Many people are unsure what cybersecurity certificates are worth the cost both in terms of money and time. Many arguments can be put forth against certifications, particularly considering that there are numerous certifications available today and a lot have been tossed aside in popularity over the decades. But they remain an interesting option for beginning professional in cybersecurity or for those who wants to enter the cybersecurity industry.
Are cybersecurity certifications worthy of the time and effort? Certifications in cybersecurity are worth the effort if you can use them to supplement other qualifications you have on your resume. The mere presence of certifications on your resume can be an indicator to employers that you have a solid foundation of knowledge that is not solely based on your prior experience.
Certifications are well worth the effort, but they’re not the sole thing that requires your time and effort when you’re building your career in cybersecurity. I’m a huge advocate of certifications, as I’ve witnessed them aid my career as well as those of others and they offer numerous benefits beyond the obvious financial benefits. Let’s examine some of these benefits right now.
The benefits of having the certification
A lot of people who are just beginning their journey in cybersecurity think that certifications are just about money. it could be however, certifications may be a great source of additional benefits to your professional career.
Benefit #1 A certification can be an important differentiator.
Certifications can make a difference over someone else seeking the same position. I’ve witnessed occasions when an applicant who has an official certification or several was able to beat a similarly qualified but uncertified candidate, purely due to the certification. In these instances the employer relied on the certification as a deciding element. For students who are enrolled in college, I recommend that they look into a certification since it is an indicator of distinction in comparison to other college students.
The benefit #2 is that certifications indicate the level of achievement and endurance.
Everyone is aware that getting the certification is a process so having one does show a commitment to your professional development and the knowledge base. This is especially crucial when you begin your career and are unable to count on or discuss with potential employers about. The certifications show that the seriousness of your job in the field.
Benefit #3: Lots employers put a high value on these benefits.
Many employers aren’t influenced by certifications, however there are still plenty of employers who are enthused by these certifications. In fact, the Department of Defense has established standards for the certification of their employees including that of CompTIA Security+ for many of the positions in intelligence and security. Certain employers will even prefer certifications over the equivalent of a college degree, and therefore having a certification could make you stand out also.
Advantage #4: A certificate keeps your employer on the edge.
In my professional career, several times I’ve followed the steps of gaining a certification by myself and even with my own money and not telling my employer of my motives. Once I was certified I would either forward the confirmation email, or inform them verbally (or simply hang it on my office walls without ever saying anything.) In these instances you’ll begin to feel the wheels turning as people ask you when you’ve earned the certification, the reason you’re improving yourself, and what your goals are.
When you obtain a certificate when you’re employed, whether in the field of cybersecurity or not, getting an accreditation can cause your employer to pay attention. In many instances this could give you the advantage.
5. Benefit: Certificates may be used to bargain a promotion or raise.
At time, money will be a major factor in any career choice, and here it is. The best cybersecurity certifications are helpful in providing cybersecurity professionals with the leverage needed to get promotions or raises. This is the reason that many certification organizations attempt to tie them to paying rates. Of course, there are different factors that affect whether the certification will result in an increase in your salary, but it is it worth the effort to use your certification as a bargaining instrument to secure better pay.
Benefit #6: Every person who doesn’t has one wishes they had.
For me, this could be the greatest benefits of it all. Wouldn’t you prefer to have the certificate instead of not having it? Consider it. Are there people with no degree who doesn’t want to use a magic wand to obtain a degree, in the event that they had the chance? Are there any IT person who would not be happy with an alphabet of certificates on their name? We all appreciate these qualifications however many people don’t have the desire to seek them out – which makes them more valuable for the people who do.
7. Benefit: Companies usually trust certifications more as opposed to training programs.
There are numerous training programs online and in person accessible, and the number of people who have put hundreds of thousands into these programs is staggering. A lot of these training programs are actually brain dumps, in which the trainee isn’t provided with the opportunity to study something, and is often not provided with the opportunity to master the subject in person. The issue is that many of these programs are linked to the preparation for certification, even though some students don’t pass the test at the end of the course. A certification is typically thought of by employers as an additional proof of your the knowledge gained than simply having completed a course.
What is the most effective way to get ready for the certification?
If you are preparing to take the cybersecurity exam, make certain to utilize a range of sources. Each textbook, class , or video course will reflect the interpretation provided by the source of what’s best help you prepare for your test. The best resource is not capable of providing everything is required to be successful or be able to to cover all exam subjects in the most effective method.
In this regard an effective approach for cybersecurity certification is to attend a class or video course first and then follow up that education by studying a textbook and doing practical exercises. A lot of books for certification are accessible at libraries that are open to the public. Explore these resources and use them to enhance the course you’ve already completed. Once you’re confident with the content, go through a variety of practice tests. The most effective practice exams will explain the correct answer in depth, as well in the incorrect ones. Because many certification exams contain fifty or more questions, it is recommended to study a lot of practice tests to make sure you’ve had enough questions and topics. Be aware that all questions you’ll encounter on the exam will be designed from how the test taker views the material, not necessarily how it is conducted in any particular operational setting. This means that it is best to consider concepts of the exam from the viewpoint of the test author. This is why a lot of guides to preparing for certifications say things like “CompTIA would like you to know …””, or “Cisco thinks about …”.
How can I tell if I’m ready for the certification test?
I’ve found that the best way to determine if you’re prepared to take an exam for certification is to determine if you are knowledgeable enough about the subject that you can teach the material to other people. If you can clearly explain the certification content to someone who is not familiar with the content, that is a sign that you’re familiar with the subject enough to be able to respond to any questions the test might require. As you approach the conclusion of your preparation for your certification exam Try explaining and teaching the content to someone you’re familiar with. If you’re confident in explaining the material to others, this will help you feel confident that you’re well-prepared for the test.
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