The Best Cybersecurity Certifications That Open Doors

Key Takeaways

• Three certifications, three very different paths. Whether you're looking to guard the gates, test the defenses, or track down threats, there's a cert that fits.

• Security+ is the starting point for most cybersecurity careers. It’s the one employers know and expect to see.

• PenTest+ leans offensive and teaches you how to find vulnerabilities before someone else does.

• CySA+ is all about defense, analysis, and action. If you're into solving digital mysteries, this one’s worth a look.

• Read on to learn more about these certifications and what kind of job roles you can land with them.

Let’s be honest: getting into cybersecurity can feel like trying to pick a career path in a language you don’t quite speak yet. Between the alphabet soup of certifications and all the industry buzzwords, it’s hard to know where to start. In this blog we’re cutting through the noise and breaking down some of the best cybersecurity certifications that actually open doors, with minimal jargon and maximum clarity.

CompTIA Security+: The Front Door to Cybersecurity

If cybersecurity were a house, Security+ would be the front door. If you don’t have it, you’re probably not getting in. This is the certification that proves you’ve got a grip on the core concepts—threats, firewalls, encryption, risk management—all the foundational things you’ll be expected to know on day one. It’s often the bare minimum requirement for entry-level roles, especially if you're trying to get into a government or federal contractor job due to its DoD 8570-approved status. Even in the private sector, employers know what it is and respect what it means. It's one of those certs that doesn’t need a long explanation. It speaks for itself.

It can open doors to roles like Junior SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, or even IT support positions with a cybersecurity twist. It's the kind of credential that can turn “interested in cybersecurity” into “employed in cybersecurity.”

If you’re new to cyber, Security+ is the certification that gets you started and helps employers take you seriously outside of just having IT experience.

CompTIA PenTest+: For the Curious (and Slightly Mischievous)

This one’s for the folks who like poking around systems, pressing buttons you normally shouldn’t, and breaking things (with permission). PenTest+ focuses on ethical hacking, meaning you learn to think like an attacker so you can help companies find and fix their weak spots before someone with worse intentions shows up. It’s a great choice if you're curious, hands-on, and maybe a little bit sneaky.

It opens doors to roles like Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Assessor, and Red Team Operator. Basically, you get paid to test defenses and find holes in the defense plan. It’s like learning how to pick locks so that you can test them all to find the most secure one for your front door.

Essentially, PenTest+ says, “Yes, I know how to break into your system, but only because you asked nicely.”

CySA+: For the Digital Detectives

CySA+ is where things get a little more analytical. It’s all about detecting threats, reviewing security logs, and responding to incidents in real time. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that keeps companies safe 24/7. If Security+ gives you the keys to the building, and PenTest+ shows you how to break in, then CySA+ helps you spot the break-in as it’s happening and respond appropriately.

You’ll dig into tools like SIEMs (Security Information and Event Management systems) and get good at telling the difference between the digital norm and the “Uh… that’s not supposed to do that.”

This certification can open doors to roles like SOC Analyst Tier II, Threat Intelligence Analyst, or Cybersecurity Operations Specialist. These are the people watching the monitors, connecting the dots, and stopping bad actors in their tracks. If you’re the type that likes to quietly save the day, this cert’s probably calling your name.

How Tech Academy Can Give You the Key

So now that you know which doors each cert can open… how do you actually get a cert?

At ACI Tech Academy, we help people like you unlock careers in cybersecurity with training designed for real humans, not robots. We’re not here for perfection. We’re here for questions, mistakes, and those lightbulb moments that come after.

Here’s what we offer:

• Instructor-led courses focused on real-world prep

• Hands-on labs so you don’t just memorize, you do

• 1-on-1 Career support to help you land that first (or next) role

• Programs eligible for VET TEC, MyCAA, and other funding options

• One exam fee is included in each program after requirements are fulfilled

If you’re ready to go all in on a cyber career, the Cybersecurity Analyst Program at ACI Tech Academy includes all three certifications we’ve talked about: Security+, PenTest+, and CySA+ in one powerful, career-building package.

Heads up: This program is designed for learners who already have a solid IT foundation. If you’ve got some tech experience, this is your next step up. If you’re a complete IT newbie, you can check out our Computer User Support Specialist program.

Whether you're a career switcher, a veteran stepping into civilian life, or just someone tired of wondering what if, the call to cybersecurity is coming from inside the house.

The good news is you don’t even have to knock. With the right certifications, you’ll already have the key.

FAQs on the Best Cybersecurity Certifications

Do I need IT experience before getting into cybersecurity?

Not necessarily, but it really helps. If you’re brand new to tech, you’ll want to start with IT basics like CompTIA A+. Cybersecurity certs like Security+ assume you already know the difference between a router and a sandwich.

Which cybersecurity certification pays the most?

The deeper you go, the more you grow in both skills and salary. CySA+ and PenTest+ can lead to roles in threat intel or ethical hacking that tend to pay more. But salary also depends on location, experience, and whether or not you're willing to do on-call work.

What if I fail the exam?

Welcome to the club! Plenty of smart people fail. All three exams (Security+, PenTest+, CySA+) can be retaken. The real question is: Did you learn the material or did you just cram? A solid training program (hint: like Tech Academy) makes all the difference.

Do these certs expire?

Yep, CompTIA certs like Security+, PenTest+, and CySA+ are valid for three years. You can renew by earning CEUs (Continuing Education Units), retaking the test, or stacking with a higher-level cert.