Cybersecurity training is more important than ever.
You’ll find all the cybersecurity training you need to earn a certification, protect your network, or train your team at CBT Nuggets.
5 Best Cybersecurity Certs for 2025
If you’re considering earning a cybersecurity certification in 2025, here are our top recommendations. These five security certifications range from entry-level to advanced. Pick your cert based on where you want to take your career.
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | Intermediate | 30 hrs 1 min |
| Cisco CCNP Security Core (350-701 SCOR) | Intermediate | 34 hrs 27 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 4 - FortiOS 7.x | Intermediate | 25 hrs 40 mins |
| Cisco CyberOps Associate (200-201 CBROPS) v1.2 | Beginner | 19 hrs 45 mins |
| Check Point CCSA & CCSE R81 | Beginner | 19 hrs 44 mins |
Cybersecurity Courses for Beginners
Most security professionals specialize in one area of IT before getting into cybersecurity. That means the easiest way to get into cybersecurity isn’t necessarily with security certifications. Instead, the best way to start down the security path is with basic certifications like the Network+, CCNA, or a Microsoft certification.
After you’re at least familiar with systems administration, networking, or even software engineering, then you should start looking at these cybersecurity certifications.
Watch these courses for free for 7 days.
Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
These cybersecurity courses – and the certifications they prepare you for – are designed for IT professionals with little or no experience in cybersecurity. With the help of hands-on labs and practice, these cybersecurity courses will prepare you to take these security exams in about 6 to 12 weeks.
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | Intermediate | 30 hrs 1 min |
| Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) | Beginner | 21 hrs 41 mins |
| (ISC)² CC – Certified in Cybersecurity | Beginner | 8 hrs 49 mins |
| ISACA ITCA - Cybersecurity Fundamentals (ITCA-CF) | Beginner | 22 hrs 59 mins |
Cybersecurity Skills for Beginners
Cybersecurity is a notoriously hands-on, into-the-fire career field, which means learning a lot outside the scope of a cybersecurity certification. These cybersecurity courses will help you learn the most important aspects of security and risk management.
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Forensics and Computer Examiner | Intermediate | 12 hrs 17 mins |
| Introduction to Digital Forensics | Beginner | |
| Supporting Secure Operations and Incident Response | Beginner | 6 hrs 32 mins |
| Network Penetration Testing Essentials (PEN-100) - NEW | Beginner | 24 hrs 11 mins |
| Secure Design and Architecture Fundamentals for Enterprise Environments | Intermediate | 8 hrs 33 mins |
| Security Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities | Beginner | 6 hrs 49 mins |
| Physical Security and Network Attacks | Beginner | 2 hrs 8 mins |
| Security and Risk Management | Intermediate | 1 hr 25 mins |
FREE DOWNLOAD
Ultimate Security Cert Guide
This 62-page guide lists every Palo Alto, Offensive Security, (ISC)2, Check Point, CompTIA, and Cisco cybersecurity certification, and how they fit into your career.
Cybersecurity Training for Security Pros
Security jobs are often a continuation of the skills acquired throughout an IT career. For instance, network administrators may become analysts or pen testers. Developers may become security engineers. Systems administrators may turn to application or systems security.
Here are the cybersecurity certifications that will get you into common security career paths.
Cybersecurity Courses for Security Analysts
Security analysts do two things: discover and detect cyberattacks. IT professionals looking to become cybersecurity analysts need a well-rounded set of technical skills, which are validated with these cybersecurity certifications.
Typical background: Systems administrator, network administration
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst CySA+ (CS0-003) | Intermediate | 14 hrs 38 mins |
| Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200) | Intermediate | 13 hrs 59 mins |
| Cisco CyberOps Associate (200-201 CBROPS) v1.2 | Beginner | 19 hrs 45 mins |
| (ISC)² CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional | Intermediate | 26 hrs 6 mins |
| Digital Forensics and Computer Examiner | Intermediate | 12 hrs 17 mins |
Cybersecurity Courses for Security Engineers
Security engineers set up defenses and prevent disruption to services in the event of an attack. Most often, engineers implement the security measures that come down from a security manager. These cybersecurity courses are essential for every security engineer.
