ISC2 designed this exam as the beginner-level option in their certification lineup.
Right now, you can take it for free, training and one exam attempt are included.
Many people also recommend Thor’s Udemy course as a helpful add-on for exam preparation.
Getting Started In Cyber
Cisco is offering this training for free, and it’s a great deal. When you finish, you not only get a digital badge but also cover everything needed for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity exam, so it’s like getting two benefits in one. Cisco is the top name in networking, and these skills are often missed by people aiming for a cybersecurity career. It doesn’t get better than free training from Cisco.
SANS Cyber Academy Scholarships
SANS provides top-notch cybersecurity training, and earning one of their certifications adds impressive letters after your name.
Applications open from time to time, so keep an eye on our newsletter for upcoming dates.
CompTIA offers “vendor-neutral” certifications, which means their training doesn’t focus on specific brands or trademarked technologies.
The CompTIA Security+ certification is well-known in the industry and is even approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to meet Directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to work in IT security, especially in government or defense jobs.
ITIL, short for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a popular guide that helps IT teams run more smoothly and support the business better.
The latest version, called ITIL 4, gives IT teams a flexible and reliable way to manage their work, so they can better meet the needs of the organization and stay aligned with its goals.
Cisco Troubleshooting Steps give you a clear game plan for solving cybersecurity problems. They help you stay calm, think through each layer of the issue, and quickly zero in on what is really wrong.
Knowing this process also makes you stand out in interviews when you are asked to whiteboard or explain how you would troubleshoot a security incident.
Grow with Google: Cybersecurity
The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is an online training program designed to prepare beginners for entry-level roles in cybersecurity. It covers key skills such as network security, risk management, incident response, and tools like Python and SQL, helping learners build a strong foundation to start a career in protecting digital systems.
ISC2 is a well-respected, vendor-neutral organization that offers certifications, like the famous CISSP, which are highly valued by both professionals and employers worldwide. These certifications are some of the most recognized and sought-after in the cybersecurity field, no matter where you are in your career.
The Improving Cyber Practitioner
ISACA is a global, vendor-neutral professional organization that helps individuals and organizations with IT governance, cybersecurity, risk management, and auditing; GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance).
It’s known for offering respected certifications like CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), and CGEIT (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT).
ISACA also created COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies), a widely used framework that helps businesses manage and govern their IT effectively. Along with certifications and frameworks, ISACA provides training, research, and tools to help professionals grow and stay up to date in the field.
Artificial intelligence brings huge opportunities , but also new risks. ISACA Advanced in AI Security Management™ (AAISM™) is the first certification focused on managing security in an AI-driven world.
It helps experienced IT pros strengthen their company’s defenses, handle AI-related threats, set smart policies, and make sure AI is used safely and effectively across the organization.
The OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is a well-known certification for ethical hackers that shows you know how to find and safely exploit security weaknesses in computer systems and networks. It focuses on real-world skills, especially using a tool called Kali Linux. To earn it, you have to take a course called PEN-200 and pass a tough, hands-on exam where you prove what you’ve learned.
CISA provides free training to help protect important systems like power grids and water treatment plants from cyberattacks, OT(Operational Technology). This training focuses on industrial control systems (ICS) and is known around the world for being practical and up-to-date. You can take the training online from anywhere. There are two types of training available: self-paced courses you can take through CISA’s Virtual Learning Portal, and live sessions led by instructors.
The Cisco CCNA is an entry-level certification that proves you understand the fundamentals of networking. It shows you can set up and manage networks using routers, switches, and other equipment, as well as troubleshoot connectivity issues to keep systems running smoothly. You will also learn how to work with IP services, including routing and redundancy, and how to read routing tables. The certification covers network security basics, such as recognizing threats and protecting data, and teaches you how to set up secure access to devices and networks. Additionally, it introduces network automation, helping you understand how modern tools and technologies are changing the way networks are managed.
Every cyber professional should understand networking fundamentals.