- Cyber Security Career Preparation – July 2025
- The Future of Cyber Security Careers: Opportunities and Challenges
- Faith and Resilience: Trusting God During Job Searches
- How to Build a Professional Portfolio for Cyber Security Roles
- Finding Your Calling: Using Your Tech Skills for God’s Glory
- Interview Tips for Cyber Security Roles: Standing Out as a Candidate
- How to Stay Ethical in a Competitive Job Market
- Navigating Certifications: Which Path Is Right for You?
- Overcoming Doubt: Trusting God’s Timing in Your Career
Cyber security is a fast-moving field—and certifications are often the compass that help employers navigate your skills and readiness. But with so many options (CompTIA, Cisco, ISC², GIAC, and more), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Which ones are worth your time and money? How do you choose without getting caught in comparison or fear of missing out?
Let’s approach this decision with wisdom, clarity, and trust that God guides your path—even in technical choices.
Why Certifications Matter
Certifications don’t replace real-world experience, but they:
- Show commitment and focus
- Help structure your learning
- Meet job posting requirements (many entry-level roles list at least one)
- Can open doors in government or regulated industries
“In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:6
Even in technical learning, God can direct your steps.
Top Entry-Level Certifications (and Who They’re For)
CompTIA Security+
- Best for: Beginners, career changers
- Focus: General security principles, risk, threats, cryptography
- Why itmatters: Widely recognised; often a minimum requirement
CompTIA Network+
- Best for: Those lacking basic networking knowledge
- Focus: Routing, ports, protocols, firewalls
- Tip: A strong foundation before diving into security-specific roles
eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester)
- Best for: Hands-on learners, aspiring ethical hackers
- Focus: Practical pentesting skills, scripting, exploitation
- Why it matters: More practical than theory-heavy exams
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Best for: Those with some experience
- Focus: Hacking tools and techniques (legal usage)
- Caution: Pricier; ensure it’s required before committing
(ISC)² SSCP / Security Fundamentals
- Best for: Those headed toward governance, compliance, or blue team roles
- Focus: Broader, policy-level understanding of security operations
How to Choose the Right Path
- Pray About It
Ask God to direct your focus—not to the most prestigious certification, but the most fruitful one for your goals. - Check Job Listings
What do employers in your area or sector ask for? Filter by junior or associate roles to guide your search. - Consider Your Learning Style
Some exams are multiple-choice-heavy (like Security+), while others are hands-on (like eJPT or TryHackMe’s practical labs). Choose what suits how God wired you. - Budget Wisely
Certifications can be expensive. Look for discounts, student vouchers, or free alternatives like:
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate (Coursera)
- TryHackMe
- Hack The Box Academy
- Open Security Training
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?” — Luke 14:28
Be strategic. You don’t need every cert—just the right ones for your calling.
Faith, Focus, and Certifications
Certifications are tools, not trophies. They’re meant to equip you for service—not feed insecurity or pride.
Approach learning with humility and purpose:
- Not to impress others, but to be prepared.
- Not to chase every trend, but to follow your calling.
- Not to build a platform, but to serve and protect.
