List of Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners

Cyber security has become an increasingly important part of how organisations protect their operations, information and customers.

As cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, security spending is expected to reach USD 377 billion by 2028, while the average cost of a data breach rose to USD 4.99 million in 2025, according to IDC and IBM, respectively.

This growing need for protection is also creating demand for skilled professionals, making cyber security certifications for beginners a useful starting point for people looking to enter the field.

Why Cyber Security Certifications Matter for Beginners

Cyber security certifications offer several benefits for beginners, for example:

• They provide a clear learning path for understanding security fundamentals.
• They expose learners to industry-standard knowledge and skills, including tools, frameworks, and best practices.
• They help build confidence before entering the workforce.
• They can improve job prospects and career progression opportunities.
• They help employers assess technical knowledge.
• They demonstrate commitment to professional development.

What to Look Out for in Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners

• Entry requirements: Some certifications require previous work experience or knowledge of networking, operating systems, or security concepts. Beginners should focus on programs with minimal entry requirements.
• Your current level: A certification that is appropriate for an experienced IT professional may be unnecessarily difficult for someone who is still learning basic networking and systems administration.
• Curriculum: Look for content that matches the skills you want to develop, for example, network security, threat detection, access control, or incident response.
• Practical learning: Practical exercises, including simulations and real-world exercises, can help reinforce theoretical knowledge and improve job readiness.
• Exam format: Find out whether the assessment, for example, uses multiple-choice questions, practical tasks, simulations, or a combination of methods.
• Cost: Consider both training and examination fees, as well as possible retake or renewal costs. You can also check for free courses, especially if your budget is tight.
• Career relevance: Research the types of roles associated with the skills covered by the certification.
• Recognition: Prioritise certifications that are widely recognised by employers and respected within the cyber security community.

6 Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners

Cyber security is a broad discipline, so beginners may encounter certifications with very different purposes and levels of technical depth. The six cyber security certifications for beginners below provide a useful starting selection for people beginning their journey into the field.

1. (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

The Certified in Cyber security (CC) is explicitly designed for people entering the cyber security field. (ISC)² states that no work experience is required, making it one of the clearest starting points for someone with no professional cyber security background.

The organisation also says the credential validates foundational knowledge for entry- or junior-level cyber security roles and is suitable for IT professionals, career changers, college students and recent graduates.

For a beginner, the CC is particularly relevant because its purpose is not to test years of professional experience. Instead, it establishes a foundation that can support progression into cyber security roles and eventually more advanced certifications. ISC2 also says there is no work-experience requirement after passing the CC exam.

The certification is ANAB-accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 and is approved under the U.S. Department of Defence's 8140.03 framework.

2. Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cyber Security

The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cyber Security is an entry level certification focused on foundational cyber security concepts and skills. Cisco specifically positions it as a qualification for people preparing for entry level cyber security roles and says there are no formal prerequisites.

For beginners, one notable advantage is that the certification has no prerequisites. Cisco recommends understanding the examination topics before attempting the exam, but previous professional cyber security experience is not required.

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognised cyber security certification that helps you build and validate the practical cyber security skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue a career in cyber security. Security+ V7 is available today, while the newest version, Security+ V8, is expected to launch on or around November 17, 2026.

Although there are no prerequisites for Security+, CompTIA recommends at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus and earning the CompTIA Network+ certification before taking the exam. This makes Security+ appropriate for aspiring cyber security professionals, but it may be more demanding for someone starting with absolutely no IT background.

4. Google Cyber Security Certificate

The Google Cyber Security Certificate is a professional certificate programme specifically designed to help people start a cyber security career. Google states that no relevant experience is necessary and that learners can complete the programme online at their own pace in under six months.

The programme is somewhat different from an examination-based certification such as ISC2 CC or Cisco CCST. It is a structured learning programme that develops practical and conceptual skills before awarding a Google Career Certificate.

5. Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity

The Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cyber Security was designed for people pursuing entry-level cyber security roles. Fortinet describes it as a certification covering the threat landscape and fundamental cyber security concepts, and recommends it for entry-level cyber security professionals and people seeking to begin a career in cyber security.

Fortinet updated its certification programme on July 15, 2026, moving from five certification levels to eight. Under the new structure, FCF corresponds to NSE 1 and NSE 2, while existing active FCF certifications remain in certification history and transition to those two credentials.

Fortinet NSE 1 is a foundational certification designed for people beginning their cyber security journey. Fortinet states that it validates the knowledge and technical skills required for entry level cyber security job roles and introduces learners to today's threat landscape and fundamental cyber security concepts.

The NSE 2 builds on foundational cyber security knowledge by introducing the core features of next-generation firewalls, among others. It is part of Fortinet's current entry level certification pathway and is suitable for learners beginning their cyber security journey.

6. Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

The Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) certification introduces the fundamentals of security, compliance and identity across Microsoft's cloud and related services. Microsoft specifically identifies new and existing IT professionals, business stakeholders and students among the people who may take the exam.

Microsoft recommends that candidates have familiarity with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, although the certification itself is positioned at the fundamentals level. The exam takes 45 minutes, and a score of 700 or higher is required to pass.

Tips for Passing Cyber Security Certification Exams

• Check and understand the current exam information.
• Create a study schedule.
• Use official resources.
• Join learning communities.
• Gain practical experience.
• Study practice questions and take practice exams.

Cyber Security Jobs Beginners Can Pursue

Some Beginner roles to explore include:

• Cyber Security Intern
• Junior Cyber Security Analyst
• SOC Analyst
• IT Security Technician
• Security Support Specialist
• Junior Vulnerability Analyst
• Incident Response Assistant
• IT Support Specialist

Check for new remote cybersecurity jobs.

Conclusion

Every cyber security professional begins somewhere. The key is to keep learning, remain adaptable, and steadily develop relevant skills over time. While entry level cyber security certifications are only one part of the journey, they are a meaningful step for beginners entering the cyber security profession.

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