When you want to advance your career and qualify for more cybersecurity jobs, ensuring you have the necessary certifications or credentials is a critical part of the equation. Certifications and similar credentials show employers that you have the proper knowledge and capabilities to handle the duties associated with many related roles. As a result, they can help you not only qualify for more opportunities but also stand apart from other applicants that don’t have them.
Navigating the certification and credentialing process for cybersecurity jobs is reasonably straightforward. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Industry Standards
Most cybersecurity certifications and credentials are designed to ensure that professionals have a suitable understanding of various industry standards. Generally, those standards are set by reputable industry institutions and specific government entities, and they’re updated based on shifts in the broader sector over time.
As a result, it’s wise to not only spend time learning industry standards but also dig into why they’re in place. By doing so, it’s far easier to adopt various recommended practices, as well as perform well on credentialing exams.
Researching Appropriate Certifications
There is a wide array of cybersecurity certifications and credentials associated with the industry. Some are broader and designed to show a professional’s general competence in the arena. Others are highly focused, concentrating on a particular skill area or concept.
Additionally, professional experience requirements for the certifications and credentials vary. Some are open to those newer to the field, while others require multiple years of experience before a professional is eligible for the related exam.
Since that’s the case, it’s wise to research appropriate certifications. Consider which align with your chosen career path, as well as what’s open to you based on your experience level. Then, you can pursue those that are the strongest match, allowing you to elevate your credentials strategically.
Choosing the Right Training Programs
Training programs help professionals prepare for certification or other credential-oriented exams. Typically, they cover all the critical knowledge areas a credentialled person would need to know, and many also have hands-on exercises that can help boost related skills.
When selecting a training program, it’s critical to consider the reputation of the provider organization. In many cases, credentialing organizations have their own training programs, and those can work well as starting points. However, those offered by higher education institutions or other third parties are potentially worth considering if the program has a solid history of covering the necessary information.
Best Practices for Test Preparation
When you’re preparing for a certification test, begin by understanding the core objectives and knowledge areas the exam covers. Then, design a study plan that includes each of those areas, allowing you to focus your efforts appropriately.
Once the plan is in place, identify reputable resources that align with each area. Include a mix of training programs, written materials, and other resources, as that gives you a more comprehensive understanding of the overall topic.
After that, study in bursts over time, quizzing yourself along the way. That ensures the process isn’t overwhelming and lets you assess your level of understanding to make sure that you’re ready for the exam.
Ultimately, obtaining cybersecurity certifications and credentials does take time, but it’s worth the effort if you want to elevate your career. If you’d like to learn more or are interested in a new cybersecurity job, The Squires Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
