Mid-Level Cybersecurity Certifications

5. CompTIA PenTest+

PenTest+ assesses necessary penetration testing, vulnerability detection, and mitigation management skills required to find how resilient the network is against attacks. Skills that are learned via this exam are planning and scoping of compliance-based assessments, information gathering or reconnaissance to prepare for the exploit and then performing vulnerability scans and analyzing results, RF-based vulnerabilities, post-exploitation techniques, using various penetration testing tools, reporting and communicating the best mitigation strategies from the discovered vulnerabilities. Some jobs that use PenTest+ are Penetration tester, Vulnerability tester, Security analyst (II), Vulnerability Assessment Analyst, Network Security Operations, and Application Security Vulnerability. 

• Cost of the Exam: $392
• Exam Pattern: MCQ and PBQ based
• Number of Questions: 85
• Time Limit: 165 minutes
• Passing Marks: 750 (On a scale of 100-900)

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

CISSP by (ISC)² is said to be one of the most renowned professional and advanced-level cybersecurity certifications. This is a highly reputable credential and is the 2nd most requested IT certificate worldwide with the highest number of job openings in cybersecurity asking for a CISSP. It evaluates the expertise of the professional in eight different domains which include Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security. 

You need to know that the CISSP exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) for all English exams. And for all other languages, CISSP exams are administered as linear, fixed-form exams. Let’s check the exam details for both modes:

CISSP CAT Exam – 

• Cost of the Exam: Varies between $749 to $800
• Exam Pattern: MCQ and Advanced Innovative Items
• Number of Questions: 100-150
• Exam Language: English
• Time Limit: 3 hours
• Passing Marks: 700 (out of 1000)

CISSP Linear Exam –

• Cost of the Exam: Varies between $749 to $800
• Exam Pattern: MCQ and Advanced Innovative Items
• Number of Questions: 250
• Exam Language: French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish-Modern, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Korean
• Time Limit: 6 hours
• Passing Marks: 700 (out of 1000)

7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

CISA is an authorized IT professional association that helps to show your expertise in evaluating security vulnerabilities, reporting on compliances, implementing and designing controls, etc. This Certified Information System Auditor is one of the best certifications for a person who wants to make his/her career in cybersecurity auditing. This certification is also good for security professionals who want to get certification for being recognized internationally in system auditing and controls. This certification focuses on the major 5 areas including, governance and management of IT, information systems operations and business resilience, information system auditing process, and information system acquisition, development, and implementation. 

• Cost of the Exam: $575
• Exam Pattern: MCQ
• Number of Questions: 150
• Time Limit: 4 hours
• Passing Marks: 450 

The demand for cybersecurity professionals has surged in recent years, driven by the increasing shift to online platforms across various industries. From online education to e-commerce and virtual events, the Internet has become integral to our daily lives. With this reliance comes the critical need to protect data, servers, and applications from cyber threats. As more financial transactions and sensitive information are exchanged online, the role of cybersecurity experts in safeguarding digital assets has become paramount.

Due to all these factors mentioned above, there has been significant growth in the job openings for cybersecurity experts. To find the best professionals, organizations usually filter the candidates on the basis of the official industry-level certifications as it proves that the candidate has the required working knowledge to carry out the required tasks. If you are planning a career in cybersecurity and hold an interest in security-related domains, you have come to the right place! 

We will be discussing the top cybersecurity certifications that you can go for to prove your skills and eventually land the job of your dreams.