Is the Security+ still the best cert for cybersecurity beginners? 👩🏻‍💻

Is the Security+ still the best cert for cybersecurity beginners? 👩🏻‍💻

With so many different options for cybersecurity certifications and training nowadays, I always revisit the question of whether or not the CompTIA Security+ is still the best cybersecurity cert for beginners. 

✅ The biggest pro: 

It’s the most well-known and well-sought after cybersecurity certification for beginner and entry-level cybersecurity roles that is recognized by recruiters and approved by the U.S. DoD. 

❌ The biggest con: 

Since it’s a general security certification, it won’t go as in-depth as specialized certifications even for beginners (and more specialized certs often require you to demonstrate hands-on technical experience). For example, the TCM PJPT for Junior Pentesters or the Security Blue Team Level 1 Certification for SOC Analysts

Other potential alternatives (for general cyber certs) include:

- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Certification

- Google Cybersecurity Cert

- Microsoft Security Analyst Certification 

At the end of the day, getting the Security+ can only help you as you start your cybersecurity career but that doesn’t mean it should be the sole thing you should focus on when there may be more relevant certs, training, or courses out there to choose from. 

I recently made a video covering this topic and the pros & cons of the Security+ in full detail linked here.