If you are looking to start a successful cybersecurity career, it is good to gain experience in jobs such as network engineering or web development. You will not only need experience from entry-level positions but also the proper training. Industry certifications are commonly required in cybersecurity jobs and are especially important if you want to assume a management position.
To learn what you need to know and effectively build your resume, you will want to consider the following factors when enrolling in a cybersecurity certification course.
Table of Contents
1. Your Career Goals
What exactly are you looking to gain from your certifications? Whether you want your first major cybersecurity job or are seeking a promotion, it is important to do your research and select the right course for whatever exam you need. If you are looking to be an information security manager, for instance, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate would be a good choice. A hacker certification, on the other hand, is more appropriate for a hopeful certified ethical hacker (CEH).
2. Price
You should not go with the cheapest option you find. The price of a certification course should be reasonable while still providing quality instruction. Use reviews and other resources to determine if the price is worth the services provided.
You should also note whether or not exam fees are included. This can be a nice addition to a certification package, as they often provided exam fees at a discounted rate. If you are only interested in the course itself, you can ask for the tuition to be adjusted accordingly.
3. Online vs In-Person
Like many things in this day and age, there are certification courses that are offered online. This is a convenient option if there are no in-person facilities near you or if your schedule is particularly hectic.
If you think you would fare better by learning from a live teacher, a more traditional classroom setting might be for you. This kind of environment will allow you to ask questions and be more directly involved in your studies.
Your availability and learning style are both crucial to consider when determining whether you take your course online or in-person. Make sure that you choose a program that can accommodate your current job and other aspects of your busy life.
4. Reputation
Look around to find programs that deliver results. Do they have a high overall pass rate? Does the course you are taking cover all the material on your exams?
5. Does Enrollment Guarantee That You Will Pass the Exam?
You are investing time and money into whatever course you choose, so you want to make sure that it is worthwhile. Courses like the Alpine Security CISO training have what they refer to as their “Certification Success Program.” Companies with these kinds of programs follow different guidelines but typically allow their customers to retake courses right before their exam date. They will even allow clients to retake courses after a failed exam so they have a better chance of passing it the next time.
Even if the company has a high pass rate, it is reassuring to know that they abide by a pass guarantee policy. It’s a good safety net in case you don’t pass the test the first time and shows that the company cares about providing good service.
6. Staff Qualifications
You want to make sure that the people training you are professionals in their fields and have the proper qualifications. The more direct experience a certified teacher has, the better prepared they are in teaching you relevant information and helping you pass your next test.
