- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offered by the EC-Council, the CEH certification is one of the most recognized in ethical hacking and penetration testing. Exam Details: The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and lasts for 4 hours, requiring a minimum score of 70% to pass. Cost: Approximately USD 950 to USD 1,119. Where to Use: Suitable for roles like ethical hacker, security analyst, consultant, SOC analyst, etc., across various industries. Benefits: Validates skills in ethical hacking, enhances credibility, and offers career advancement opportunities. Average base salary for entry-level CEH certified professionals is around USD 84,763 per year. - Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Offered by ISACA, CISA is for professionals in information systems auditing, control, and security. Exam Details: A 4-hour exam with 150 multiple-choice questions, requiring a minimum score of 70%. Cost: Around USD 500 to USD 600. Where to Use: Designed for IT auditing, management, audit consultancy, and security roles. Benefits: Globally recognized, enhances professional reputation, and offers increased career opportunities. Average base salary for entry-level CISA certified professionals is around USD 102,000 per year. - Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Also offered by ISACA, CISM is for professionals in information security management. Exam Details: 150 multiple-choice questions in a 4-hour exam, requiring a minimum score of 450 out of 800. Cost: Approximately USD 575 for non-members and USD 415 for ISACA members. Where to Use: Beneficial for infosec managers, IT consultants, and those in infosec program management roles. Benefits: Validates expertise in managing information security programs, leading to increased career opportunities. Average base salary for entry-level CISM certified professionals is around USD 135,000 per year. - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Offered by (ISC)², CISSP is for professionals designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs. Exam Details: A 3-hour exam with 150 multiple-choice questions, requiring a minimum score of 70%. Cost: Up to USD 749. Where to Use: Validates expertise in designing and managing cybersecurity programs. Offers networking opportunities and exclusive resources. Benefits: Validates skills and knowledge in information security, enhancing career prospects. Average base salary for CISSP certified professionals is around USD 125,000 per year. - Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Offered by (ISC)², CCSP is for professionals in cloud computing and cloud security roles. Cost: Around USD 599. Where to Use: Globally recognized for expertise in cloud security, leading to increased job market demand. Benefits: Demonstrates expertise in cloud security, instilling confidence in employers and clients. Average base salary for CCSP certified professionals is around USD 124,000 per year. - Global Information Assurance Certification Penetration Tester (GPEN)
Offered by GIAC, GPEN validates skills and knowledge in penetration testing. Exam Details: A 3-hour proctored exam with 82 questions, requiring a minimum passing score of 75%. Cost: Approximately USD 949. Benefits: Validates practical skills in penetration testing, enhancing credibility and value in the job market. Average base salary for GPEN certified professionals is around USD 109,000 per year. - Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Offered by Offensive Security, OSCP is for professionals in penetration testing and ethical hacking. Exam Details: Requires identifying vulnerabilities in a live network environment within 23 hours and 45 minutes. Cost: Around USD 595. Where to Use: Designed for security solutions professionals and cyber trainers. Benefits: Validates practical skills in penetration testing and ethical hacking, leading to career advancement opportunities. Average base salary for OSCP certified professionals is around USD 98,000 per year. - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Offered by EC-Council, CHFI equips individuals with skills in cybercrime investigation. Exam Details: A 120-minute exam with 65 questions in subjective and objective formats. Cost: Up to USD 300. Where to Use: Beneficial for digital forensic professionals. Benefits: Validates expertise in cybercrime investigations, leading to increased career opportunities. Average base salary for CHFI certified professionals is around USD 103,000 per year. - CompTIA Pen Test+
Offered by Pearson VUE, Pen Test+ is for professionals in vulnerability and penetration testing roles. Exam Details: Up to 85 questions in multiple-choice and case study formats, lasting for 4 hours. Cost: Around USD 349. Where to Use: Designed for IT professionals in penetration testing roles. Benefits: Enhances career prospects in the cybersecurity field. Average base salary for Pen Test+ certified professionals is around USD 114,000 per year. - Certified Penetration Testing Consultant (CPTC)
Offered by Mile2, CPTC evaluates expertise in penetration testing and ethical hacking. Exam Details: A 4-hour exam with multiple-choice questions. Cost: Up to USD 497. Where to Use: Suitable for testing consultants, system administrators, and security analysts. Benefits: Validates skills in comprehensive penetration testing, leading to career advancement opportunities. Average base salary for CPTC certified professionals is around USD 106,000 per year
Author: shadjavist
Humble gentleman who never believes in impossibility