Typical background: Systems administrator, network administration, software engineer
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100) | Advanced | 11 hrs 18 mins |
| Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) | Intermediate | 27 hrs 38 mins |
| Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300) | Intermediate | 17 hrs 1 min |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate (SC-400) | Intermediate | 12 hrs 12 mins |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C02) - NEW | Intermediate | 16 hrs 35 mins |
| Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) | Intermediate | 18 hrs 21 mins |
| Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) | Intermediate | 32 hrs 42 mins |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) | Intermediate | 32 hrs 31 mins |
| Cisco CCNP Security Core (350-701 SCOR) | Intermediate | 34 hrs 27 mins |
| Cisco CCNP Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (300-710 SNCF) | Intermediate | 19 hrs 34 mins |
| CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-004) | Intermediate | 21 hrs 45 mins |
| Check Point CCSA & CCSE R81 | Beginner | 19 hrs 44 mins |
Cybersecurity Training for Penetration Testers
Penetration testers are essentially hackers hired by a company to break into their system or at least find vulnerabilities. Pen testers rely heavily on networking skills even above scripting or programming skills, which is reflected in their background and associated cybersecurity courses.
Typical background: Systems administrator, network administration, software engineer, security analyst
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Kali Linux Revealed (PEN-103) - NEW | Intermediate | 6 hrs 58 mins |
| Network Penetration Testing Essentials (PEN-100) - NEW | Beginner | 24 hrs 11 mins |
| Security Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities | Beginner | 6 hrs 49 mins |
| Physical Security and Network Attacks | Beginner | 2 hrs 8 mins |
| Penetration Testing | Intermediate | 12 hrs 9 mins |
| Cyber Security White Hat Hacking v10 | Intermediate | 21 hrs 2 mins |
| CompTIA Pentest+ (PT0-003) - NEW | Beginner | 37 hrs 50 mins |
| Penetration Testing Tools | Beginner | 24 hrs 51 mins |
| Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning for Penetration Testing | Intermediate | 5 hrs 2 mins |
| Penetration Testing Planning and Scoping | Intermediate | 2 hrs 46 mins |
Cybersecurity Courses for Security Managers
Security managers have a diverse portfolio of cybersecurity tasks – from detection and monitoring to governance and compliance. These skills are encapsulated in these intermediate cybersecurity certifications from ISACA and (ISC)2.
See (ISC)2 experience requirements
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| ISACA CISM – Certified Information Security Manager | Intermediate | 15 hrs 30 mins |
| ISACA CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control | Intermediate | 14 hrs 9 mins |
| ISACA CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor | Beginner | 13 hrs 56 mins |
| (ISC)² CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional | Intermediate | 12 hrs 40 mins |
| Governance, Risk, and Compliance | Intermediate | 12 hrs 41 mins |
| Check Point CCSA & CCSE R81 | Beginner | 19 hrs 44 mins |
Security Awareness Training for End Users
The greatest threat to your system isn’t hidden in code somewhere. It’s in an inbox — or spelled “password!”. Your users are the weakest link. Make sure everyone in your organization knows what to do and not do.
Cybersecurity Training for Government & Military
DoDD 8140 is a cybersecurity training framework that outlines all the cybersecurity certifications required for IT professionals who work for the U.S. federal government, including contractors. DoDD 8140 is considered the gold standard for information assurance training.
Each of these cybersecurity courses satisfy at least one baseline certification in a DoDD 8140 information assurance level.
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ (220-1101) | Beginner | 28 hrs 45 mins |
| CompTIA A+ (220-1102) | Beginner | 30 hrs 19 mins |
| Cisco CyberOps Associate (200-201 CBROPS) v1.2 | Beginner | 19 hrs 45 mins |
| CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | Intermediate | 30 hrs 1 min |
| CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-003) | Beginner | 37 hrs 17 mins |
| ISACA CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor | Beginner | 13 hrs 56 mins |
| (ISC)² CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional | Intermediate | 12 hrs 40 mins |
| Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200) | Intermediate | 13 hrs 59 mins |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C02) - NEW | Intermediate | 16 hrs 35 mins |
| Cisco CCNP Security Core (350-701 SCOR) | Intermediate | 34 hrs 27 mins |
| Cisco CCNP Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (300-710 SNCF) | Intermediate | 19 hrs 34 mins |
| CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst CySA+ (CS0-003) | Intermediate | 14 hrs 38 mins |
| CompTIA Pentest+ (PT0-003) - NEW | Beginner | 37 hrs 50 mins |
| CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-004) | Intermediate | 21 hrs 45 mins |
Who Else Needs to Learn Cybersecurity?
