References

• CompTIA Security+ and Security+ V7 (SY0-701)
• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity and the CC exam outline
• Microsoft SC-900 certification page
• Google Cybersecurity Certificate
• Cisco CCNA Cybersecurity
• EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker

Last reviewed: 18 October 2026.