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Best security specialist certifications
Security specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an security specialist to employers. However, not all security specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a security specialist are Security 5 Certification, First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, and Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS).
Below is a list of the best security specialist certifications. Obtaining an security specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for security specialists
20 best security specialist certifications
1. Security 5 Certification
The Security5 Certification is the entry level for anyone interested in learning computer networking and security basics. The Security5 program gives individuals basic networking literacy skills to begin high-end IT programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
3. Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
4. OSHA Safety Certificate
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
5. Industrial Security Professional Certification (ISP)
The intent of the ISP designation is to award professional certification and recognition to qualified candidates who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities their profession demands. The basis for the examination is primarily the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), the supplements, and other information security concomitant rules and regulations to include Operations Security, proprietary information, etc.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. Physical Security Certification (PSC)
The Physical Security Certification (PSC) is ideal for DoD, Industry, and federal members performing physical security functions.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP)
CISSP-ISSAP requires a candidate to demonstrate 2 years of professional experience in the area of architecture and is an appropriate credential for Chief Security Architects and Analysts who may typically work as independent consultants or in similar capacities. The architect plays a key role within the information security department with responsibilities that functionally fit between the C-suite and upper managerial level and the implementation of the security program. The candidate would generally develop, design, or analyze the overall security plan. Although this role may typically be tied closely to technology, it may be fundamentally closer to the consultative and analytical process of information security.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Certified Security Specialist (ECSS)
EC-Council Certified Security Specialist (ECSS) allows students to enhance their skills in three different areas namely information security, network security, and computer forensics. Information security plays a vital role in most organizations. Information security is where information, information processing, and communications are protected against the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and information processing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
9. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
10. Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS)
The program candidate must have six months previous security supervisory/management experience or equivalent. Remit the certification fee to IFPO to receive the CSSM application. Candidates accepted into this portion of the program are required to address 10 simulated workplace scenarios demanding supervisory/management action.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP has clearly emerged as the key certification for security professionals. In fact, in an informal survey of information security jobs on a major employment web site, more than 70% of the positions required CISSP certification. Corporations are demanding experienced information security professionals with the certifications to prove it to protect their information and assets. Our course has been prepared with great care to provide the most exhaustive survey of the CISSP information, test taking techniques, and preparation materials available in the industry. While other CISSP course providers require extensive reading and practice test preparation between completing the class and taking the exam, our students have found that the high quality of our course and its in-class practice test result in a minimum of extra time spent preparing for the exam.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
12. Operator Certification
Operator Certification is an intensive six-day training program that educates operators in the correct applications and techniques for safe, competent operation of sawing and drilling equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
13. Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
A Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) has the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively manage a comprehensive emergency management program. A CEM® has a working knowledge of all the basic tenets of emergency management, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. A CEM® has experience and knowledge of interagency and community-wide participation in planning, coordination and management functions designed to improve emergency management capabilities. A CEM® can effectively accomplish the goals and objectives of any emergency management program in all environments with little or no additional training orientation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
14. Certified in Homeland Security (CHS)
Professionals with significant and demonstrable experience in areas that interface with Homeland Security may be eligible for granted Certification in Homeland Security. Those areas are listed on the website.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
15. Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC)
The Security Professional Education Development (SPēD) Certification Program is part of the Department of Defense's (DoD) initiative to professionalize the security workforce. This initiative ensures there exists a common set of competencies among security practitioners that promotes interoperability, facilitates professional development and training, and develops a workforce of certified security professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
16. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Nutrition Specialist professionals are on the front lines battling the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease, and the BCNS supports these efforts and certifies nutrition professionals who maintain the highest standard of nutrition competence.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
17. Certified Corrections Manager (CCM)
This category includes individuals who manage major units or programs within a correctional setting. They are management staff who may contribute to the development of policies and procedures and are responsible for their implementation. They have authority over supervisory staff.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
18. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
19. Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Participants learn the importance of AEDs, and how to use an AED properly.The professional rescuer courses are designed for people with job-related duties in emergency preparedness and response. This includes nurses, law enforcement and EMS personnel, fire fighters, business and industry response teams, lifeguards, flight attendants, and others who must take action in emergency situations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
20. Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS)
Technology changes. Standards update. Instrumentation evolves. The learning curve for Central Service professionals is steep and ever-changing, and the demands placed on them ever-growing. To help professionals stay abreast of rapidly changing medical technology, IAHCSMM offers the Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) exam, which tests knowledge and recognition of medical instruments, as well as reviewing instrumentation practice skills. The CIS exam will test your proficiency in the identification and cleaning of medical instruments, and upon completing and passing the exam you will hold the designation of Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a security specialist?
The best security specialist certification is Security 5 Certification. The Security 5 Certification is awarded by the EC-Council.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this security specialist certification:
- To become a certified Security 5 Certification, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for security specialists?
The most in-demand security specialist certification is Certified Information Security Manager based on all active job postings. Having this security specialist certification will give you access to more security specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a security specialist career and salary?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture certification will help you to secure a senior security consultant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior security consultant's average salary is $102,301 whereas security specialists make an average salary of $49,892.
The most common combination of security specialist certifications include: Security 5 Certification, First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, and Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS).
Online courses for security specialists to earn certifications
1. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...
2. Information Security Fundamentals - Cyber Security Bootcamp
A Beginners Awareness Guide on Information Security & Cyber Security to Keep Online and Offline Devices Safe!...
3. ISO/IEC 27002:2022. Information security controls
Learn about the comprehensive set of information security controls proposed by ISO/IEC 27002:2022...
4. Information Systems Security for Professionals: CISSP
Making Next Gen Information Security Leaders...
5. Introduction to Corporate Information Security
This course explains why information security and its management are important for any modern organization...
6. Planning and Implementing a Security Incident Response
Learn all about planning and implementing a Security Incident Response along with best practices and recommendations...
7. Automotive Cyber Security
A learners Guide: Covers Automotive Security, Concepts of Security and many more...
8. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!
Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...
9. Information Security Basics for IT Support Technicians
Learn the basics of information security and what you need to know to be compliant with data protection regulations...
10. AWS Certified Security Specialist
This course is specially built to prepare you for taking on the AWS Certified Security Specialty Exam...
11. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)...
12. Information Security Awareness: An Introduction for UK SMEs
Combating Security Threats and Cultivating Information Security Awareness...
13. AWS Security: DevSecOps & AWS Security Services & Terraform
Cloud Security in AWS Implement SAST, SCA & DAST in AWS Dev Sec Ops Pipeline from scratch and Security Services in AWS...
14. ISACA CISM Certified Information Security Manager
One of the highest paid certifications! Become a Certified Information Security Manager!...
15. IT Security 101 - Cyber Security for Beginners
Learn cyber security best practice tips on securing computer networks from internal & external IT cyber security threats...
16. Information Security Fundamentals
The very basics of Info Sec...
17. Linux Security and Hardening, The Practical Security Guide.
Secure any Linux server from hackers & protect it against hacking. The practical Linux Administration security guide...
18. Information Security Management Fundamentals for Non-Techies
Learn the Fundamentals of Information Security Management for Non-Techies...
19. Build Security Incident Response for GDPR data protection
CIPT, CIPM FREE GDPR and Incident Response Templates & Documentation - Practical GDPR and Incident Response Blueprint...
20. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) for 2023
Mastering Certified Kubernetes Security: Comprehensive Guide to CKS and Beyond...