Everyone. There’s not a single IT professional that shouldn't learn cybersecurity. Cybersecurity threats are persistent, which makes cybersecurity skills valuable. Most entry-level IT certifications cover cybersecurity basics, and there are even some intermediate certifications dedicated entirely to validating cybersecurity skills.
Here are the most valuable cybersecurity certifications for network engineers, systems engineers, and cloud professionals.
Cybersecurity Training for Systems Engineers
Security is a core feature of any system and one of the first things anyone learns to manage in their sysadmin career. Access management only scratches the surface of the cybersecurity skills you should learn to become a system engineer.
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100) | Advanced | 11 hrs 18 mins |
| Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) | Intermediate | 27 hrs 38 mins |
| Implementing Microsoft 365 Security and Threat Management | Intermediate | 11 hrs 16 mins |
| Linux Security | Intermediate | 7 hrs 10 mins |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C02) - NEW | Intermediate | 16 hrs 35 mins |
| Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200) | Intermediate | 13 hrs 59 mins |
| Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300) | Intermediate | 17 hrs 1 min |
| Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate (SC-400) | Intermediate | 12 hrs 12 mins |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) | Intermediate | 32 hrs 31 mins |
| Check Point CCSA & CCSE R81 | Beginner | 19 hrs 44 mins |
Cybersecurity Training for Network Engineers
Cybersecurity has long been baked into the responsibilities of network engineers — and that’s reflected in the network security certifications available from Cisco, Palo Alto, CCSA, and CompTIA.
Course | Level | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Check Point CCSA & CCSE R81 | Beginner | 19 hrs 44 mins |
| Cisco CCNP Security Core (350-701 SCOR) | Intermediate | 34 hrs 27 mins |
| Cisco CCNP Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (300-710 SNCF) | Intermediate | 19 hrs 34 mins |
| Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) | Intermediate | 18 hrs 21 mins |
| Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) | Intermediate | 32 hrs 42 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 4 - FortiOS 7.x | Intermediate | 25 hrs 40 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiManager 7.x | Intermediate | 9 hrs 13 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiAnalyzer 7.x | Intermediate | 5 hrs 58 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiSwitch | Intermediate | 9 hrs 21 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 6 - Secure Wireless LAN | Intermediate | 6 hrs 7 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiAuthenticator Training | Intermediate | 9 hrs 8 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiADC | Intermediate | 8 hrs 26 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 7 - SD-WAN | Advanced | 11 hrs 12 mins |
| Fortinet NSE 7 - Enterprise Firewall | Advanced | 9 hrs 41 mins |
Cybersecurity Training for AWS Professionals
AWS has a shared responsibility model, which means they secure their data centers. You secure the access to your cloud resources. These cybersecurity courses were developed specifically with that concept in mind.
All CBT Nuggets Cybersecurity Training
CBT Nuggets cybersecurity training is divided into courses and skills. Skills teach real-world cybersecurity methods and often accompany virtual labs for safe, browser-based training. Courses are often associated with popular cybersecurity certifications from CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, (ISC)2, and more.
Cybersecurity Certification Training from CBT Nuggets
Most cybersecurity courses from CBT Nuggets have practice exams, virtual labs, and detailed instructions on how to build sandbox environments to secure — or break into. Start studying for a cybersecurity certification with CBT Nuggets.
Cybersecurity Skills Training from CBT Nuggets
Cybersecurity skills are designed as an easy way to learn one aspect of security quickly. Security managers can build their own courses from these skills. Security professionals can follow along to better secure their systems.
Start your road to certification.
The path to certification has never been clearer than with CBT Nuggets’ easy-to-use and results-proven learning platform.
CBT Nuggets is fun, bite-sized training led by experts in the field. I can confidently say that their instructors make learning something to look forward to.
Christopher W. | Technology Support Specialist
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