🔐 Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

Your Roadmap to Launch a Career in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand fields in tech — but getting started can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a complete beginner, career switcher, or student, this guide will help you choose the best entry-level certifications based on your interests and goals. We’ve grouped them into 6 beginner-friendly categories, each with recommended certifications, courses, and hands-on labs.

🧩 Category 1: Generalist (Cybersecurity Fundamentals)

🔑 Objective: Understand the core principles of cybersecurity, networks, threats, systems, and professional roles.

🎓 Recommended Certifications:

• CompTIA Security+

• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

• ISACA CSX-F

• GIAC GSEC

• Mile2 C|CT (Certified Cybersecurity Technician)

• Google Cybersecurity Certificate

📚 Complementary Courses:

• Google Cybersecurity (Coursera)

• Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity (NetAcad)

• IBM Cybersecurity Analyst (Coursera)

• Security+ Path (LinkedIn Learning or Udemy)

🧪 Practical Labs:

• TryHackMe: “Pre-Security” and “Complete Beginner” paths

• Hack The Box Academy: “Introduction to Cybersecurity”

• OverTheWire: Bandit (Linux basics)

⚔️ Category 2: Offensive Security (Ethical Hacking & Pentesting)

🔑 Objective: Learn to identify and ethically exploit vulnerabilities in systems and applications.

🎓 Recommended Certifications:

• eJPT (INE)

• CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker (EC-Council)

• HTB Certified Bug Bounty Hunter (CBBH)

• TryHackMe Certificates (Learning Paths)

📚 Complementary Courses:

• eJPT Prep Course (INE)

• “Ethical Hacking from Zero” (Udemy or Platzi)

• Practical Ethical Hacking (TCM Security by The Cyber Mentor)

🧪 Practical Labs:

• TryHackMe: “Jr Penetration Tester” path

• Hack The Box: Starting Point + Academy (Linux Fundamentals, Network Enumeration)

• PortSwigger Academy: “Web Security Fundamentals”

• RootMe: “Basics” and “Web Server”

🛡️ Category 3: Defensive Security (SOC / Blue Team / Incident Response)

🔑 Objective: Monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats.

🎓 Recommended Certifications:

• Cisco CyberOps Associate

• Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1)

• Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst

• IBM Cybersecurity Analyst

📚 Complementary Courses:

• CyberDefenders: Blue Team Labs Online

• Microsoft Learn: Defender + Sentinel

• Elastic Security Fundamentals

• Splunk Fundamentals 1 (Free)

🧪 Practical Labs:

• TryHackMe: “SOC Level 1 Analyst” path

• BlueTeamLabs.online: Practical scenarios

• RangeForce: Blue Team Fundamentals

• Hack The Box Academy: “Intro to SOC” + “Logging & SIEM”

☁️ Category 4: Cloud Security

🔑 Objective: Learn how to secure cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

🎓 Recommended Certifications:

• CCSK – Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (Cloud Security Alliance)

• Microsoft Azure Security Fundamentals

• Google Cloud Security Fundamentals

📚 Complementary Courses:

• AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials

• Microsoft SC-900 / AZ-900 (Microsoft Learn)

• Google Cloud Security Fundamentals (Coursera)

🧪 Practical Labs:

• TryHackMe: “Intro to Cloud” and “GCP Fundamentals” rooms

• Hack The Box Academy: “Cloud Security Basics”

• Free-tier Labs: AWS Free Tier, Azure for Students, GCP Free Tier

🔍 Category 5: Forensics / Incident Response

🔑 Objective: Investigate cyberattacks, collect digital evidence, and analyze compromised systems.

🎓 Recommended Certifications:

• EC-Council CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator)

• Digital Forensics Essentials (EC-Council)

• Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1)

• GIAC GCIH (Incident Handler – Advanced)

📚 Complementary Courses:

• DFIR Training (DFIRScience – Free)

• SANS DFIR Posters and Intro Courses

• Autopsy Training + VirtualBox Setup

🧪 Practical Labs:

• TryHackMe: “Intro to DFIR” and “Windows IR”

• CyberDefenders: “DFIR Beginner Labs”

• Volatility Framework: Memory Forensics

👨‍💻 Category 6: End-User / Security Awareness

🔑 Objective: Learn basic cybersecurity best practices — ideal for non-technical individuals and entry-level employees.

🎓 Recommended Certifications:

• EC-Council CSCU (Certified Secure Computer User)

• Fortinet NSE 1–2 (Network Security Associate)

• Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity

📚 Complementary Courses:

• Cybersecurity Essentials (Cisco NetAcad)

• Google Digital Garage: Online Security

🧪 Practical Labs:

• Phishing Simulators (Phish.io, GoPhish)

• Secure configuration of smartphones and emails

• Free labs from Fortinet Training Institute

💡 Final Tip:

Start with the category that aligns with your goals and interests. For general understanding, Category 1 is the best launchpad. For aspiring hackers, go for Category 2. Prefer cloud tech? Jump into Category 4. Want to protect users or organizations? Explore Categories 3 and 5.