Top 7 Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

Ready to start a career in cybersecurity but not sure where to begin? These 7 certifications will open doors — even if you have no tech background.

🔐 Why Cybersecurity Certifications Matter

Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand, but without credentials, it’s hard to stand out.

Certifications prove your skills, even if you’re self-taught or switching from another career. They’re also one of the fastest ways to get job-ready, especially in a competitive market.

But here’s the challenge: there are dozens of certifications, and most guides are confusing or written for experts.

This post breaks down the 7 best beginner-friendly cybersecurity certifications for 2025 — and helps you choose the one that fits your goals.

Never Forget : Certifications prove your skills but don’t give you a job!


✅ The 7 Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners


1. CompTIA Security+

  • Best for: Broad foundations
  • Why it’s popular: Globally recognized baseline certification
  • Focus areas: Threats, network security, access control, risk management
  • Cost: ~$392
  • Prep time: 2–3 months

👉 Great if you want a strong foundation and plan to work in IT support, network admin, or security analyst roles.


2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

  • Best for: Ethical hacking
  • Why it’s unique: Practical, hands-on approach to ethical hacking
  • Focus areas: Reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, malware, social engineering
  • Cost: ~$399 (exam + labs up to $1,199)
  • Prep time: 3 months

🧠 Pro tip: You don’t need to take the expensive official EC-Council course. At Back2Skills, we offer a CEH prep course built for beginners — visual, simplified, and cost-effective.


3. Google Cybersecurity Certificate

  • Best for: Career-switchers and non-tech backgrounds
  • Why it’s trendy: Affordable, job-focused, taught by Google experts
  • Focus areas: Tools like SIEMs, threat detection, playbooks, and security foundations
  • Cost: ~$49/month on Coursera
  • Prep time: 3–6 months

🎓 Entry-level but practical. Pairs well with other certs like Security+ or CEH.


4. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

  • Best for: Free entry-level cert
  • Why it’s emerging: Developed by the makers of CISSP, tailored for beginners
  • Focus areas: Security principles, access control, network security, risk management
  • Cost: Free exam voucher (for a limited time)
  • Prep time: 1–2 months

📈 New but gaining traction quickly. Great entry point if you want to move toward CISSP later.


5. Cisco CyberOps Associate

  • Best for: People interested in threat monitoring and SOC roles
  • Why it’s valuable: Focus on hands-on detection and incident response
  • Focus areas: Security monitoring, host-based analysis, attack methods
  • Cost: ~$300
  • Prep time: 3 months

🔍 Popular among those aiming for a career as a SOC analyst.


6. Fortinet NSE 1–3

  • Best for: Free, vendor-based knowledge
  • Why it’s beginner-friendly: Online and self-paced with certifications available at no cost
  • Focus areas: Network security basics, firewalls, Fortinet tools
  • Cost: Free
  • Prep time: 1–2 weeks per level

💡 Great to boost your resume — especially if you want to explore firewall or networking paths.


7. Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

  • Best for: Beginners interested in cloud & compliance
  • Why it’s a good intro: Explains security concepts in the Microsoft ecosystem
  • Focus areas: Azure, Microsoft Defender, cloud security, identity protection
  • Cost: ~$99
  • Prep time: 2–3 weeks

🌐 Ideal if you’re aiming for roles in companies that use Microsoft 365 & Azure.


🤔 So… Which One Should You Start With?

Here’s how to choose based on your goals and learning style:

If you…Start with…
Want broad fundamentalsCompTIA Security+ or Google Cyber Cert
Prefer visual, hands-on learningCEH via Back2Skills
Have no budget but want to startISC2 CC or Fortinet NSE
Want to learn cloud & Microsoft stackSC-900
Aim for SOC or blue team rolesCisco CyberOps or Google Cybersecurity

🧠 How Back2Skills Helps You Prepare

If you choose CEH — one of the most practical and career-driven paths — our CEH Prep Course is made for beginners like you.

✅ What you get:

  • Easy-to-understand
  • Learning checkpoints + QCM quizzes
  • Roadmap to CEH certification (no fluff, no confusion)
  • No coding experience required

🎯 Special Launch Offer: €279 (instead of €399)

🧭 Final Thoughts: Pick One, Then Start Practicing

Certifications open the door — but your commitment opens the rest.

You don’t need to get them all. Just start with one that matches your interests and learning style.

📌 If you’re still unsure, take our free beginner cybersecurity lesson and see what learning with Back2Skills feels like.

Frequently Asked Questions

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