A lot of people doubt 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 in the market today, and a lot have been tossed aside in the past few years in terms of their popularity the decades. But they remain an interesting option for beginning professional in cybersecurity or for those seeking to get into the field of cybersecurity.
Are cybersecurity certifications worthy of the time and effort? The best cybersecurity certifications are worth the effort when you utilize them to complement other credentials on your resume. A certification on your resume is an indication to employers you have a solid foundation of knowledge that is not dependent on previous experiences.
The bottom line is that certifications are definitely worth the effort however, they’re not the only thing that’s going to require your time and effort when you build your career in cybersecurity. I’m a huge proponent of certifications, as I’ve witnessed them aid my career as well as other people’s careers and they offer numerous benefits beyond the obvious impact on your finances. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits today.
The advantages of obtaining the certification
A lot of people who are just beginning their journey in cybersecurity think that certifications are just about money. And it could be but certifications be a great source of additional benefits to your professional career.
Benefit #1 Certifications are an important differentiator.
Certifications can make a difference in a competitive market. seeking the same position. I’ve witnessed occasions when an applicant who has the certification or multiple certificates was able to beat a similarly qualified but not certified applicant, simply due to the certification. In these instances employers used the certification as a deciding element. For students who are enrolled in college, I would always suggest to look into a certification since it can be an indicator of distinction in comparison to other college students.
The benefit #2 is that certifications indicate an accomplishment level and determination.
Everyone is aware that obtaining an award takes effort so having one does demonstrate a degree of dedication to your professional development and the knowledge base. This is particularly important when you begin your career and are unable to count on or speak to prospective employers about. A certification proves that the seriousness of your chosen career in the field.
Benefit #3: Lots employers put a high value on these benefits.
Employers are not all influenced by certifications, however there are still a lot of employers who are impressed by these certifications. The Department of Defense has established standards for the certification of their employees like those from CompTIA Security+ for many of the positions in intelligence and security. Some employers prefer certifications over having a degree from a college, therefore having a certification could make you stand out also.
Advantage #4: A certificate keeps your employer on guard.
Many times throughout my career I’ve followed the rules to earn a certification entirely at my own pace and using my own funds and not divulging to my employer my plans. When I had earned my certification I would then forward the confirmation email or tell them in person (or simply hang it on the wall in my office without making any announcements.) 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 the certification could cause your employer to pay attention. In many instances this could give you the advantage.
Beneficial #5: Certifications may be used to get a raise or a promotion.
At some point, money has to be a major factor in any career choice, and in this case it is. Certifications can help in providing cybersecurity professionals with the ability to get promotions or raises. This is the reason why many certification organizations are trying to link them to paying rates. Of course, there are different factors that affect whether an exam can result in an increase in your salary, but it is it worth the effort to use a certificate as a bargaining instrument to secure more pay.
Benefit #6: Anyone who doesn’t has one wishes they had.
According to me, this might be the greatest benefits of it all. Wouldn’t it be better to be certified rather over not having it? Take a look. Are there people who doesn’t have a degree who doesn’t want to use a magic wand to earn a degree even if they had the chance? Is there an IT person who would not be happy with an alphabet of qualifications in their name? We all appreciate these qualifications however many people don’t have the desire to go after them, which makes them more valuable for the people who do.
7. Benefit: Companies typically prefer certifications to be more credible than programs for training.
There are a myriad of training courses online or in person that are available, and the amount of people who have poured millions of dollars in them staggering. A lot of these training programs are simply paper mills or brain dumps where the trainee isn’t provided with the time needed to master something, and is often not given the chance to master the subject in person. The problem is that a lot of these courses are linked to certification preparation, however some students don’t pass the test at the end of the course. The certifications are often thought of by employers as an additional proof of your expertise than having just completed a course.
What is the most effective way to be prepared for the certification?
If you are preparing to take the cybersecurity exam, make sure to make use of a variety of sources. Every textbook, class , or video course will be the provider’s interpretation of what’s most effective in preparing you to pass the test. There is no one source that will be equipped to give you everything you require to ensure success or provide all exam subjects in the most effective method.
With this in mind an effective approach for cybersecurity certification is to attend a class or video course first and then build on that knowledge through textbooks and practice in the hands. A lot of books for certification are available in libraries of public libraries. Explore these resources and use them to enhance the course you’ve already completed. Once you’re comfortable with the content, go through a variety of practice tests. The most effective practice exams provide the correct answers in detail, as being able to explain the wrong answers. As many certification exams include fifty or more questions, you’ll need to study a lot of practice tests to make sure you’ve had enough questions and topics. Remember that any questions you’ll encounter on the exam will be written from the viewpoint of how the test taker views the material, not necessarily how it is conducted in the specific operational context. This means that it is best to approach the exam’s concepts from the viewpoint of the test author. This is the reason why many guides to preparing for certifications say things like “CompTIA requires you to be aware” …”” or “Cisco thinks about …”.
What can I do to know when I’m ready for the exam to become certified?
I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to determine if you’re prepared to take an exam for certification is to test if have the knowledge that you can teach the material to other people. If you can clearly explain the certification content to someone who’s not familiar with the subject, it is an indication that you are knowledgeable enough to be able to answer any questions the exam could require. When you are nearing the end of your preparation for your certification exam take the time to explain and teach the content to someone you’re familiar with. If you’re confident in explaining the material to others, this will give you confidence that you’re well-prepared for the test.
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